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Spanish  (ELJ1)

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2025/2026
School
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Dr Eva Bru-Dominguez
Overall Programme Credits:
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Stage 4
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 2: 25
Stage 3: 25
Stage 4: 25

Curricular information is subject to change.

Spanish is a truly global language, spoken by more than 400 million people around the world. Taught through interactive language classes, Spanish is not only accessible in the initial stages of learning, it is also richly rewarding for those interested in the more advanced subtleties of linguistic study. In tandem with learning to communicate effectively in Spanish, a combination of lectures, tutorials and group work enables you to pursue your own readings of and reflections upon works by major authors. This will deepen your knowledge of Hispanic culture, as well as sharpening your critical faculties.

The BA in Spanish is aimed at students who wish to develop an understanding of the Hispanic world through its language, culture, literature, and contact with its people. We educate students to broaden their language competence and their analytical thinking skills to be able to understand and feel comfortable contributing to a global and multicultural society or to pursue graduate studies.



We value and encourage our students to be active, reflective, autonomous learners, and to avail of the opportunity to spend a year in a Spanish-speaking country as an essential part of their learning experience. In the course of their studies we develop confident, flexible and creative students who can communicate in Spanish, use critical and analytical skills to build their understanding of literary, cultural and social issues relevant to the Hispanic world, are sensitive to an array of academic, moral and philosophical issues and are predisposed to life-long learning.



We aim to provide a learning environment that encourages students to use and develop their language competence and their cultural knowledge of the Hispanic world.



The programme aims are delivered through lectures, interactive language classes, tutorials and the use of the virtual learning environment. As a result of this approach, learning activities and assessment approaches include individual and group projects and assignments, oral presentations, debates, on-line discussions, and reflective learning.


1 - Develop the capacity to search for and evaluate appropriate material in order to conduct informed research about the Hispanic world.
2 - Develop an ability to carry out and apply appropriate research principles and practices in the design, development and analysis of academic work in the Humanities.
3 - Demonstrate an advanced competence (C1 CEFR) in the Spanish language (reading, writing, listening, speaking), including a broad awareness of syntax, register and style, and the ability to mediate between English and Spanish.
4 - Construct, support and communicate logical arguments to demonstrate knowledge and critically evaluate Hispanic cultural production in its varied forms (poetry, prose, paintings, film, media, etc.).
5 - Critically analyze current affairs in the Hispanic world to understand and explain their links with historical events.
6 - Be able to learn independently and to make appropriate use of digital technologies to support their learning and research experiences.
7 - Develop the ability to work as part of a team to design, develop and communicate ideas in clear, fluent and accurate spoken and written Spanish or English.
8 - Understand the importance of academic integrity to ensure that ideas are ethically communicated in an academic context.
9 - Understand the ethical implications of ideas, communications, and actions when working individually and when completing group projects.
10 - Demonstrate an awareness of cultural difference and the value of interaction and dialogue with other cultures.
11 - Develop an understanding of the Hispanic culture and way of life through a period of time spent in a Spanish-speaking country.
12 - Apply academic knowledge and key skills to express informed opinions on cultural, political and social issues of the Hispanic world and make a contribution to the development of society.

We operate exchanges with several partner institutions in Spain, Latin America and Portugal, including: • Universidad de Deusto, Bilbao • Universidad de Valencia • Universidad de Castilla La Mancha • Universidad de Salamanca • Universidad de Olavide, Sevilla • Universidad de Granada • Universidad de Valladolid • Universidad de Cáceres • Universidad de Zaragoza • Universidad Complutense, Madrid • PUC Santiago (Chile) • Universidad de Montevideo (Uruguay) • Universidad Tec de Monterrey (Campus Querétaro), México

Places may be limited, with preference given to those with higher results.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Presentations
  • Teamwork
  • Global awareness
  • Social responsibility
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-awareness


This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Cultural awareness, resilience and self-confidence e.g. Study Abroad/ERASMUS
  • Language skills e.g. Chinese and Spanish via UCD Centre for English & Global Languages
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments
  • Development of self-reflection skills


Our graduates are flexible, articulate and employable people who enjoy careers in: Civil Service, Journalism, Banking and Business, Teaching, Tourism and Communications.

Our graduates are also eligible to apply for the MA in Modern Languages and other taught Masters offered by UCD in Languages and Linguistics. MLitt and PhD programmes are also available. 

UCD School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
p. +353 1 76 8302
e. slcl@ucd.ie


Stage 2

Students MUST pass Level 2 language modules before taking Level 3 language modules. Students MUST complete ALL core modules at Level 2. In addition, students MUST complete THREE Level 2 option modules.

Stage 3

Students must complete all core modules and three option modules.
Students must pass SPAN30010 Spanish Language IIIa and SPAN30020 Spanish Language IIIb in order to receive a BA degree with Spanish.

Stage 4

Students must complete all core modules and three option modules.
Students must pass SPAN30010 Spanish Language IIIa and SPAN30020 Spanish Language IIIb in order to receive a BA degree with Spanish.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Options - A)2 of:
Students must pass the relevant level 2 core language modules before being allowed to register for level 3 language modules.
Students who took SPAN10140 and SPAN10150 must register to and pass SPAN20230 and SPAN20060. Students who took SPAN10010 and SPAN10050 at Stage 1 must register to and pass SPAN20080 and SPAN20060.
SPAN20080 Spanish Language II a Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)2 of:
Students must pass the relevant level 2 core language modules before being allowed to register for level 3 language modules.
Students who took SPAN10140 and SPAN10150 must register to and pass SPAN20230 and SPAN20060. Students who took SPAN10010 and SPAN10050 at Stage 1 must register to and pass SPAN20080 and SPAN20060.
SPAN20230 Spanish ex ab-initio IIa Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)2 of:
Students must pass the relevant level 2 core language modules before being allowed to register for level 3 language modules.
Students who took SPAN10140 and SPAN10150 must register to and pass SPAN20230 and SPAN20060. Students who took SPAN10010 and SPAN10050 at Stage 1 must register to and pass SPAN20080 and SPAN20060.
SPAN20060 Spanish Language II b Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B)3 of:
Students must complete three level 2 option modules.
SPAN20300 Spaces of Conflict in Spanish Film Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B)3 of:
Students must complete three level 2 option modules.
SPAN20320 Spain on Screen Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B)3 of:
Students must complete three level 2 option modules.
SPAN20330 Catalan Culture and Society Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B)3 of:
Students must complete three level 2 option modules.
SPAN20350 The Spanish Avant-Garde Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B)3 of:
Students must complete three level 2 option modules.
PORT20230 Screening Crises in the Iberian Peninsula Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B)3 of:
Students must complete three level 2 option modules.
SPAN20240 Latin American Culture I Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B)3 of:
Students must complete three level 2 option modules.
SPAN20340 Early Modern Spain and its Legacy Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B)3 of:
Students must complete three level 2 option modules.
SPAN20380 Catalan Cinema Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 0 of:
This module is the equivalent of an elective. You take it instead of one of your Stage 2 electives. Please make sure that you have selected the correct number of programme options.
 HUM20010 Career Readiness for Arts Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 SPAN30010 Spanish Language III a Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 SPAN30020 Spanish Language III b Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30230 Historical Memory in Spain: 21st Century Narrative and Film Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30290 Producción y comprensión oral en español Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30320 Translating Culture Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 PORT20230 Screening Crises in the Iberian Peninsula Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30200 Surrealism in Latin America Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30300 Art in the Anthropocene Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30310 Hispanic Literature (Arch&Ren) Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 SPAN20330 Catalan Culture and Society Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 SPAN20380 Catalan Cinema Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 SPAN30010 Spanish Language III a Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 SPAN30020 Spanish Language III b Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30230 Historical Memory in Spain: 21st Century Narrative and Film Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30290 Producción y comprensión oral en español Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30320 Translating Culture Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 PORT20230 Screening Crises in the Iberian Peninsula Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30200 Surrealism in Latin America Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30300 Art in the Anthropocene Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Students must complete three level 3 option modules.

In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
 SPAN30310 Hispanic Literature (Arch&Ren) Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 SPAN20330 Catalan Culture and Society Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 SPAN20380 Catalan Cinema Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHACS001 Stage 3 - 50.00%
Stage 2 - 50.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
BHACS023 Stage 3 - 70.00%
Stage 2 - 30.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
BHACS027 Stage 4 - 50.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
Stage 2 - 20.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
BHACS031 Stage 3 - 70.00%
Stage 2 - 30.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
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