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MH101 - Spanish
Go to Course - Bachelor Of ArtsOverview
Spoken by over 600 million people globally, Spanish is a dynamic world language and the cornerstone of many vibrant cultures.
At Maynooth University, you can study Spanish at beginner level or non-beginner level. You’ll learn in a friendly, student-centred environment that helps you build confidence in this rewarding language.
For non-beginners, a minimum Leaving Certificate Spanish grade of H4 (or equivalent) is recommended.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop solid language skills while exploring Spanish and Latin American culture and society.
You’ll boost your fluency and written Spanish skills through language classes while studying areas like film, literature and linguistics.
Your core modules focus on the Spanish language and are complemented by optional modules in areas like:
- Linguistics
- Spanish Literature and Cinema
- Latin American Literature and Cinema
- Translation
- Business and Legal Spanish
- Catalan and Portuguese
Study abroad after second year
All students of Spanish and Latin American Studies can choose to spend the third year of their degree in a Spanish-speaking country.
This might involve:
- studying at a university in Spain (Erasmus programme)
- assisting with English classes at a Spanish school (English Language Assistant programme – subject to availability)
- Erasmus internship/placement (subject to availability)
Your year abroad can be recognised as part of your studies, converting your degree into a 4-year BA International.
Thinking of a teaching career?
If you’re considering teaching, the Teaching Council of Ireland requires Spanish teachers to have lived in a Spanish-speaking country — we recommend at least 3 months.
Subject Structure
First year
- You will engage with a wide range of texts, learning to recognise and analyse key features.
- Either 15 credits (group 5) of Spanish (if you studied Spanish in school to recommended H4 Leaving Certificate or equivalent level) OR 30 credits (group 5 & 7) of Spanish (if you are a beginner)
- Non-beginners are strongly recommended to take Language and Culture as a subject in first year and to select the modules on Spanish Language and Culture
- Choose 2 or 3 other subjects, which may include Critical Skills, from the 5 groups available (max 1 per group)
Second year and Final year
- Spanish as a Double Major or as a Minor
- Continue with 1 of your first year subjects
- Optional 10 credit Elective in second year
Erasmus/Study Abroad option after second year
All students of Spanish & Latin American Studies have the opportunity to spend the third year of their degree programme in a Spanish-speaking country. This might involve:
- Studying at a university in Spain (Erasmus programme)
- Assisting with English classes at a Spanish school (ELA programme - subject to availability)
- Erasmus internship/placement (subject to availability)
- Students who avail of the Year Abroad can have this year recognised as part of their studies and thus convert their degree programme into a 4-year BA International.
Or
- Transfer option in second year - into the Business and Languages degree MH409 - for students who have completed the first year of the BA degree (MH101) taking at least 15 credits of a Business subject and achieving at least 40% in 30 credits of beginners/15 credits of non-beginner Spanish
- Transfer option in second year - into the Law and Languages degree MH503 - for students who have completed the first year of the BA degree (MH101) passing 30 credits of Law and achieving at least 40% in the 15 credit non-beginner Spanish subject
Students interested in teaching Spanish should note that the Teaching Council of Ireland require all registered teachers of Spanish to have spent a minimum of two months living in a Spanish-speaking country. The Maynooth University School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures advise at least a three-month residency.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Entry requirements
Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language. Beginners or non-beginner Spanish. H4 Leaving Certificate Spanish or equivalent recommended if non-beginner. If taking up Spanish as a beginner it is advisable to attend all lectures from the first week of term.
Postgraduate
Some of our students pursue postgraduate research in Spanish and Latin American Studies. We offer a range of postgraduate programmes, and are happy to supervise postgraduate research.
Visit the School's website for more information about postgraduate options.
Careers
Multinational companies such as Google and Intel, many of whom have bases in Ireland, continually note the importance of finding graduates who are not only fluent in languages but who have the intercultural competence to deal with colleagues and customers in an increasingly globalised world.
A degree in Spanish offers graduates enhanced employability in a wide range of careers:
- diplomatic service
- development work with NGOs (nongovernmental organisations)
- education
- publishing
- EU and global institutions
- translation and interpreting
- international trade
- communications
- tourism