Program Overview

Linguistics with Spanish BA Honours

The Linguistics with Spanish BA Honours programme is a four-year degree that focuses on developing students' understanding of how we communicate and the growth of language in the mind. The course explores linguistics in the context of English and Spanish, with a firm foundation of skills and knowledge to pursue many potential career paths.

Course Overview

• The programme concentrates on developing students' understanding of how we communicate and the growth of language in the mind.
• It explores linguistics in the context of English and Spanish.
• Students will study Spanish from an intermediate or advanced level, depending on their previous experience.
• The course includes a year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, where students can study, teach English as a foreign language, or take a work placement.

Quality and Ranking

• 14th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Iberian Languages category)
• 16th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Linguistics category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 200 for Linguistics - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 75 for Arts and Humanities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 200 for Modern Languages - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 13th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (Iberian Languages category)
• 9th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (Linguistics category)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Modules and Learning

The course is divided into four stages, with a range of compulsory and optional modules.

• Stage 1:
  • The Nature of Language
  • Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Phonetics, Phonology & Morphology
  • Introduction to Language Structure 2: Syntax, semantics and pragmatics
  • Dealing with Data
  • Level B (HE Intermediate) Spanish
• Stage 2:
  • Phonological Theory
  • Syntactic Theory
  • Year Abroad Preparation
  • Level C (HE Advanced) Spanish
• Stage 3:
  • Year Abroad Tutor Posts
• Stage 4:
  • Level D (HE Further Advanced): Spanish for Professional and Academic Purposes
  • Level D (HE Further Advanced): Spanish Translation and Interpreting
  • Short-form Dissertation 1: English Language and Linguistics
  • Short-form Dissertation 2: English Language and Linguistics
  • Dissertation/T&I Project

Opportunities

• Spend the third year of the degree in a Spanish-speaking country, where students can study, teach English as a foreign language, or take a work placement.
• Partner institutions in Spain and South America include:
  • Universidad General Sarmiento
  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru
  • Universidad del Pacífico
  • Universidad Autonoma de Madrid
  • Universidad de Cadiz
  • Universidad de Granada
  • Universidad de Murcia
  • Universidad de Sevilla
  • Universidad de Zaragoza
  • Universitat de Valencia
  • Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Facilities and Environment

• The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics is located in the Percy Building, which is at the heart of the city-centre campus.
• Students have access to:
  • a library of 1.4 million books and 54,000 journals on 26km of shelving
  • the Percy Building’s student common rooms, study areas and café
  • Northern Stage, Great North Museum & the Hatton Gallery for events and exhibitions
  • the Students' Union for shops, societies and gigs
  • a digital media lab for developing documentaries and film-making
  • the School of Modern Languages’ Language Resource Centre

Your Future

English Language and Linguistics students acquire a range of valuable skills which equip them to pursue diverse career paths.

• Teaching English as a foreign language
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Advertising, branding and marketing
• Information services and data science
• Lexicographers
• Translators and interpreters
• Speech and language therapists
• Social researchers
• Legal sector workers (including forensic linguists)

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: ABB including Spanish. Candidates with AS level Spanish (minimum grade B) will also be considered.
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 32 points with grade 5 in Spanish at Higher Level.
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications: Select your qualification to view the requirements.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Duolingo English Test, or other qualifications.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Home students: Tuition fees for the academic year 2026 have not yet been confirmed.
• International students: £24,500 for the academic year 2026.
• Scholarships: The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

How to Apply

• Apply through UCAS using the online application system.
• Apply through an agent for international students.
• Contact the university for more information on the application process.