BA Politics and Spanish at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

BA Politics and Spanish combines political analysis, covering political theory, political institutions and international relations, with literary and linguistic study of the Spanish-speaking world. Students can start Spanish as beginners if they do not hold an A-level in the language. The four-year degree includes a compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, typically around 8 months, working as a school assistant, on a paid work placement, in voluntary work or studying at a Spanish university.

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

What you will study

All students follow core Spanish language modules developing written and spoken Spanish and translation into English, alongside modules on the literatures, histories and cultures of Spain and Latin America from early modern Spain to the contemporary world, combined with politics modules.

Career pathways

Spanish graduates have gone into media, print journalism, translating, marketing, local government, the fast-stream Civil Service and a wide range of local, national and international companies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including A-level Spanish (AS-level Spanish grade B accepted in lieu for applicants without A-level Spanish). 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. BTEC Extended Diploma: D*DD (language requirements must also be met). International Baccalaureate: 33 points including 6 (Spanish), 5, 5 at Higher Level. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 plus 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 honours degree provided any subject requirement is met. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component.

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 students Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time (including year abroad)

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