Spanish and Beginners' German BA

Course overview

This course offers you the opportunity to take up German from scratch and combine it with advanced study in Spanish language alongside modules in areas like literature, history, linguistics, film and politics. An intensive beginners' course in German will enable you to capitalise on your proven language-learning ability and develop German to degree level. In Spanish you will undertake language study at the appropriate post-A level standard. We offer a wide choice of modules in Hispanic and German studies in literature, linguistics, history, politics, culture and film, so that you will be able to tailor the course to match your interests.

Year one 

In German, you will begin a structured course in the language to take you from beginners' to advanced level and are also introduced to aspects of German culture and history. In Spanish you will receive a firm grounding in the structures of the language through the core language module and pursue introductory modules in Spanish and Spanish-American literature, culture and history.

Year two 

In Spanish and German, your language studies will be consolidated and developed to prepare you for the year abroad. You will undertake more specialized academic work in literature, history, linguistics, politics and society from a wide choice of modules in German and Hispanic studies.

Year three 

You will divide your time between Germany or Austria and Spain or a Spanish-speaking country, on a programme of studies in a higher education institution, as an assistant in a school or on a work placement.

Year four 

You will develop your command of both languages and use them in increasingly sophisticated contexts. You will also study optional modules drawn from the areas of literature, history, politics, society, media and linguistics. In both subjects you may choose to write a dissertation.

More information 

See also the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies.

Entry requirements

A levels: ABB, including A in Spanish at A level

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less that 20 in speaking and 19 in each other element)

Alternative qualifications

For details please see the alternative qualifications page

Flexible admissions policy

We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Lengua Española: I
• Introduction to Literature in Spanish
• Beginners' German Language
• Introduction to German Film Studies
• Culture and Society in the Low Countries

For information on Spanish modules, please contact the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies

Typical year-two modules

• Lengua Española: II
• German Language (Post-Beginners)
• History of the Germanic languages
• Investigating the German language
• Reason and its Rivals

For information on Spanish modules, please contact the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies

Typical year-three modules

Year spent abroad. 

Please see the Department of German Studies Year Abroad page and the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies Year Abroad page. 

Typical year-four modules

• Lengua Española III
• German Essay and Oral
• Translation from German  

Typical optional modules

• Mastering the Nazi Past
• Spain and Portugal in the Twentieth Century
• Sex, Gender and Society in Modern Germany
• Hispanic Visual Culture
• The New German Cinema
• An Introduction to the History of Modern Spanish America and Brazil
• German Life Writing
• Renaissance Culture in Text, Image and Film.
• 'Heimat' in the German Cinema
• Metropolis and Empire: Spain, Portugal and the Americas 1492 to Independence

Careers

You will graduate with a broad knowledge of German and Hispanic cultures and a high level of expertise in both languages. You will have specialist knowledge of the areas you chose to focus on and your international experience in two different countries will demonstrate to employers that you are independent, adaptable and able to cope in challenging situations.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the Department of German Studies was £22,454 and for graduates of the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies it was £16,622*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11

Careers Support and Advice

Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our Careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students. 

KIS