Spanish

Course summary

If you choose to study Spanish, you’ll be joining 580 million other people around the world who speak it as their first language. It’s the official language in no less than 20 countries. Its culture is celebrated and loved the world over. There is a real joy in being able to communicate with people from countries very different to your own. A-level Spanish involves the study of all aspects of Spanish vocabulary and grammar. You’ll focus on the key skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You’ll study such topics as the changing role of women, the conquest of South America and dictatorships in the Hispanic world. You’ll study the novel Como Agua para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) by Laura Esquivel and the film El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth), directed by Guillermo del Toro. Where could it take me? The ability to speak Spanish gives you a sought-after (and increasingly rare!) skill that can be useful in many occupations. You will be able to apply for any Spanish or combined honors degree at any university. Many students apply for courses such as international law or international business where knowledge of a second language is central. Our students go on to work in careers in translation and work in the travel and tourism sector. Careers in teaching, publishing, HR, and journalism are also open to you. But we also have former students of the department who are doctors, dentists, and vets!