Studies & Degrees in Spanish Language and Literature (in Universities)

Choose where you would like to study Spanish Language and Literature (in Universities):

Undertaking a degree in Spanish Language and Literature means that you would explore the depths of a language that is not only spoken in a great number of countries (including Spain, Mexico, Columbia, Chile, Argentina, and many others) but that is also one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of American States, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and a couple of others. Moreover, a bachelor’s in any modern language does open limitless opportunities in the borderless world we live today.

Language graduates embark on extremely diverse jobs and occupations – from teaching, arts and public relations, to fundraising, advertising, administration and politics. Gaining a degree in Spanish Language and Literature can also be a prerequisite for further study in Law or Business, as it greatly develops valued qualities like critical thinking, for example.

To further illustrate some optional occupations of language graduates, let’s take a look at interpreters and translators – in all dealings between companies, countries, or individuals, documents, as well as oral speech and agreements, have to be translated, so that both sides can clearly understand and are enabled to deal with each other. Modern language teachers are also greatly sought after in colleges and high schools, while every international company aims to create strong advertising messages in the local language.

Personal Qualities

Studying Literature requires creativity and the ability to think critically. Qualities like curiosity, a love of reading, examining various texts, authors, and styles would also suit such a degree. Other personal traits may include:

• Excellent communication skills – the course requires to clearly communicate ideas and concepts, employing different techniques and writing styles
• Attention to detail
• Good memory skills
• Good writing skills

Study Options

If you are simply considering to learn the Spanish language at a level to be able to understand, write, and communicate fluently, there are a lot of options to take the course as part of another degree with an international perspective, like International Business, Marketing, International Law, and so on. You can also embark on an online degree, evening classes, or any other more flexible option that would suit your schedule.

If, however, you wish to gain a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature, you would need to research universities that offer this option. In case you have already gained a bachelor’s degree, an additional course or postgraduate study in Spanish literature would definitely enhance your employability by improving interpersonal, analytical, and other skills. To wrap it up, an American study has shown that a greater percentage of Literature than Biology students have been accepted to medical schools.

Career options

Career options are very wide.  Let’s further examine the possible career paths, some of which were mentioned earlier:

Interpretation and translation – interpreters and translators do not simply translate words from one language to another, they need to possess a mastery of both languages in order to convey ideas, concepts, moods, and so on. They may apply their skills in the business or politics world, as well as in the translation of books, marketing materials, etc.

Teaching – today, a modern language in many schools is a compulsory option, and Spanish is a very popular choice, considered the number of population on Earth communicating in this language.

Marketing, branding broadcasting – in order to create messages that fit cultural differences, international companies often place their marketing departments in the country, where they sell their products; or, employ marketing experts, who know the language at a very high level and therefore choose the right words to engage the audience.

Journalism – a degree in literature can naturally lead to a career in journalism and the many exciting perspectives that it offers.

Finally, not to forget Public Relations and Creative Writing as potential career choices.