Spanish with International Relations (BA)

We accept students with little or no previous knowledge of Spanish, who will start with an intensive beginner’s language unit in the first year. We nevertheless look in such cases for evidence of proven linguistic ability, normally represented by a B grade at A2 or an A grade at AS level in another modern language or Latin.

Applicants come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications. Special consideration will be given to mature applicants, and we are happy to consider applicants with other qualifications, including QAA-approved Access to HE courses.

Students from overseas should visit the International| pages for further information on the entry requirements from their country and English language requirements.  Royal Holloway International offers an International Foundation Programme and English language pre-sessional courses, allowing students the opportunity to develop their study skills and English language before starting their undergraduate degree.

We make decisions based on achieved or predicted grades, personal statements and references. More information on how your application will be assessed, and tips for your personal statement can be found on our Applying| pages.

 

• Study with academics who bring the latest and most exciting ideas to their teaching. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), the Spanish Department achieved the highest score in the country for our 4* ‘world-leading’ research publications.
• Study in our state-of-the art, purpose-built facilities, located in the award-winning International Building at the heart of the Egham campus.
• Our approach to the study of the culture of the Hispanic world combines interactive seminar with elements of the more traditional university lecture.
• Choose subjects in international relations that will complement your Spanish.
• Enjoy the benefits of a supportive and friendly learning environment that will greatly enhance your study experience.

Each year you will take three course units in Spanish and one in international relations.  

In Spanish the course is structured around core course units in spoken and written language and you will also study translation. In your first year you will take either the advanced language course unit or the intensive language course unit for beginners. You will use film resources and computer programmes designed by the School of Modern Language, Literatures and Cultures; with language laboratories, satellite television and internet available all day for personal study.

The course covers an array of topics relating to the Hispanic world, including language and translation, literature, film, history, visual arts, and popular culture. All or part of your third year will be spent in Spain or Latin America studying at a partner university, working as a language assistant, or in other approved employment.

In international relations you can choose from a wide range of specialist fields – such as social justice or international conflict – as well as focus on particular regions including Europe or the Asia Pacific. 

Throughout the course, you will:

• learn to converse and write confidently and fluently in Spanish
• analyse and respond critically to Spanish materials in a wide variety of media
• develop self-confidence, independence of mind and an intellectually mature and rigorous approach to problem-solving
• appreciate the theory and practice of diplomacy, the mechanisms of international consensus-building, and the role of transnational institutions.

All undergraduate degree courses at Royal Holloway are based on the course unit system. This system provides an effective and flexible approach to study, while ensuring that our degrees have a coherent and developmental structure.  In the case of combined degree courses, this approach also makes it possible to change the balance of your subjects during your time at Royal Holloway.

The websites of the School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures| and the Department of Politics and International Relations| give detailed lists of the course units taken for each different subject.

The course has a modular structure, whereby students take 14 course units at the rate of four per year in years 1, 2 and 4, and two units during the year abroad. Some course units are compulsory while others are elective thereby offering flexibility and choice.

Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and end-of-year examination in varying proportions, depending on the course units you choose to take. The first year is foundational and marks do not count towards your final degree. The second year, year abroad and final year marks do count, with more importance being given to the final year marks in order to reward progress and achievement.

The School offers rigorous degree courses and valuable transferable skills which will prepare you for a broad range of careers. Our graduates are highly employable and, in recent years, have entered many different language-related fields including international management, consultancy, sales and marketing, media and publishing, banking, the arts, politics, the Civil Service, teaching, travel and tourism, translating and interpreting.

Britain’s membership of the European Union and today’s increasingly globalised economy and labour market make a knowledge of languages a great professional asset anywhere in today’s world.