About this course
Develop strong language skills on this Spanish and Portuguese degree and gain a deep understanding of both cultures. You'll improve your fluency and employability skills by spending a year living and working abroad.
We'll make sure you start at a level that matches your ability in written and spoken Spanish and Portuguese. This means, if you’re a strong student, you can start one of these languages from scratch - and make rapid progress in both.
You'll have excellent resources to support you. The Centre for Language Study at Southampton has everything you need.
You can tailor your degree to areas that interest you. These might include:
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taking a third language
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choosing modules from other subject areas
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exploring more about Spanish or Portuguese linguistics, history and culture
In your year abroad you could choose to go to Spain, France, Switzerland or Latin America - we have links in Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Through our innovative scheme in Mexico, developed in partnership with the Mexican Education Ministry, you could work as a Language Resources Assistant in a University.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB including Spanish or Portuguese
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Students study accelerated Spanish or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB including Spanish or Portuguese and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including Spanish or Portuguese
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Spanish or Portuguese
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Students study accelerated Spanish or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level Spanish or Portuguese
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level Spanish or Portuguese
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A level Spanish or Portuguese and one further A level
BTEC additional information
Students study accelerated Spanish or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including Spanish or Portuguese (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Students study accelerated Spanish or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Spanish or Portuguese (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Spanish or Portuguese (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Spanish or Portuguese
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Students study accelerated Spanish or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level Spanish or Portuguese
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level Spanish or Portuguese
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level Spanish or Portuguese and A in one further A level
BTEC additional information
Students study accelerated Spanish or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Each year combines compulsory modules to build your mastery of Spanish and Portuguese with a wide range of options. This allows you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions.
You can also take modules from different subject areas, or learn a third language. If you find a subject you love, you can make it an official part of your degree as a minor subject.
To give you the best possible start, we use our system of seven language levels to work out your proficiency in Spanish and Portuguese. We can then make sure our teaching quickly develops your skills.
You can study this course part-time. This means you will:
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complete your course within 5 to 8 years
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need to spend a significant period abroad
Year 1 overview
We’ll introduce you to the study skills you’ll need as a Modern Languages student and you’ll take compulsory Spanish and Portuguese language modules to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
You’ll then be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules that could include:
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applications of linguistics
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an introduction to the languages of the Spanish-speaking world
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the history and politics of the Hispanic world
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reading the city: Historical, social, political and linguistic developments
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reading culture: forms of identity in different cultures
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introduction to The Portuguese-Speaking World
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your choice of modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Year 2 overview
In year 2 you will develop your Spanish and Portuguese language skills and you'll take a module to prepare you for your year abroad, including how to do your research project.
You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor your degree to areas that interest you. These might include:
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gender, race and nation in modern Latin America
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language structure
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the EU and European identity
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teaching English as a foreign language
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multilingualism
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experience as a classroom ambassador
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culture, power and pesistance in the Portuguese-Speaking World
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your choice of modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Year 3 overview
You can spend this year abroad in a Spanish or Portuguese-speaking country:
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as an English language assistant in a school
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studying on a university course
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on an approved work placement
You’ll also do an independent study project.
Find out more about the year abroad.
Year 4 overview
We will support you in your return to university from your year abroad and we’ll help you to talk about your experiences in a way that enhances your employability. You’ll continue to develop your written and spoken Spanish and Portuguese and you’ll be able to choose from a range of other module options.
Module options may include topics such as:
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language and Identity among US Latinos
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public service interpreting
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language teaching
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representations of women in the Hispanic world
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transatlantic crossings: linguistic variation in the Iberian peninsula and Latin America
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encounters with bodies in Lusophone Cultural Narrative
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your choice of modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2019-20
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Anthony Campbell is the course leader.
Careers
As a Modern Languages graduate, you'll have a variety of employment options. including Spanish and Portuguese-speaking jobs.
You'll also get to use your skills in:
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gathering and interpreting information
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working with and leading teams
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understanding and adapting to different cultures
Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:
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translation
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interpreting
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teaching
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marketing
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accountancy
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events and hospitality
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sales and retail
There is a compulsory employability module for all first-year students in the faculty. Many of our graduates go on to further study. Subjects taken include interpreting and translating, law, accountancy, management and international relations.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: RR45
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We normally invite all candidates to an interview.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000