Politics and Spanish & Latin American Studies

Politics and Spanish and Latin American Studies is a combination that joins rigorous political analysis with high-level language competence and deep cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world. Politics equips you to understand how power is organised and exercised, how institutions function, and how societies navigate the competing demands of different groups and interests. Spanish and Latin American Studies opens access to a major world language spoken by over 500 million people, as well as to the political histories and cultural traditions of Spain and the richly diverse nations of Latin America, many of which are at the forefront of global debates about democracy, development, inequality, and environmental change.

At the University of Aberdeen, this four-year, full-time programme includes a sandwich year and a year abroad, as well as work placement opportunities. You will develop high-level proficiency in Spanish while also gaining in-depth knowledge of national, European, and global politics, taught by academics who are active participants in public and media debate about current world events. The year abroad is central to developing genuine linguistic fluency and cross-cultural understanding, placing you within a Spanish-speaking academic and social environment for a substantial period.

The political science strand covers comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and specific regional and global issues, giving your Spanish and Latin American knowledge a rigorous analytical framework.

Graduates of this combination are well placed for careers in international affairs, diplomacy, journalism, public policy, international business, development work, translation and interpretation, and roles in organisations with operations across Europe and Latin America. The combination of political analysis and Spanish language competence is particularly valuable in a global environment where engagement with Spanish-speaking nations is of growing commercial, political, and cultural importance. Postgraduate study in politics, international relations, Spanish, or Latin American studies is a natural next step for those seeking specialist expertise.