- Course details
- Entry Requirements
- Teaching and assessment
- Employability
Pursuing a BA in Spanish and Portuguese at Birmingham offers a gateway to understanding two diverse and dynamic cultures. Equip yourself to communicate throughout vast regions of Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
Spanish, spoken by over 500 million people, is a key global language in international business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Portuguese, the official language of Brazil, Portugal, and several African nations, connects you to rapidly growing markets and a wide array of cultural landscapes. Combine these two languages and study, work or teach at one of our partner institutions during yourYear Abroad to enhance your global communication skills and expand your horizons. Your degree can prepare you for careers in international relations, trade, education, development and more.
You'll learn a wide range of topics beyond language and choose froma diverse range of modules, which may include:
- Between the National and the Global: Peninsular Spanish History, 1936 to the Present Day
- Imagining the Truth: Latin American Culture in a Post-truth World
- Spanish Exile Culture
- Mexican and Chicano Art in the Twentieth Century: Revolution and Beyond
- Memory and Public Space in the Portuguese-speaking World
- Roots of Inequality: Race, Gender and the Legacies of Colonialism
And cross-departmental modules such as:
- Constructions of gender, sexuality and raceâŻâŻ
- Cross-cultural Cinema: Migration and Displacement
- Thinking Otherwise: Decolonial approaches to contemporary thought and culture
- Introduction to Linguistics
- From Text to Tech: Digital Approaches to Languages and Cultures
- The Romance languages: structure, variation and change
There's an extensive range of language combinations available to you within our Modern Languages department. You can see all our options below:
Find the perfect degree for you here
The Modern Languages degree at the University of Birmingham has given me the cultural awareness and the confidence to interact with people from different backgrounds. The programme has enabled me to explore a range of different topics from different subject areas such as history, politics, art and linguistics. My favourite thing about my degree is the flexibility in language choice and the opportunity to do a wide range of optional modules.
Jenny
Why study this course?
- Experience a new approach to language learning with our CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) teaching method - study topics of cultural significance in your target language, designed and delivered by expert researchers.
- Teach, study or complete a work placement abroad, immersing yourself in Spanish and Portuguese.
- Enjoy focused academic contact â We pride ourselves on competitive contact hours. These take place in small groups, encouraging active language learning through engagement with cultural material.
- Learn in a vibrant city that is culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse. Join our language and culture-based societies to further enhance your skills and contribute to the student-ledLinguist Magazine.
Modules
Please note: You will take 120 credits of modules in each year of study. The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.
For each language you study, you will take: two language modules (20 credits per semester, totalling 40 credits for the year) in Year 1 and Year 2, and one language module (20 credits) in Year 4. In your final year you will also complete your Independent Study module (40 credits). Any remaining credits will be made up by choosing modules from a wide range of options.
When you are thinking about how to put your degree together, you can decide how you want the balance to look, and how much space you want to leave to take optional modules. For Joint Honours programmes, you can flex your degree weighting between the two subject areas. The split is typically 60-60 credits, but for some programmes you can also choose a 80-40 credit split. You can also change the weighting in Year 2 and Year 4.
Optional Modules
Throughout your degree, you will choose from a wide range ofoptional modules optionsin the department. Please note: Some combinations we are unable to offer due totimetabling restrictions.
Compulsory Modules
First Year compulsory modules
- Spanish Core I (20 credits)
- Spanish Core II (20 credits)
- Portuguese Core I (20 credits)
- Portuguese Core II (20 credits)
Second Year compulsory modules
- Spanish Core III (20 credits)
- Spanish Core IV (10 credits)
- Portuguese Core III (20 credits)
- Portuguese Core IV (10 credits)
- Spanish or Portuguese Core V (20 credits)
Third Year - Year Abroad
You'll spend your third year studying, working or teaching on yourYear Abroad.
Final Year compulsory modules
- Spanish Core VI + VII (10+10 credits)
- Portuguese Core VI + VII (10+10 credits)
- Independent study module in either Spanish (40 credits),Portuguese (40 credits), or Spanish and Portuguese (20+20 credits)
Some examples for Year 1 study:
- Eleanor is studying two languages (2 x 40 credits = 80 credits) and has space for 2 optional modules.
- Juan is studying two languages (2 x 40 credits = 80 credits) and is following the Translation Studies pathway (40 credits).
- Anika is studying three languages (3 x 40 credits = 120 credits) and doesnât have space for optional modules.
Fees
For UK students beginning their studies in September 2024, the University of Birmingham will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. The fees for your first year of study will therefore be ÂŁ9,250. Visit our tuition fees page for more information.
Fees for 2024/25 are as follows:
- UK: ÂŁ9,250
- International: ÂŁ22,860
Eligibility for fees can be verified with Admissions. Learn more aboutfees for international students.
For further information on tuition fees, living costs and available financial support, please see our pages onundergraduate fees and funding.
Tuition fees when studying abroad
For those spending a whole academic year abroad (where available):
- Students who are classed as UK for fees purposes are required to pay 15% of their normal annual tuition fee
- Students who are classed as International for fee purposes are required to pay 50% of their normal annual tuition fee
For those studying abroad for just one semester (where available), normal annual tuition fees apply.
Note - Study abroad opportunities vary between courses; please see the course description for details of study abroad options offered.
How To Apply
Important information: When completing your UCAS application, please indicate your proposed language(s) / pathway selections under âFurther detailsâ in the âchoicesâ section of the application by using the following codes, separated by a space.
Terms and conditions â what you need to know
Standard offer
International Requirements
- Number of A levels required:
- 3
- Typical offer:
- ABB
- Required subjects and grades:
- A level grade B is required for the advanced language you wish to study. It is also possible to study two beginner (including post-GCSE) languages without taking an advanced language, as long as one of your beginner languages is French or Spanish.
