Course structure
This full-time course lasts for four years with two semesters per year. There are 120 credits a year split equally between your two language choices. Most modules are worth 20 credits. The third year is spent abroad.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year one
You will combine Portuguese with Spanish, allowing you to experience more than one field of study.
In year one we run two pathways for students; an advanced pathway aimed at students with an A-level and heritage learners who wish to deepen their existing knowledge of the language, history and cultures of the Portuguese/Spanish-speaking worlds, and a beginner’s pathway for students with limited or no knowledge of Portuguese or Spanish.
The first year of this programme provides a thorough foundation in the grammar of the language for those students on the beginner’s pathway, and develops the linguistic skills for post A-level students on the advanced pathway.
You will also study a non-language module which introduces you to the development of the Portuguese-speaking and the Hispanic world, exploring how what both cultures and languages have symbolised for different groups at different moments in history. It also explores Portugal and Spain’s exchanges with the world, enabling you to explore Portugal and the role of the Hispanic world beyond the national borders. Studies in these areas will enable you to develop a good understanding of intercultural awareness, and the highly-prized ability to mediate between cultures.
Year two
The language elements of year two build on the work undertaken in year one, and prepare you for your year abroad.
In addition to 30 credits Portuguese and Spanish language, you will study 30 credits looking at the Portuguese-speaking world and the Hispanic world in a transnational context. This will introduce you to key approaches, methodologies and critical tools which you can apply to an in-depth study, looking at a range of topics such as culture, history and politics. You will also have the option of studying 30 credits of Business Language and Specialised Translations.
Outside of your formal studies, you will have the opportunity to take part in our highly-praised Student Mentoring Scheme, which is supported by Welsh Government. The scheme places undergraduates into local schools to mentor pupils and encourage them to consider modern foreign languages when choosing their GCSE options.
You may also choose to take part in the Student Language Ambassador (SLA) scheme, acting as an advocate for language learning. Following specific training, as an SLA you may get the opportunity to speak publicly at events, sharing your personal experience of language learning. You may take part in a range of activities, such as language taster sessions, presenting and promoting the year abroad, supporting School language days and events, or promoting modern languages at career fairs or open days.
Year three: Sandwich year
In year three you will spend one semester in a Portuguese speaking country and one in Spanish speaking country, immersed in the languages.
Your options include studying at one of our partner universities, working as an English assistant in a school, or working for an organisation or company. No matter what you choose, the year abroad is a great opportunity for you to improve your understanding of the language, immerse yourself in another culture, and gain international study or work experience.
We have Erasmus exchanges in Lisbon, Coimbra, Braga and strong links with universities in Brazil. Students have also organised professional internships in cities such as São Paulo. In Spain we have links in Barcelona, Caceres, Ciudad Real, Granada, Santiago de Compostela y Valencia. In Spanish America we have exchange agreements with universities in Lima (Peru), Mexico City and Guadalajara (Mexico).
Year four
When we welcome you back to Cardiff in your final year, you will continue to develop your language skills, studying 30 credits of Portuguese and 30 credits of Spanish language, in addition to 60 credits of optional modules.
You will also have the opportunity to build on the broad base of knowledge and skills you have developed to study an area of research expertise in the School, through taught modules and/or a dissertation. You will have the opportunity to take part in our very popular teaching module, an accredited module where you will build on study and workshops at the University to undertake a teaching placement at one of our partner schools in the area.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in our very popular Student Teaching module, an accredited module where you will build on study and workshops at the University to undertake a teaching placement at one of our partner schools on the area.
The module allows you to go into local secondary schools and teach pupils who are learning foreign languages. You will have the opportunity to observe teaching by professionals, take part in classroom activities and generate new learning materials. This in turn enhances your ICT, presentation, preparatory and organisational skills and, ultimately, your employability. Those students who wish to go onto a career in teaching gain valuable experience which can be used to feed into their PGSE application. These students also have the opportunity to take a dedicated (optional) training session for PGSE applications with an expert in the field.
