Spanish

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world by native speakers, used across Spain, Latin America, and large communities throughout the United States and beyond. Studying it at degree level is not simply about acquiring linguistic competence, though that is central; it is also about gaining deep access to an extraordinarily rich literary, cultural, and political tradition that spans centuries and continents. From medieval Iberian texts to contemporary Latin American fiction, from the politics of the Spanish Civil War to the cultural diversity of Spain's regions and nations, Spanish studies opens a vast intellectual terrain.

At Queen Mary University of London, this four-year degree develops your proficiency in written and spoken Spanish to a high level while simultaneously building your knowledge of Hispanic literature, culture, history, and society. You will study texts in the original language, analyse films, examine historical events, and engage with contemporary debates in Spanish-speaking societies. The programme's four-year structure allows for depth in both the language and the cultural content, giving you time to develop genuine fluency alongside substantial academic knowledge.

Queen Mary's location in East London and its diverse student body create an environment in which languages and cultures from across the world are taken seriously as subjects of study.

Spanish graduates are in demand across many professional fields. Careers in international business, diplomacy, translation and interpreting, and journalism that involves engagement with Spanish-speaking regions are among the most direct routes. The public sector, the European Union, and international organisations offer roles where proficiency in Spanish combined with cultural and political knowledge is valued.

Teaching Spanish at secondary school level is a pathway many graduates take, often through a postgraduate teacher training route. Some continue to postgraduate study in Hispanic studies, linguistics, or translation, while others move into international law, development work, or roles in the arts and cultural sector.