The Queen’s University of Belfast Bachelor of arst in spanish and portuguese

Description

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, is Northern Ireland’s leading higher education institution, renowned for its global outlook, academic excellence, and commitment to fostering cultural understanding. Established in 1845 as Queen’s College Belfast and granted university status in 1908, QUB is located in the vibrant heart of Belfast, with a campus blending historic red-brick architecture and modern facilities like the Larmor Hub for student support. Serving over 25,000 students from 90+ countries, QUB ranks 202nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, 8th in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026), and 1st in Northern Ireland for research intensity (REF 2021, with 95% of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent). The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish and Portuguese is a joint honors undergraduate program offered through the School of Arts, English and Languages, designed to immerse students in the linguistic, cultural, and historical richness of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds. This four-year qualification, including a year abroad, awards a distinguished QUB degree certificate or diploma, equipping graduates with advanced language proficiency (CEFR C1/C2 level), intercultural competence, and transferable skills for careers in diplomacy, translation, international business, and media. With a focus on Hispanic and Lusophone studies, the program reflects QUB’s expertise in languages, where research ranks 3rd in the UK for intensity (REF 2014) and supports vibrant student societies.

A Legacy of Linguistic and Cultural Scholarship

QUB’s School of Arts, English and Languages has been a beacon for modern language studies since the university’s inception, with roots in the 19th-century emphasis on classical and vernacular tongues to promote global citizenship. The BA in Spanish and Portuguese draws on faculty expertise in digital cultures, postcolonial literature, medical humanities, Latin American studies, and linguistics, led by scholars like Professor Isabel Torres, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese Studies. Ranked top 10 in the UK for Modern Languages (Guardian University Guide 2026), QUB’s language programs emphasize decolonial perspectives and real-world application, from analyzing Iberian empires to contemporary Brazilian media. Alumni include translators for the UN, journalists at BBC Mundo, and diplomats in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, embodying QUB’s 95% graduate employability rate. The program’s integrated curriculum fosters lifelong learners, supported by the Queen’s Foundation Scholarship for top performers in Levels 1 and 2, and Certificates of Distinction in Spoken Spanish/Portuguese for first-class oral achievers.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

The BA in Spanish and Portuguese is a flexible, interdisciplinary honors degree requiring 360 UK credits over four years, with equal weighting (60 credits per semester) in each language alongside cultural modules. Delivered through small-group seminars (10-20 students), lectures, and language labs, it culminates in a dissertation or work-based project, leading to a classified BA honors diploma (First Class: 70%+). Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (BA Spanish and Portuguese): Stage 1 introduces grammar, phonetics, and introductory culture (e.g., “Introduction to Hispanic Studies” and “Portuguese Language and Society”); Stage 2 advances to advanced translation, literature, and film analysis; Stage 3 (post-abroad) focuses on specialist topics like postcolonial writing or visual culture, with options for a dissertation (12 credits) on themes such as decolonization in Portuguese Africa. Compulsory elements include intensive language training (spoken/written Spanish and Portuguese), research methods, and ethical intercultural communication, with assessments via exams (40%), coursework (40%), and orals (20%). The Year 3 residence abroad (8 months) is mandatory, split between a Spanish-speaking country (e.g., Spain, Mexico) and a Portuguese-speaking one (e.g., Brazil, Portugal), involving study, teaching, or work placements.
• Admission Requirements: 120-144 UCAS Tariff points, including A-level grade B in Spanish (Portuguese beginners welcome); GCSE Maths and English (grade 4/C+); or equivalents like IB (32 points, HL4 in Spanish). International applicants need IELTS 6.5 overall (no subscore below 5.5). Auditions/portfolios not required, but a personal statement highlighting language interest is key. Applications via UCAS (code: RR45); 2026 entry deadline: January 29.
• Variants and Specializations: Joint honors options like BA Spanish or French and Portuguese; minors in Catalan or Latin American Studies; or pathways with International Relations for policy focus. Shorter certificates like the QUB Certificate in Hispanic Linguistics provide entry points, while the Degree Plus/Future Ready Award adds extracurricular credits (e.g., volunteering) to the diploma. Erasmus+ exchanges enhance mobility.

Fees for 2025/26: £4,750 (NI/GB students); £20,800 (international), with scholarships up to £5,000 for high achievers.

Why Pursue a BA in Spanish and Portuguese at Queen’s University Belfast?

Enrolling in the BA Spanish and Portuguese at QUB immerses you in Belfast’s multicultural scene, with access to the state-of-the-art Language Centre, McClay Library’s digital resources, and events like the Spanish and Portuguese Society’s tapas nights and language exchanges—fostering bonds with Erasmus peers from 100+ partner universities. Small classes ensure personalized feedback, while the year abroad builds resilience and networks, with 90% of returnees reporting enhanced employability. Graduates secure roles in translation (e.g., subtitling for Netflix), marketing (Unilever Latin America), or civil service, with starting salaries £25,000–£35,000, and 85% in professional positions within six months. Affordable fees, bursaries (e.g., Dr Henry Hutchinson-Stewart Literary Scholarships), and QUB’s top-5 UK ranking for international students make it accessible. As one alumnus noted, “My final year was full of fantastic memories… attending cultural events held by the Spanish & Portuguese Society.”

In summary, the Queen’s University Belfast Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Portuguese is a culturally enriching degree certificate that unlocks the Iberian and Lusophone worlds. For language enthusiasts seeking global fluency and impact, QUB’s BA delivers intellectual depth and professional edge. Explore programs at qub.ac.uk to embark on your linguistic adventure.