About this major

Spanish is spoken by over 400 million people, is the third most spoken language in the world and is the official language of 21 countries, spanning Europe, the Americas and Africa. Studying Spanish will equip you with a deep and applied knowledge of the language, its social and academic contexts and uses, as well as the tools to examine and understand past and contemporary forms of politics, society and culture in the Spanish-speaking world.

With both language and culture subjects, you will explore modern and contemporary culture; discuss major/contemporary literary, film, cultural, and intellectual movements, genres, and works from a variety of media; and engage critically with a wide range of issues related to race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, gender, and social struggles. You participate in Spanish via group work, role-plays, creative project-based work, online quizzes, discussion, as well as skills tests, exams and essay writing.

Our exchange programs with universities in Spain and Latin America enhance your learning by offering invaluable in-country exposure to these societies and cultures. 

Students will follow the appropriate pathway specified in the unit of study tables, based on their individual language level. Students completing any of the pathways for a major will be awarded a major in Spanish and Latin American Studies.

Appropriate language units are determined either by language level and grade therein achieved in Higher School Certificate (as listed in the pathways linked above) or International Baccalaureate, and/or by one-on-one interviews prior to commencement. If you are unsure of your language level or which pathway is appropriate for you, please contact the Department for advice.

The Spanish and Latin American Studies (Intermediate) pathway is suitable for those that have complete HSC Spanish Beginners with more than 65%.

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.