Bachelor of Arts (BA)

BA Latin and Spanish

Compare ancient and modern literature with a focus on Spanish language and culture.
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Year of entry: 2026
  • UCAS course code: QR64 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Study abroad
  • Study with a language

Full entry requirementsHow to apply

Overview

Course overview

  • Beginner and advanced levels are available for Latin, and for Spanish. One language must be taken at advanced level (post A-level).
  • Develop advanced knowledge of the language and culture of the classicalworld andexamine original sources of ancient literature.
  • Spend your third year working or studying in a Spanish-speaking country, where you'll gain first-hand insight into the language, life and culture of your destination.
  • Ranked in the UK's Top 10 for Modern Languages by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
Telephone
+44 (0)161 509 2871
Email
Website
https://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/cahae/
School/Faculty overview

See: About us

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

A-level

ABB including Spanish and/or Latin.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

A-level contextual offer

BBC, including Spanish and/or Latin

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

BBC including Spanish and/or Latin.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects including Spanish or Latin

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

GCSE/IGCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 or B in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and grade 4 or C in 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 admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Country-specific entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

English language requirements

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 B/6, or;

IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each sub-test, 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.

If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

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.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

How your application is considered

Applications are considered on the basis of an assessment of the quality of the personal statement, the reference, and past and predicted academic achievements. We encourage applicants to give details of their motivation for studying this particular combination of subjects.

Returning to education

We warmly encourage applications from mature applicants and students returning to education. All such applications are considered on an individual basis. Applicants are encouraged to contact us at  ug-classics@manchester.ac.uk for any discussion that they might find useful.

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

We warmly encourage overseas applicants. Applicants are encouraged to contact us at ug-classics@manchester.ac.uk for any discussion that they might find useful.

Deferrals

We welcome applications for deferred entry and feel a gap year benefits many students.

We do ask applicants to let us know as early as possible if they are intending to defer.  This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in order to achieve the required number of students in a given year.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers

We will consider applications to transfer to Manchester from other universities and would normally ask for a letter explaining why a transfer was needed, relevant transcripts, a copy of the applicant's UCAS form and a confidential reference from one of the applicant's current university tutors.

We will consider applications to transfer from other degrees within the University of Manchester but applicants are required to have the A-level grades (or other qualifications) needed for entry to that degree programme.

Both of the above are subject to our having enough places to accommodate such applicants.   Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details). 

Course details

Course description

Our BA Latin and Spanish Joint Honours course will enable you to develop your linguistic skills while learning about the literature and culture of both societies.

You can learn Latin either as a beginner or from A-level standard. Once you've reached the appropriate level, your learning will allow you to study literary and historical texts in their original language.

Modern language study offers much more than just language fluency. You'll explore diverse aspects of the culture, society, history, politics and literature of the countries in which the languages are - or were - spoken, helping you to develop intercultural awareness and communication skills - both highly valued by employers.

You'll benefit from excellent teaching, student support and cutting-edge study facilities, as well as from the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Manchester itself, Western Europe's most multilingual city.

With placement options available at partner universities and in professional environments in several Spanish-speaking countries, a compulsory third year abroad gives our undergraduate students unforgettable and invaluable personal and professional experience. Where possible, this includes enrolment on classical courses at an overseas university.

The course unit details listed below are those you may choose to study as part of this programme and are referred to as optional units. These are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this programme. Although language units may show here as optional, they are a mandatory part of your modern languages degree and you will take the units relevant to your level of language in each year of study. It is compulsory to study language at all levels of your modern languages degree. 

Special features

Residence abroad

Your  year abroad will offer the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of life in a Spanish-speaking country, and further develop your language skills.

Learn from language experts

Modern language courses are mainly taught by native speakers of the language, giving you a richer learning experience.

Access outstanding resources

Explore the exclusive resources of Manchester Museum and the Special Collections of The John Rylands Library - home to papyri, medieval manuscripts and early printed books, including very early copies of the Homeric poems.

Teaching and learning

The core of most literary and historical course units is provided by lectures, which introduce and survey the main issues, and are supported by small-group tutorials and seminars.

Language classes are taught intensively, with group size capped to encourage participation.

You are encouraged to involve yourself, under guidance, in independent study and original research.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment practices vary between course units, but our aim overall is to achieve a good balance between formal written examinations, oral examinations, continuous assessment and project work, with the option to undertake a final year dissertation supervised by an expert in your field.

The Year 3 dissertation is a major piece of original work, accounting for 22% of the final overall mark.

Course content for year 1

You will split your study time equally between the two sides of your degree. 

Spanish 

You will take compulsory core units in the modern spoken and written Spanish language (with separate strands for beginners and post-A level students). 

You will also be provided with an introduction to the cultural and historical development of the Hispanic world, and develop the skills required to be successful in your further study of Spain and Latin America. 

Latin 

Core units will give you a grounding in the historical and cultural contexts of life in first century Rome via ancient poetry and the study of Latin language. 

