
- UCAS course code
- RR34
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
BBB including one of the languages to be studied
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects including one of the languages to be studied.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- RR34
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Perfect your expertise in two languages and extend your knowledge of a wide range of countries and cultures.
- Explore the medieval, Renaissance and contemporary aspects of Italy alongside the cultures and language of Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin America.
- Spend your third year studying or working abroad in Italy and a Spanish-speaking country.
- Study at a university ranked 5th in the UK for Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2019).
Open days
Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting us on one of our open days .
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £19,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Residence Abroad Support
We offer dedicated financial support packages of up to £2,000 for residence abroad students, based on household income. You will be automatically assessed for this, based on your Student Finance financial assessment - you just need to make sure you apply for a financial assessment in the academic year in which your residence abroad will take place.
You may be eligible for this scholarship if you fulfil the following conditions:
- Your qualifications were achieved at a state-funded school in the UK
- Your total household income does not exceed £60K (as verified by the Student Loan Company)
- You achieve high marks in your A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), usually AAB or above
- You apply to (and remain on) either a single honours Language programme, or a dual-language programme.
Awards will be made according to a sliding scale, benefitting those who have achieved the highest marks relative to backgrounds. You will be automatically assessed for this after you have registered on your degree programme. You simply need to make sure you allow The University access to your records when applying for your Student Loan (we cannot otherwise assess your eligibility).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 3031
- ug.languages@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects including one of the languages to be studied.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, one Scottish Advanced Higher is normally required at Grade B. Where a pre-requisite subject is required at A-level, then this Advanced Higher should be in that subject.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require 77% to include a minimum of 8.0 in one of the two languages to be studied.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.
For all other foundation programmes please see this list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade B in one of the two languages to be studied.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma: we consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in one of the two languages to be studied, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels should be in one of the two languages to be studied).
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in one of the two languages to be studied .
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade B in one of the two languages to be studied, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB, one of which must be in one of the two languages to be studied.
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Access to HE Diploma
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels.
Applicants to Languages programmes are also required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language or in English Language.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C, or;
- IELTS 7.0, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating circumstances may be personal or family illness, other family circumstances, change of teachers during a course, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school or college. We recommend that information on mitigating circumstances that have affected or are likely to affect your academic performance should be included in the referee's report.
We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting School. If you encounter mitigating circumstances after you have submitted your application, please inform the admissions staff in the School to which you applied as soon as possible.
Where mitigating circumstances have already been taken into account, for example by the relevant Exam Board, we will not be able to make further allowances.
Interview requirements
You will be invited to an interview prior to an offer being made for this course.
Your interview will form part of a visit day, during which you can sample aspects of your chosen course, meet with academics staff, hear from current students and find out about the latest Residence Abroad options.
Your interview will offer you the opportunity to explain your interests and qualifications, and how your chosen course fits with your motivations and study experience.
Returning to education
Access courses are acceptable as an entry route to this course - please contact the UG Admissions Team.
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Our BA Italian and Spanish joint honours course will see you delve into the language and culture of two countries.
You will develop your language skills in Italian and Spanish while exploring the history, politics, literature and visual culture of the relevant regions through a range of course units. Linguistic pathways are available for those interested in the history of a particular language and its dialects.
Language courses are taught by native speakers and you will have a further opportunity to converse with Italian and Spanish speakers during your year abroad , which will be split between Italian and Spanish-speaking countries via a university exchange, work placement and/or teaching as an English language assistant.
Employers actively recruit our graduates for their excellent language and communications skills and in-depth intercultural understanding - each crucial in a range of sectors, from international business to relief work and development.
Special features
Residence abroad
You can study and/or work for up to a year in a country or countries relevant to your chosen language(s) to improve your communicative language skills in a native-speaker environment.
Collaborations and partnerships
The University has links with language and cultural institutions across the city, including:
- Instituto Cervantes - a centre for Spanish culture
- HOME - international and contemporary art, theatre and film
- Alliance Francaise - home of French language and culture.
Societies
The University is home to over 30 international and language-related student societies offering a breadth of cultural activities and experiences.
Teaching and learning
You'll learn through a mixture of formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, spending approximately 12 hours a week in formal study sessions.
For every hour of university study, you will be expected to complete a further 2-3 hours of independent study. You will also need to study during the holiday periods.
The individual study component could be spent reading, producing written work, revising for examinations or working in the University's Language Centre.
Language learning
In Year 1, language instruction is divided between 'ab initio' and post-A-level groups (with the majority of students being beginners).
'Ab initio' students have five contact hours per week with their nominated mother-tongue teacher as part of a course specifically designed to build confidence in comprehension, writing, speaking and listening skills.
Post-A-level students have 3 hours consolidating and building competency on specific language points. In Years 2 and 4, the language component of the course includes three contact hours per week in addition to working on set assignments and undertaking private study.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed in various ways, including:
- written and oral examinations;
- presentations;
- coursework (which may include library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection, or web-based research);
- in your final year, a dissertation based on a research topic of your choice.
Assessment methods vary from course unit to course unit - see individual course unit listings for more information.
