Spanish and Economics (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

BA Spanish and Economics is a four-year degree programme. It is structured in such a way that you will acquire over successive years high-level language and economic competencies, combined with the skills to become an independent and critical thinker, equipped for professional employment.

In each year of the programme you will study 120 credits, equally split between 60 credits in Economics and 60 credits in Spanish. Your third year will be spent studying or working abroad in Spain or another Spanish-speaking country.

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

In year one you will take 60 credits in core economics modules and one compulsory 40 credit module in Spanish language and a 20 credit translational module, providing you with a solid base for the next three years of your degree programme.

Year two

In year two you are required to pursue modules amounting to 120 credits. Year two develops from the foundation of year one, giving equal 60 credit weighting to business and language subjects. You will continue to focus on compulsory Economics modules in both microeconomics and macroeconomics, whilst the language focuses on your communication skills in Spanish language, providing the ideal preparation for the third year which is spent abroad.

Year three: Sandwich year

Your third year is spent in Spain or another Spanish-speaking country. The year will enable you to develop your language skills, deepen your understanding of Spanish culture and develop your independence, resourcefulness and resilience.

Your options include studying at one of our partner universities, working as an English assistant in a school through the British Council Scheme, or working for a Spanish 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.

If you choose the study option, we have established exchange programmes which provide opportunities to study in institutions in cities that have included Valencia, Barcelona and Seville.

Placements for teaching assistants on a scheme run by the British Council can take you to either a major city or a small, rural town. This option provides first-hand teaching experience and allows you to earn a salary sufficient to live on, although you only work on a part-time basis. Prior to the start of your placement, the British Council provides a training weekend in the destination country. In addition, the school you have been assigned to should also guide you in your role as a teacher and help you to find a place to live.

The third option consists of a work placement with an organisation or company in the Spanish-speaking world. The necessary arrangements can be made through personal contacts you may have or by approaching organisations directly. In order to ensure that your work placement affords you plenty of opportunity to speak Spanish and provides you with a beneficial experience, such arrangements will require prior approval by the School.

Any student who undertakes a study placement or a traineeship/work placement in Europe is currently eligible to apply for an Erasmus grant.

Studying or working abroad is excellent preparation for your final year and gives you a level of self-confidence and maturity that has proven popular with employers.

Year four

When we welcome you back to Cardiff in your final year, you will take 60 credits of optional Economics modules. A compulsory 30 credit module in Spanish language is also taken, along with a 30 credit optional module in Spanish.

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in Spanish at A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in Spanish at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

Fees for overseas status

• £19,700

School of Modern Languages

In 2015/16, 94% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation.

Many graduates enjoy their year overseas so much that they take time out for more travel, or go abroad on graduation in search of employment.

Of those who choose to remain in the UK, many pursue postgraduate studies such as one of the School’s Postgraduate Taught degrees or a PGCE. Others start work immediately following their studies, and our graduates go on to secure excellent careers in international diplomacy, the Civil Service, teaching, business and journalism. Other employment options include roles as translators, language assistants, export assistants and proof-readers.

Cardiff Business School

In 2015/16, 92% of the School's graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation.

Economics is an intellectually stimulating discipline and the skills of Economics graduates are often in demand by employers in both the public and private sector. Some Economics graduates take a period of additional training after completing their degree, a postgraduate course perhaps or a further training course which will allow them to convert to another profession such as accountancy or law. Whatever career you pursue, the skills acquired during your Economics degree (problem solving ability, quantitative techniques, analytical skills etc), will undoubtedly be welcomed by employers.

In addition to the University Careers Service, we have invested in our own, dedicated Careers Centre to help students find internships, job opportunities and access business industry specific advice and guidance.