Optional units allow you to start exploring key themes and making links between your fields of study.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
CAHE10422 20 Mandatory
CAHE10011 20 Optional
CAHE10022 20 Optional
CAHE10101 20 Optional
CAHE10232 20 Optional
CAHE10651 20 Optional
CAHE20151 20 Optional
CAHE20162 20 Optional
CAHE20171 20 Optional
CAHE30111 20 Optional
CAHE30121 20 Optional
CAHE30162 20 Optional
CAHE30182 20 Optional
SALC11011 20 Optional
SPLA10410 20 Optional
SPLA10420 20 Optional
SPLA51011 20 Optional
SPLA51022 20 Optional
SPLA51030 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 19 course units for year 1

Course content for year 2

You can study up to two-thirds of your credits on either side of your degree. 

Spanish 

In your second year, you take a compulsory Spanish language course, and options (usually two) across cinema, history, politics and the literature of Spain and Latin America. 

Latin 

With just one compulsory course unit in Latin language, you'll have the flexibility to focus your studies on key areas of interest across both subject areas, selecting from a breadth of historical, literary, cultural and societal themes.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
CAHE20042 20 Optional
CAHE20052 20 Optional
CAHE20061 20 Optional
CAHE20151 20 Optional
CAHE20162 20 Optional
CAHE20531 20 Optional
CAHE21061 20 Optional
CAHE24102 20 Optional
CAHE24401 20 Optional
CAHE24602 20 Optional
CAHE25461 20 Optional
CAHE25762 20 Optional
CAHE30111 20 Optional
CAHE30121 20 Optional
CAHE30162 20 Optional
CAHE30211 20 Optional
SALC20081 20 Optional
SPLA20062 20 Optional
SPLA20161 20 Optional
SPLA20772 20 Optional
SPLA20871 20 Optional
SPLA20882 20 Optional
SPLA51040 20 Optional
SPLA51050 20 Optional
SPLA53010 20 Optional
SPLA53020 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 26 course units for year 2

Course content for year 3

You'll study and/or work for up to a year in a Spanish-speaking country.

Course content for year 4

You can study up to two-thirds of your credits on either side of your degree.

Spanish

Language study in the final year is centred on essay writing, translation and oral work involving discussion of texts, debates and presentations.

You also choose from a wide range of specialised options building effectively on Year 2 study, including Latin American business and politics, Hispanic cinema and Modern Spanish Music.

Students can also choose to write a dissertation.

You can also explore Catalan language and culture.

Latin

Continue to shape your understanding according to specific interests, with interdisciplinary and advanced course unit options, in addition to your advanced Latin language unit.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
CAHE30292 20 Mandatory
CAHE20162 20 Optional
CAHE30000 40 Optional
CAHE30031 20 Optional
CAHE30211 20 Optional
CAHE30261 20 Optional
CAHE30272 20 Optional
CAHE30311 20 Optional
CAHE30382 20 Optional
CAHE30701 20 Optional
CAHE30881 20 Optional
CAHE30912 20 Optional
CAHE31041 20 Optional
CAHE31061 20 Optional
CAHE34102 20 Optional
CAHE34401 20 Optional
CAHE34602 20 Optional
CAHE35461 20 Optional
CAHE35762 20 Optional
ELAN30241 20 Optional
ELAN31182 20 Optional
LALC30000 40 Optional
SPLA30411 20 Optional
SPLA30642 20 Optional
SPLA30801 20 Optional
SPLA31081 20 Optional
SPLA31092 20 Optional
SPLA31132 20 Optional
SPLA31141 20 Optional
SPLA31151 20 Optional
SPLA31162 20 Optional
SPLA31172 20 Optional
SPLA51060 20 Optional
SPLA53010 20 Optional
SPLA53020 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 35 course units for year 4

Facilities

The John Rylands Library

At The John Rylands Library , you'll have exclusive access to our internationally significant collections, including papyri, medieval manuscripts and early printed books such as very early copies of the Homeric poems.

Manchester Museum

The UK's leading university museum has more than four million objects spanning millennia, including one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK. Go behind-the-scenes to handle, analyse and interpret rare artefacts, including exclusive material specific to ancient history.

The University Language Centre

Home to language resources, including a new interpreting suite, purpose-built recording rooms and resources for over 70 languages, The ULC also offers multilingual word processing, language learning software, off-air recording and AV duplication, multilingual terrestrial and satellite TV and support and advice.

Societies

The University is home to over 30 international and language related student societies offering a breadth of cultural activities and experiences. Learn more about colloquialisms in language through native speakers and take part in discussion groups and socials. Some of our societies also coordinate trips abroad to language-specific destinations.

Find out more on the Facilities pages for Classics and Ancient History and Modern Languages and Cultures .

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

A degree in Latin and Spanish paves the way for an exceptionally broad range of careers.

You'll develop analytical and problem-solving skills together with intercultural awareness and communication skills - which are highly valued by employers.

You'll acquire transferable expertise at the very heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation and advanced decision-making and multitasking skills.

Your in-depth understanding of language will open numerous paths with an international element, and you'll have developed excellent all-round communication skills that will make you a strong contender for openings in the media, PR and similar areas.

Our graduates have gone on to positions in:

  • business services; 
  • marketing; 
  • advertising;
  • management;
  • banking;
  • communications. 

Others opt for postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (in the UK or abroad) or enter the Civil Service.

Find out more on the Careers and employability pages for  Classics and Ancient History and  Modern Languages and Cultures .

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 .

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.