BA

German / Spanish

BA German / Spanish Code RR24 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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You are viewing this course for September start 2023

Key Facts

RR24

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    4 years

Further details on entry requirements

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The BA German/ Spanish degree allows you to study two languages simultaneously. This degree will allow you to develop linguistic competence in speaking, listening, reading, writing, translating. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to explore the society and culture of your chosen languages through our broad range of options.  If you are interested in developing your language competencies and exploring the languages further within a social and cultural context, then German and Spanish is the course for you.

Course Overview

Why study German / Spanish at Aberystwyth University?

  • From the off-set, you will receive 4 hours of language work per week. This includes reading/writing, aural, listening and translation. These four areas of linguistic development provides you with the solid foundation to increase your fluency competencies in German and Spanish.
  • This degree is also available to students who wish to study German and Spanish at beginners level. At beginners' level, in your first year you will be taught differently from the students who are entering the course at advanced level (A level or equivalent). You will receive intensive language classes bringing you to the same linguistic level as our advanced students. In your second and final year, you will be continuing the course with all advanced students.
  • In addition to linguistic classes, we offer all students core and optional modules that expose you to literature, culture, language, politics and business.
  • All students in our department thrive in our multilingual environment. As a vibrant University, we attract students from all corners of the world. Many of our staff who will teach you are native speakers of the target language that they speak. We also teach most of our modules and classes through the target language, therefore the combination of departmental life and academic development will ensure that you have maximum exposure to the target languages that you're learning.
  • The highlight of this degree for all of our students is the year abroad. As you're studying two languages, you will be required to spend your year abroad (your third year) equally between Germany and Spain. Some students opt to spend their time equally studying with our partnered Universities in Spain (or a Spanish speaking country) and Germany or Austria. Others have spend their time equally undertaking a paid or unpaid work experience placement in the two countries. Find out what your options are by visiting our Studying Abroad page.
Our Staff

All of the lecturers in the Department of Modern Languages are qualified to PhD level and are research active specialists in their chosen field. We also employ highly qualified and experienced language tutors, and native-speakers, who will ensure that your learning is of the highest possible quality and who will provide you with constant support through your years of study.

Modules September start - 2023

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Spanish Language Advanced SP19930 30
Beginners Spanish 1 SP10820 20
Beginners Spanish 2 SP11020 20
German Language Advanced GE19930 30
Beginners German 1 GE11120 20
Beginners German 2 GE11020 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Hispanic Civilization SP10610 10
Introduction to European Film EL10520 20
Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe EL10820 20
Study and Research Skills in Spanish and Latin American Studies SP11120 20
Exploring German Cultural Identity GE10810 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Intercalary Year Dissertation GES0000

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Employability is embedded into our teaching across the Department of Modern Languages. The Year Abroad is what makes our graduates stand out from the crowd . On successful completion of the Year Abroad, students return with an increased skill set, stronger language competencies and the ability to adapt to any situation. 

Our graduates have been successful in finding employment after graduation. Our graduates are successful in these fields (amongst others):

  • Translation and Interpreting; 
  • Broadcasting;
  • Education; 
  • Marketing; 
  • Human Resources; 
  • Website Development; 
  • International Banking; 
  • Civil Service. 

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four year degree scheme.

In every year you will take a core language module and a range of optional modules. The language modules will cover oral, aural and writing skills. In the first year option modules may cover:

  • Introduction to literary studies and civilization;
  • European Film;
  • Language, Culture  and Identity in Europe.

In your second year you may choose from:

  • An independent research project;
  • Specialised languages modules (language of business etc.);
  • A large choice of content modules on literature, film and art;
  • Teaching of English to Speakers of other Languages. 

In your third year, you will study or work abroad, usually sharing the time between a German- speaking and a Spanish-speaking country.

In your final year, you can choose from modules such as:

  • Semantics and Lexicography;
  • Cultural and Artistic Movements;
  • German Literature;
  • German Linguistics;
  • Actualidades;
  • Teaching of English to Speakers of other Languages;
  • Independent research project.

How will I be taught?

A variety of teaching formats are used in class. Lectures will introduce you to topics, while in seminars you will be expected to participate in the discussion. 
You will be assessed in a variety of ways in your modules. You will have to give oral presentations, sit listening tests, write reports and undertake increasingly complex translations in language classes, as well as sit oral and written exams. In content modules, you might be asked to write an essay, undertake a research project, give an oral presentation, or sit an exam. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC to include B in German or Spanish (unless to be studied as a beginner)

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM to include B in A level German or Spanish (unless to be studied as a beginner)

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Spanish or German at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Spanish or German

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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