English Language and Literature (in Universities) Schools and Programs in Spain

English Language and Literature (in Universities) Studies in Spain

English language and literature is taught at Spanish universities as a four-year bachelor's degree, usually called Estudios Ingleses (English Studies). It combines advanced English, English linguistics, and the literature and culture of English-speaking countries. Many public universities offer it, and private universities and language centres add related programmes.

What you study

At the Universidad de Salamanca, the official title is Graduado/a en Estudios Ingleses, and the degree aims at a high level of spoken and written English, at least C1, plus an intermediate level in a second foreign language. Subjects cover English grammar and linguistics, phonetics, literature, the culture of English-speaking countries and English language teaching. The Universidad de Jaén includes courses such as American literature and offers three specialisations (menciones): applied linguistics, literature and cultural studies, and English for international communication.

How the degree is organised

The bachelor's degree in English Studies (grado en Estudios Ingleses) has 240 ECTS credits over four academic years. At the Universidad de Salamanca it started in the 2010-11 academic year and shares a broad common core with the faculty's other language degrees in the first two years, so students can steer their studies towards linguistics, literature or culture and move credits between degrees. After the grado, students can take a master's degree; Salamanca suggests options such as advanced English studies, translation and intercultural mediation, or teaching Spanish as a foreign language.

Admission and language

Students who finished secondary school outside Spain usually apply through UNEDasiss, the UNED service that assesses international students' academic records and runs the tests needed to enter a bachelor's degree. They then apply to each university within its own deadlines. Universities expect a starting level of English: Salamanca recommends at least B1, and Jaén asks for a minimum of B1 in English plus basic knowledge of a second foreign language. Classes are taught in Spanish and English; Salamanca offers 160 first-year places for 2026-27.

Where to study English in Spain

In our directory, Madrid has the most schools for this subject, followed by Bilbao, Badajoz, Murcia, Barcelona and Valencia. Public universities listed for this subject include the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Cantoblanco), the Universidad de Salamanca, the Universidad de Murcia, the Universitat de València, the Universidad de Extremadura in Badajoz, the Universidad de Jaén and the Universitat Jaume I in Castellón de la Plana. Private options include the Universidad de Deusto in Bilbao, the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija and the Madrid campus of Saint Louis University. The list also includes university language centres, such as UAB Idiomes Barcelona and the Centro de Idiomas Modernos of the Universidad de Deusto, which run English courses rather than degrees.

Recognition of the degree

An official Spanish grado is valid throughout Spain. A general foreign degree in English philology is not homologated, because it does not lead to a regulated profession; according to the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, holders can instead apply for a declaration of equivalence. Secondary school teaching is different: the ministry lists teacher of ESO, Bachillerato, FP and language teaching among the regulated professions eligible for homologation.

Careers

Teaching is the main path. To teach English in Spanish secondary schools, graduates also need the official master's degree for secondary teachers, which a ministerial order sets at 60 ECTS credits; the Universidad de Salamanca notes this requirement. Graduates also teach at official language schools (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas), university language institutes, academies and companies. Other paths listed by Salamanca include linguistic and literary research, language technology, bilingual intercultural mediation (Spanish-English) and publishing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the English Studies degree taught in English?

Partly. At the Universidad de Salamanca the languages of instruction are Spanish and English, and at the Universidad de Jaén many courses are taught in both languages. A good level of Spanish is still useful.

What level of English do I need to start?

Universities usually expect at least B1. The Universidad de Jaén asks for a minimum of B1 in English plus basic knowledge of a second foreign language.

Can I teach English in a Spanish secondary school with this degree?

Not with the degree alone. Teaching in ESO and Bachillerato also requires the official 60-credit master's degree for secondary teachers.

How long does the degree take?

Four academic years and 240 ECTS credits, followed by an optional master's degree.