Program Overview

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German and Spanish & Latin American Studies, MA

Introduction

German and Spanish & Latin American Studies at Aberdeen combines two major modern European and global languages, both much used in business, in top-rated teaching programmes. You will add in-depth study of history, art and culture for each language and develop your language skills through spending time in countries where each is spoken. You will have wide, international career options and academic skills which are sought by employers in any sector you choose.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 60 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: RR24

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)

Optional Courses

• Select ONE of the following options:
  • GERMAN / SPANISH BEGINNER
    • German for Beginners 1 (GM1054)
    • German for Beginners 2 (GM1554)
    • Background to German Beginners 1 (GM1049) AND/OR The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)
    • Spanish Language 1 (SP1027)
    • Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)
  • GERMAN / SPANISH INTERMEDIATE
    • German Language 1 (GM1050)
    • German Language 2 (GM1550)
    • Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052) AND/OR The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)
    • Spanish Language 2 (SP1028)
    • Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)
  • GERMAN/SPANISH ADVANCED - for post-Higher candidates and those who have studied German for more than 4 years
    • German Language 1 (GM1050)
    • German Language 2 (GM1550)
    • Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052) AND/OR Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)
    • Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)

All options will also select:

• Spain and Spanish America: History, Culture, Politics (SP1039) AND/OR The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)

Plus further credit points from courses of choice to reach 120 credit points.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

• Modern German Culture 3 (GM2043)
• The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)

Optional Courses

• Select ONE of the following options:
  • Beginner
    • German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1 (GM2040)
    • German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2 (GM2540)
    • Spanish Language 3 (SP2025)
    • Spanish Language 4 (SP2526)
  • Intermediate- Advanced
    • German Language 3 (GM2042)
    • German Language 4 (GM2542)
    • Spanish Language 4 (SP2026)
    • Spanish Language 5 (SP2531)

Both options will also select:

• The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501) AND/OR Latin America: Texts and Contexts (SP2036)

Plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

• First half session spent in Spanish speaking country and second half session spent in German speaking country.
  • Residence Abroad Project (SP30AB)

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

• German Junior Honours Language Study (GM3069)
• Spanish Language 6 (SP30A3)

Optional Courses

• Select 45 credits of German courses at level 3, plus 45 credits of Level 3 Spanish and Latin American Studies courses.

Year 5

Compulsory Courses

• German Language Study for Senior Honours (GM4099)
• Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)

Optional Courses

• Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
  • Dissertation in German (GM4052)
  • Dissertation in Hispanic Studies (SP4039)

Plus further courses in Level 4 German and Level 4 Spanish and Latin American Studies to make up 60 credits in each discipline.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies you learn on the course.
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

Why Study German and Spanish & Latin American Studies?

Why German

• A vibrant international community on campus and across the region, with many German-speaking students, staff and activities to get involved in and practise your language skills.
• German Society open to all students interested in German and the German-speaking countries, organising drama performances and other events such as Kaffee and Kuchen, a German Stammtisch, film showings, and visits by German speakers and writers.
• German Drama Group providing a great opportunity to produce an annual play, widen your language skills and meet other German students studying in Aberdeen. Previous years included works of 20th century dramatists Dürrenmatt, Borchert and Horvath.
• Opportunities to study the rich literature and culture of Austria and Switzerland in addition to Germany.
• A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers and the popular annual WayWORD festival, welcoming international figures, experts, authors and scientists to campus.
• Your period abroad as a language assistant or visiting student - we have exchange scholarships with the Universities of Zurich, Kiel and Greifswald, and Erasmus partners including Leipzig, Cologne, Bonn, Trier and Graz in Austria.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with fabulous study facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and an extensive German collection to inspire your studies.

Why Spanish & Latin American Studies

• The opportunity to study visual culture, literature, history, politics and anthropology in relation to Spain and/or Latin America.
• Special areas of research expertise include 20th century Spain, contemporary and historical Mexico, visual culture, gender studies, history of science in Latin America, and studies of citizenship and society.
• Multicultural north-east Scotland, with many Spanish speakers working or studying in this region due to its role as a world centre for oil and gas.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with top-class study facilities, state-of-the-art learning technology, and extensive Spanish and Latin American works to inspire your studies.
• A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, film showings, and the annual WayWORD literary festival which welcomes international figures, experts, writers and scientists to campus every spring, including authors writing in Spanish.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme.
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.