Program Overview

Spanish & Latin American Studies and Theology & Religion (5 years), MA

Introduction

Spanish & Latin American Studies and Theology & Religion at Aberdeen adds to your highly-developed language and cultural skills in a major European language with a fascinating exploration of the origin, function, and meaning of religion. You will study and compare the major religions across the world, with special focus on Christian faith in historic and contemporary contexts. You will graduate with language and highly-developed academic skills applicable in many roles here and overseas.

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: VR64

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
  • Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)
• Optional Courses:
  • Spain and Spanish America: History, Culture, Politics (SP1039)
  • The Global City (LA1501)
  • Latin 1 (LT1009)
  • Latin 2 (LT1507)
  • Spanish Language 2 (SP1028)

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Spanish Language 4 (SP2026)
  • Latin America: Texts and Contexts (SP2036)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus 30 further credit points from level 2 courses in Divinity.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Spanish Language 6 (SP30A3)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus a further 45 credit points from level 3 courses in Spanish and Latin American Studies.
  • Plus 60 credit points from course(s) from level 3 courses in Divinity.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)
• Optional Courses:
  • EITHER:
    • Dissertation (DR4044)
  • OR:
    • Dissertation (DR4544)
  • OR:
    • Dissertation in Hispanic Studies (SP4039)
  • Plus further credit points from level 4 Spanish and Latin American Studies courses to gain 60 in the discipline.
  • Plus further credit points from level 4 Divinity Courses to gain 60 in the discipline.

Year 5

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
    • Dissertation in Hispanic Studies (SP4039)
    • Dissertation (DR4044)
    • Dissertation (DR4544)
  • Plus select further credit points from level 4 courses in Spanish & Latin American Studies and level 4 courses in Divinity to gain 60 credits in each discipline.

How You'll Study

Assessment Methods

• Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
  • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
  • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
  • Written examinations at the end of each course.

Why Study Spanish & Latin American Studies and Theology & Religion?

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.

Why Theology

• A wide variety of courses: from biblical languages to the Reformation in Scotland, and from Buddhist philosophy to the stories of the prophets in Islam.
• An international community of eminent professors, including leading author and influential thinker Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics.
• Specialist research and teaching centres include the Aberdeen University Centre for Ministry Studies, the Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability, and the Kairos Forum for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
• The inspiration of the beautiful King's College Chapel, begun in 1495 by University founder Bishop Elphinstone, a treasure-house of history and religious turbulence and today a precious interfaith space for a multifaith University community.
• Major historic treasures of national and international significance, including the archives of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland pre-1878 and fascinating local records of local estates and families through 500 years of religious turmoil.
• Spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining top-class study facilities with state-of-the-art technology, and our beautiful Divinity Library with an extensive collection of theological material.
• A packed programme of events, including theological lectures, café discussions, exhibitions and the annual WayWord literary festival.

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

• Fee information:
  • 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.