Spanish MA
Central Area Campus, United Kingdom
Master of Arts (Hons) in Spanish
University of Edinburgh
Spanish and Latin American Studies
Program Overview: MA Spanish at the University of Edinburgh
The MA (Hons) in Spanish at the University of Edinburgh offers a four-year undergraduate programme that immerses you in an extraordinary range of literature, film, poetry, and theatre from across the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish is the official language in 20 countries and is widely spoken in four more territories, including the United States, making this degree highly relevant in today's globalised world.
This flexible programme invites you to explore the diverse and rich cultures of Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean in historical and linguistic contexts. With courses suitable for both beginners and students with substantial prior experience, you will develop advanced spoken and written Spanish skills while gaining a broad cultural education valued by graduate employers.
A distinctive feature of this programme is the compulsory year abroad in Year 3, where you spend a minimum of 30 weeks in a Spanish-speaking country studying or working. Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh demonstrates intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility to future employers.
Key Program Highlights
- Full academic year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, unique in Scotland for a four-year honours programme
- Home to the first Cervantes Institute in Scotland, celebrating cultural links with Spanish-speaking countries
- Spanish has been taught at Edinburgh for over a century, with the centenary celebrated in 2019
- Flexible programme structure allowing you to study additional languages such as Portuguese, Catalan, or Basque
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Spanish programme is structured across four years, with the first two pre-honours years providing a strong foundation in language and culture, a transformative year abroad in Year 3, and a specialised honours year in Year 4 culminating in a dissertation. In addition to core courses, you will broaden your education by choosing option courses from a range of subjects and disciplines.
Spanish Language 1A and 1B
40 creditsFoundation language courses developing core spoken and written Spanish skills alongside an introduction to diverse cultural texts and films from across the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish Language 2A and 2B
40 creditsIntermediate language courses building on Year 1 foundations, deepening your competence in reading, writing, speaking, and listening while expanding cultural and historical knowledge.
Year Abroad
120 creditsA minimum of 30 weeks spent in a Spanish-speaking country, studying at a partner university or undertaking an approved work placement while completing academic assignments.
Advanced Spanish Language and Translation
40 creditsHonours-level language courses developing advanced translation skills and the ability to discern different varieties and registers of Spanish in professional and academic contexts.
Spanish and Latin American Studies: Honours Options
40 creditsSpecialised courses in literary, cultural, or linguistic topics within Spanish and Latin American Studies, tailored to your interests and chosen from a range of options that may vary each year.
Dissertation in Spanish
40 creditsAn independent research project on a literary, cultural, or linguistic subject of your choice, written in Spanish under academic supervision, building on the knowledge and skills developed over four years.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Entry to the MA Spanish programme is competitive. Applicants are assessed holistically based on academic qualifications, personal statement, and reference. All applications are processed exclusively through Uni4Edu, which will guide you through every step of the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- A-LevelsA*AA to AAA, including a language other than English at grade B or above
- International BaccalaureateContact Uni4Edu for current equivalent IB requirements
- Scottish HighersContact Uni4Edu for current Scottish Highers requirements
- GCSE RequirementsEnglish at grade C or 4 minimum
- Prior Spanish KnowledgeNot required; courses available for both beginners and experienced learners
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current TOEFL equivalency
- Other TestsPTE Academic and Cambridge English accepted; contact Uni4Edu for minimum scores
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international undergraduate students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for the awards most relevant to your circumstances and academic profile.
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarship
GBP 5,000 per year for the duration of the programmeAwarded to international fee-status students accepted for full-time undergraduate study, paid directly as a contribution towards living costs and subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Robertson International Scholarships
Offered to overseas students beginning undergraduate studies in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology and related schools, supporting outstanding international applicants.
External and Country-Specific Awards
Varies by awardA variety of external scholarships and country-specific funding options are available for international students. Contact Uni4Edu for a personalised assessment of your funding eligibility.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduating with a Spanish MA from the University of Edinburgh equips you with advanced language skills, intercultural competence, and strong analytical abilities. These transferable skills are highly valued across a wide range of sectors in the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit industries both in the UK and internationally.
Potential Career Paths
Sectors and Employers Hiring Graduates
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world and is recognised for its outstanding research and teaching across the arts, humanities, and languages. Its strong global reputation ensures that graduates are highly regarded by employers worldwide.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | QS World Rankings | Top 10 |
| English Language and Literature | QS World Rankings | Top 10 |
| Linguistics | QS World Rankings | Top 10 |
| Arts and Humanities | THE World Rankings | Top 15 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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