- General Studies:
- Accepted.
IB Diploma:
6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall.You also require a Higher Level or equivalent in the modern language that you plan to study.
BTEC qualifications:
- BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
- BTEC Diploma: DD, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
- BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level, including the required subject/s mentioned above.
Independent language diplomas:
If you would like to study advanced French, Spanish, German, Italian or Russian as part of your programme but are not currently studying the required language at A level, we are happy to consider applications from those offering an independent language diploma at B2 level as demonstration of advanced language skills.
The independent language diplomas we would consider are as follows; DELF-B2 (French), DELE-B2 (Spanish), Goethe-Zertifikat-B2 (German), DILI-B2 (Italian) and TRKI 2nd Certificate (Russian).These diplomas are assessed against the criteria set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and can be studied for in your own time or through a language centre. These diplomas will be considered when taken in addition to three A levels or equivalent qualifications as outlined above.
Other qualifications are considered-learn more about entry requirements.
Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme
Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circ*mstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.
International Students
We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.
Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.
Support
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham.
Personal tutors â You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
Wellbeing Officers âYou will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circ*mstances, or to talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it.
Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.
The Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) provides guidance on writing essays and dissertations if you need it. You can receive individual support from an academic writing advisor and meet with postgraduate tutors who specialise in particular subjects too.
Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, including trips.
Teaching staff
Students at the University of Birmingham are taught by a mixture of professors, senior lecturers, lecturers and doctoral researchers, thereby receiving a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. Many of our teaching staff have published important works about their areas of expertise, whilst others have taught at international institutions and can offer unique perspectives of their subjects.
You can find out more about the members of staff (including their qualifications, publication history and specific areas of interest) in their academic profiles linked below.
- Staff in Modern Languages
Language laboratory sessions allow you to practise your listening and spoken skills and are an essential part of all our language programmes.
Contact Hours
All Birmingham degrees are set within a credit framework designed to measure your academic achievements. We expect all students to accumulate 120 credits in each full year of study which is equivalent to 40 hours of learning a week. Learning is considered to include contact learning (lectures and seminars), private study, revision and assessment.
For this programme, those 40 hours are estimated to be broken down and split into lectures, seminars and other guided teaching opportunities and independent study. This is a general rule across the entire academic year and may change week by week.
Year 1:25% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 75% Independent study
Year 2:20% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 80% Independent study
Year 3:100% Time on placememt
Year 4:15% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 85% Independent study
Assessment Methods
Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include:
- coursework, such as essays
- group and individual presentations
- and exams
Feedback - you will receive feedback on each assessment within three weeks, so you can learn from each assignment. You will also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam, we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is provided to help you prepare for future exams.
Assessment throughout BA Spanish and Portuguese also prepares you for subsequent parts of your degree and for the working world beyond it. This includes; digital projects, practicing everyday interactions in preparation for the Year Abroad, and producing a mini-research project to build skills for writing the final-year dissertation.
- Find out about assessment on theYear Abroad.
Global workplace skills are developed throughout the lifespan of our Modern Languages programmes, which enable our graduates to thrive in a number of professional environments. Birminghamâs Modern Languages graduates have a consistently high employability rate.
Modern Languages graduates have a wide range of skills that are valued by employers, such as:
- Strong communication and presentation skills in English and one or more other languages
- A deep understanding and appreciation of other cultures
- Critical thinking skills, alongside the ability to research, analyse and interpret information
- Independence and experience of living abroad
- Expressing thoughts, feelings and opinions in different registers
- Leadership, negotiation, debating and teamwork
- Handling complex information
- The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
- Time-management, alongisde the ability to prioritise workload
Some of our employers (2022 survey amongst graduates):
- Birmingham Museums Trust
- Birmingham City Council
- Department for Education
- British Council
- UK Naric
- HSBC
- NHS
- Oracle
- Vodafone
- Tiktok
- Civil Service
Example roles:
- Editorial Project Leader
- Spanish Teacher
- International Sales Coordinator
- Investigation Specialist
- Operations Analyst
- Consultant
- Marketing Officer
- Account Executive
- Account Planner
Examples of further study include:
- PgDip Education
- MA Social Work
- PGCE Modern Foreign Language
- PGCE Primary
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MA in International Relations
- MA in Comparative Literature
- MA in Linguistics
- MA in Creative Writing
- MA in Media, Communcations and Critical Practice
- MA in Journalism
- MA in Hispanic Studies
- MA in Advertising and Marketing
- MA in Public Administration
Modern Languages graduates enter the wide range of careers similar to other arts and humanities graduates but with much greater scope in international settings.
You will benefit from organised events in the Department whereby our graduates return to campus to talk to current students about their careers, how to find opportunities and the variety of roles available to linguists.The curriculum also has an increased focus on professional development in areas such as; presenting, CV-building, debating, and developing digital projects in the target language.
Developing your career
The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.
Support will be offered to you covering the wholejob application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres. You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.
We have a number of exclusive work experience programmes such as our B-Experienced programme, which will give you professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships in the UK and rest of the world.
First years can take part in The Birmingham Project, with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. Thereâs also a successful Mentoring Programme, where you can gain access toexperienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences. As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick-start your careers.
If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.
Extra-curricular activities
To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. The Birmingham Award is the University of Birminghamâs employability programme, supporting you to develop and recognise the attributes you gain through extra-curricular activities. The award is supported by graduate employers and offers you an opportunity to showcase participation in activities outside of your degree programme.â
There are 300+ student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Studentsâ Union) so youâre bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.