Course content for year 1
You will study 60 credits from each discipline
Italian
- In Year 1 Italian language instruction is divided between 'ab initio' and post-A-level groups (with the majority of students being beginners). 'Ab initio' students have five contact hours per week with their nominated mother-tongue teacher as part of a course specifically designed to build confidence in comprehension, writing, speaking and listening skills. Post-A-level students have 3 hours consolidating and building competency on specific language points. As our above awards indicate, we excel in using different forms of e-learning to enhance language acquisition, including podcasting. In years 2 and 4 the language component of the course includes three contact hours per week in addition to working on set assignments and undertaking private study.
- The Italian culture units offer a range of courses from the filmic and literary to the historic and linguistic, all of which reflect academic staff research interests. Year 1 is specifically designed to begin furnishing candidates with the tools to enable them to read cultural products with confidence, be they texts, pictures, buildings or linguistic constructions.
Spanish
- In the first year of your course, you are trained in the modern spoken and written Spanish language through compulsory core courses and you will learn about key developments in the history and culture of Spain and Latin America.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Italian Cultural Studies | ITAL10300 | 20 | Mandatory |
Reading Italy: Medieval to Modern | ITAL10500 | 20 | Mandatory |
Italian Language 1 | ITAL51011 | 20 | Mandatory |
Italian Language 2 | ITAL51022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Italian Language 3 | ITAL51030 | 20 | Mandatory |
Cultures of the Hispanic World | SPLA10410 | 20 | Mandatory |
Themes in Spanish and Latin American Studies | SPLA10420 | 20 | Mandatory |
Spanish Language 1 | SPLA51011 | 20 | Mandatory |
Spanish Language 2 | SPLA51022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Spanish Language 3 | SPLA51030 | 20 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
You may choose to study up to two thirds from either discipline or maintain equal weighting.
Italian
- In years 2 and 4 options are available that range from Italian medieval urban culture and the afterlife, to the politics of the Risorgimento, Gothic and Fantastic literature, Fascism, and the history of the Italian book. Most culture units involve two contact hours per week that serve as points of departure and reference for subsequent self-study. The units are largely assessed by coursework.
Spanish
-
You follow a compulsory Spanish language course unit, refining your skills in written and spoken Spanish.
-
You take options in the cultures and histories of the Spanish-speaking world, with choices including Hispanic cinemas and the history of revolutions in Latin America.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Italian Language 4 | ITAL51040 | 20 | Mandatory |
Italian Language 5 | ITAL51050 | 20 | Mandatory |
Spanish Language 4 | SPLA51040 | 20 | Mandatory |
Spanish Language 5 | SPLA51050 | 20 | Mandatory |
Aesthetics and Politics of Italian Fascism | ITAL20501 | 20 | Optional |
Renaissance Florence: Culture, History and Art | ITAL20622 | 20 | Optional |
History and Culture in Modern Spain | SPLA20332 | 20 | Optional |
History of Latin America | SPLA20362 | 20 | Optional |
Spanish Linguistics | SPLA20772 | 20 | Optional |
Hispanic Cinemas | SPLA20841 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Your third year of study is spent abroad under approved conditions.
Course content for year 4
You may choose to divide your studies equally between both languages or study up to two thirds from either language.
Italian
- In your final year you return to Manchester to complete your studies. There is the opportunity to undertake a research-orientated dissertation in Italian (often using the primary sources held in the Rylands Library, which has outstanding Italian holdings) and to participate in the Italian department's mentoring and outreach work.
Spanish
- Continue your studies of the Spanish language and perfect your writing and oral skills.
- Choose from a wide range of units in film, literature, music, history and linguistics of the Spanish-speaking world.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Italian Language 6 | ITAL51060 | 20 | Mandatory |
Spanish Language 6 | SPLA51060 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Interpreting: Context, Skills and Modes | ELAN30242 | 20 | Optional |
Dissertation in Italian Studies | ITAL30000 | 40 | Optional |
Political and Cultural History of Italy | ITAL30342 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to the History of the Book | ITAL30431 | 20 | Optional |
Topics in Romance Linguistics | ITAL32002 | 20 | Optional |
Dissertation in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies | SPLA30000 | 40 | Optional |
Social Issues in Portuguese and Spanish Film | SPLA30642 | 20 | Optional |
The Politics of Business in Latin America | SPLA31091 | 20 | Optional |
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Facilities
The University Language Centre is home to language resources, including a new interpreting suite, purpose-built recording rooms and resources for over 70 languages.
The Centre also offers multilingual word processing, language learning software, off-air recording and AV duplication, multilingual terrestrial and satellite TV, and extensive support and advice for learners.
Learn more on the Facilities page.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
A degree in Modern Languages and Cultures paves the way for a broad range of careers. You'll develop intercultural awareness and enhanced communication skills - both highly valued by employers. You'll also acquire transferable expertise at the very heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation and advanced decision-making and multitasking skills.
The British Council has cited Spanish as one of the top languages required for the UK to remain competitive globally (CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Annual Report 2018), underlining the fact that your language skills will offer you an advantage in business and finance careers.
You'll develop independence and self-confidence during your residence abroad, and your intercultural communication skills will make you a strong contender for media, journalism and PR roles.
Many of our graduates go straight into business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking or communications. Others pursue postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (both in the UK and overseas) or to enter the Civil Service.
Employers who have taken on graduates of our Italian and Spanish courses in the past include Greenpeace, the NHS, Barclays, Penguin Random House, The Co-operative, ASOS, Ernst and Young, Virgin, and Northern and Shell.
Find out more on the Careers and employability page.
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .