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Spanish

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

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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.

About This Course

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. Opportunities will be available to study Portuguese. We accept absolute beginners (taught separately in first year) and non-beginners.

We strongly encourage our students to spend a year abroad as part of their degree. Studying abroad is a valuable experience, which enables you to perfect your language skills and immerse yourself in a different culture. Alternatively, if you wish to study more than one language, with a year abroad, consider DN541 Modern Languages.

We aim to train you in the four main skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. A complementary objective is to focus on the analytical study and understanding of Hispanic literatures and cultures. Students have the opportunity to study for an Erasmus year in Spain, Latin America or Portugal.

First Year

Modules include: Intensive Beginners’ Spanish 1A & Intensive ab initio Spanish 1B OR Spanish Language 1A & Spanish Language 1B • Study Skills • Hispanic Cultures and Societies • Reading Hispanic Texts • Portuguese and Catalan electives

Second & Final Year

Modules include: Spanish Language 2A • Spanish Language 2B • Latin American Literature & Culture • Modern Novel • Film • Contemporary Spanish Film and Visual Art • Commercial Spanish • Electives, including Portuguese Language

Spanish is taught in lectures and classes and there is an emphasis on independent study.

Assessments are varied and include end-of-trimester examinations, coursework, presentations and projects.

Study Spanish

Art History History
Celtic Civilisation Irish/Gaeilge
Drama Studies Irish Folklore
English Italian
Film Studies Linguistics
French Music
Greek Statistics
Greek & Roman Civilisation
Study Spanish (BSc Social Sciences) as a Minor with:
Politics & International Relations

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.

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


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 1 Core Modules
 SPAN10010 Spanish Language I a Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SPAN10140 Intensive ab initio Spanish Ia Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SPAN10050 Spanish Language I b Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SPAN10150 Intensive ab initio Spanish Ib Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If students wish to take additional credits in Spanish they may select the modules from the option list below in place of their Spring elective.

PORT10090 may not be used as part of the 10 credits required for progression to Spanish at Stage 2.
 SPAN10160 Catalan Beginners A1.1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If students wish to take additional credits in Spanish they may select the modules from the option list below in place of their Spring elective.

PORT10090 may not be used as part of the 10 credits required for progression to Spanish at Stage 2.
 PORT10090 Film and Fiction (in the Portuguese-speaking world) Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If students wish to take additional credits in Spanish they may select the modules from the option list below in place of their Spring elective.

PORT10090 may not be used as part of the 10 credits required for progression to Spanish at Stage 2.
 SPAN10130 Hispanic Cultures & Societies Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If students wish to take additional credits in Spanish they may select the modules from the option list below in place of their Spring elective.

PORT10090 may not be used as part of the 10 credits required for progression to Spanish at Stage 2.
 SPAN10170 Catalan Beginners A1.2 Spring  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.
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

SDG4 SDG 5 SDG 10 SDG 11 SDG 16 SDG 17

 

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

  • SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.

I chose to study Spanish at UCD to consolidate what I had learned already by myself. I have developed my appreciation and understanding of what has shaped the Hispanic world and its people. This is thanks to also studying Spanish literature and cultures in their historical and socio-political contexts. I now have a deeper sensitivity to and understanding of the places I move through and the people I talk to when I travel. This insight has opened up a world of experiences, connections and adventures for me. I love how passionate my lecturers are - it’s really infectious!

Caroline Cahill, Student

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Spanish:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
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SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
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DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
Apply via CAO
showAudience-audienceEU
DN700
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
Apply via CAO
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