 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |  |  |
 |
Faculties & Departments
Department of Spanish
School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Undergraduates
Why Study Spanish?
- Languages help us build friendships with people across the globe, and to understand and experience different cultures in a way that enriches our own lives too. Spanish offers the key to the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Spain and Latin America.
- There are approximately 400 million native speakers of Spanish in the world, and it is the official language of 21 countries. It is estimated that by 2030 Spanish will be spoken by 7.5% of the world’s population, and by 2050 by approximately one third of the population of North America.
- Spanish opens up opportunities for political cooperation and trade and investment in Spain and in 19 Latin American countries.
- Language skills are essential in the modern world and a degree in Spanish may lead to many opportunities at home, in Europe, and in North and South America. The courses offered will help students to understand the history, society, literature, and the cultures of Spain and Latin America.
- Career opportunities include: teaching, translating and interpreting, public service, journalism and international business.
(adapted from the Consejería de educación en Reino Unido e Irlanda)
Undergraduate Degree Programmes:
Spanish is offered at both ab initio and non-beginner levels in the following degree programmes:
BA Joint Honours (International)
Spanish is offered at both ab initio and non-beginner (post Leaving Certificate, or equivalent) levels.
Students opting for the BA International (four years) will spend the third year of their BA studying in a foreign university under the European Union’s Socrates Exchange Programme, with one of our exchanges with Latin American Universities, or with the Spanish-Irish Government Teaching Assistantship Programme.
At NUI Maynooth, the study of Spanish involves language acquisition, moving from basic communication skills through to advanced oral proficiency and written fluency. Simultaneously, you will discover the culture and civilisation of the Spanish-speaking world through the study of literary and historical texts, linguistics and film.
Spanish is offered at both ab initio and non-beginner (post Leaving Certificate, or equivalent) levels. Students opting for the BA (three years) will be required to spend a minimum of 3 months in a Spanish speaking country over the course of the degree.
At NUI Maynooth, the study of Spanish involves language acquisition, moving from basic communication skills through to advanced oral proficiency and written fluency. Simultaneously, you will discover the culture and civilisation of the Spanish-speaking world through the study of literary and historical texts, linguistics and film.
Europe and the European Union in particular, plays a vital role in world economics and global politics. This programme is designed to provide you with the skills and expertise to compete successfully in the European labour market. You will acquire fluency in a modern European language and learn about the cultures, politics, societies, economics and history of the region. Along with the study of at least one language and spending time at a university abroad, you will also participate in specially created European Studies modules, drawing on disciplines such as anthropology, geography, sociology and the ancient classics. You will also be encouraged to make connections across these areas for a greater understanding of what it means to be a European citizen.
As a Major/Minor BA degree, Finance and Economics is combined with one other (minor) subject in First, Second and Third Year. You may choose a minor subject from Business, Computer Science, English, Geography, German †, History, International Development, Law, Mathematical Studies and Spanish †. († Ab initio beginners programme available). Students who opt to spend a year studying abroad are awarded a BA (International) degree.
As a Double Honours Bachelor of Civil Law degree, Law is taken with two other subjects in First Year, and with one of those subjects in Second Year and Third Year. Note: Students have the option of taking Politics as one of their subjects with Law in place of English or Mathematical Studies. Students who opt to spend a year studying abroad are awarded a BCL (International) degree.