BA (Hons) English Language and Spanish Studies
This four-year combined degree is provided by our renowned Department of Languages and Cultures and the highly-ranked Department of Linguistics and English Language. It’s a stimulating blend of academic study and hands-on experience gained through a year abroad, and you don’t need to have studied Spanish before as we offer an intensive course for beginners.In Spanish Studies we aim to help you become truly fluent. We offer courses on Spanish and Mexican history, culture, politics and social background. You’ll also learn how the English language functions, studying traditional linguistic areas such as lexis, grammar and phonetics. In your second year, you’ll study core modules such as English Phonetics, Spanish language skills and Power and Resistance in Spain and Spanish America. You’ll also choose from options ranging from The Language of Advertising to Stylistics.Your third year living abroad will deepen your intercultural sensitivity and your command of the language. You can study at a partner institution or carry out a work placement and practice your language skills in a real-world context. Staff members within the department will work with you to secure accommodation, ensuring that you are fully equipped before embarking on your year in Spain.On your return to Lancaster, your fourth year allows you to develop your Spanish to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages C1/C2 levels. You can also specialise in particular fields of study. Modules include Advanced English Phonetics, Game of (Spanish) Thrones and Contemporary Cities in Literature and Film. You could also choose to complete a dissertation on a topic you would like to explore in-depth. Given the size of the department, our academics will be able to supervise pretty much any topic and fit your interests.The linguistic, communication and interpersonal skills you’ll acquire are highly prized by employers. The English Language element of your degree is of professional relevance in many areas, from education to business management, advertising to accountancy. The British Council, Civil and Diplomatic services and other international agencies offer many interesting career paths for language graduates.CareersThe diverse range of linguistic, communication and interpersonal skills you’ll acquire through studying this combined degree will stand you in good stead for a huge variety of jobs. Your degree in English Language will be particularly beneficial for a wide range of careers including education, speech therapy, translation, information technology, management, creative arts and social work.Our graduates have found employment in journalism, library work, advertising, business, management, EU sales and marketing, computing and accountancy. Many of our graduates become teachers of foreign languages in this country or teach English overseas. The Civil Service, Diplomatic Service, British Council and other international agencies also offer interesting career opportunities for graduates with good language skills.Some of our graduates continue their studies to a higher level, at Lancaster and elsewhere. A postgraduate degree can open up opportunities in higher education, while others take specific professional qualifications, such as interpreting.