BA Irish and Spanish at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This joint honours degree provides intensive tuition in Irish and Spanish, with modules on Irish culture and society and on the literary, historical, social, cultural and linguistic aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. Spanish can be studied from beginner level, post AS level or post A level, and the four-year degree includes an academic year working or studying in a Spanish-speaking country after Stage 2.

Department: School of Arts, English and Languages | 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: Spanish 1 or Spanish for Beginners (40 credits) and Gaeilge 1 (40 credits). Optional modules include Celtic Mythology, Introduction to Iberian Studies, Introduction to Latin American Studies and Nualitríocht na Gaeilge ó 1916 go dtí an lá inniu. Students complete 4 hours of Irish language per week and attend a 3-week Gaeltacht residential in Rannafast, Donegal at the end of Stages 1 and 2. On the year abroad students can teach, study, complete a work placement or volunteer in Spain or Latin America.

Career pathways

Former students hold senior positions in most Irish-language sectors, and the School maintains links with media production companies, the translation sector and language promotion agencies. Final-year work placements are optional, and graduates may proceed to the MRes, MA in Arts Management or MA in Translation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Post A-level Spanish: ABB including A-level Irish and 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 including A-level Irish 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 is accepted (Distinction* equated to A, Distinction to B). Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in Irish; Spanish advanced option requires Higher Level H3 in Spanish, beginners option Ordinary Level O3 in Spanish or another modern language (not English). Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree provided subject requirements are met. Access courses, BTEC Extended Diplomas, HNCs and HNDs can be considered if Irish and Spanish 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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