BA International Relations and Spanish at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This joint honours degree combines political analysis (political theory, institutions, international relations) with literary and linguistic study of Spanish, analysing political, social, cultural and linguistic aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. Students with no A-level Spanish can start as beginners, and the four-year degree includes an academic year working or studying in a Spanish-speaking country.

Department: School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics | Duration: 4 years full-time (includes a year abroad) | Intake: September 2027 (Academic Year 2027/28) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Perspectives on Politics, Comparative Politics, World Politics (20 credits each) and Spanish 1 (40 credits) or Spanish for Beginners (40 credits), with Introduction to Iberian Studies optional. Spanish covers language skills, translation and the literatures, histories and cultures of Spain and Latin America from the 15th to the 21st centuries. After Stage 2 students spend about 8 months teaching, on a work placement, volunteering or studying at a Spanish university.

Career pathways

Graduates have progressed in media, print journalism, translating, marketing, local government, the fast-stream Civil Service and a wide range of local, national and international companies. Students can continue to the MRes in Spanish or MA programmes in International Relations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Post A-level Spanish: ABB including A-level Spanish (AS-level Spanish grade B acceptable in lieu of A-level Spanish for those who have not studied it at A-level). Beginners Spanish: ABB plus GCSE Spanish grade B/6 or GCSE grade B/6 in another modern language (not English Language); not available to those who have studied A-level or AS-level Spanish. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate accepted (Distinction* equated to A, Distinction to B). BTEC Extended Diploma: D*DD (language requirements must also be met). IB Diploma: 33 points including 6 (Spanish), 5, 5 at Higher Level. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 with Higher Level H3 in Spanish (advanced) or Ordinary Level O3 in Spanish or another modern language (beginners). Access course: average of 70% plus language requirements. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 provided subject requirements are met. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required. No interview normally. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2026/27). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time (includes a year abroad)

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