BA (Hons) Spanish and Japanese

Our aim at the School of Modern Languages is to develop and educate our students to become global citizens. In addition to developing high-level language skills, our BA Spanish and Japanese programme allows you to gain an in-depth intercultural understanding that encompasses a specific knowledge of Spanish and Japanese culture. You will develop high-level communication and critical-thinking skills, and foster resilience and independence through time spent in immersive foreign language contexts.

The Hispanic world is a major actor on the European and world stage, possessing rich and sophisticated cultures. Spanish is one of the official working languages of the European community and still a global language of culture and diplomacy.

Contemporary Japan is founded on a rich and fascinating cultural history that stretches back thousands of years. It remains a major economic power as well as an innovator in the fast-moving automotive and electronic industries. By studying Japanese, you will gain a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge beneficial to the world of employment, making you competitive and attractive in an increasingly global workforce and opening the doors to a variety of career paths.

By studying Spanish combined with Japanese you will gain a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge beneficial to the world of employment, making you competitive and attractive in an increasingly global workforce and opening the doors to a variety of career paths.

We offer Spanish language for advanced students and beginners and Japanese language for beginners only. In terms of language acquisition, this course will enable you to develop your writing, oral and aural skills through a range of learning activities and audio-visual materials. In your first year, in addition to your language tuition, an introduction to Spanish and Japanese history and culture seeks to provide a solid foundation for more specialised studies as you progress through your course.

Your understanding of the language will be further developed and refined during your year abroad, when you will experience life in a Spanish-speaking and a Japanese-speaking country at first hand.

In the final year, you have the opportunity to write a dissertation, which stimulates initiative and can serve as a useful preparation for postgraduate study.

It is important to remember that studying languages is not just about the language itself, it involves exploring many aspects of a country, and we aspire to offer a genuinely broad course that offers challenging and stimulating modules.

On completion of this four-year programme, you will have a high level of proficiency in the both Spanish and Japanese language, as well as a critical understanding of key aspects of Spanish and Japanese history, culture, literature, politics and contemporary society.
Career prospects - In 2015/16, 94% of the School's graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation. Many graduates enjoy their year overseas so much that they take time out for more travel, or go abroad on graduation in search of employment. Of those who choose to remain in the UK, many pursue postgraduate studies such as one of the School's MA Translation degrees or a PGCE. Others start work immediately following their studies, and our graduates go on to secure excellent careers in international diplomacy, the Civil Service, teaching, business and journalism. Other employment options include roles as translators, language assistants, export assistants and proof-readers.

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in Spanish at A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in HL Spanish you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.