Course Overview
Attendance
Course summary
Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster.
Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.
The Foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules from areas closely related to your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.
On successful completion of the Foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the Spanish and International Communication BA Honours degree.
Our Spanish and International Communication BA develops your knowledge of the Spanish language and culture, and develops your communication skills for the professional global environment.
Our course helps you to achieve a good or high level of linguistic proficiency in Spanish in reading, writing, listening and speaking. It also gives you insight into and practice in communicating internationally as well as mediating between English and Spanish speakers.
The curriculum integrates applied language skills and cultural studies, while ensuring a rigorous development of your foreign language competence in all areas. We teach in an integrated interdisciplinary way, exploring the connections between language and culture and the broader historical and cross-cultural contexts in which they are produced.
You'll improve your ability as an intercultural communicator by studying how our ideas are shaped and communicated in a global society, where our interactions are no longer confined by national, regional or cultural boundaries.
Studying the Spanish and International Communication BA, you'll acquire qualities and skills in areas such as interpersonal communication and organisational skills, analysis and argument, autonomy and team working, and team management. You’ll also build your flexibility, tolerance and organisational skills to enable you to be an effective international communicator. On graduation, you'll be able to thrive linguistically in diverse cultural situations.
You'll have the option to spend a full academic year abroad at one of our partner institutions, or undertake an approved form of employment in a country where Spanish is the official language, such as Spain or Argentina. You can work as a paid language assistant in a foreign school or undertake a work or volunteering placement, both of which give you a valuable opportunity to boost your employability while improving your language competence. You'll have the option to undertake a combination of both study and work.
Top reasons to study with us
- Enhance your language skills abroad – You'll have the option to spend a full academic year abroad between Years 2 and 3, or shorter periods ranging from a few days to a full semester
- Get career-ready – Our course strengthens your communication skills and gives you practice in transferring these to the world of work
- Understand multiple forms of communication – You'll learn how to read between the lines and really understand how we're influenced by the messages around us – on TV, in advertising, and across other media
- Multicultural focus – We use our students' different cultural experiences to discover what it means to be an intercultural communicator
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Intercultural Communication
- Imagining Global Society and Politics
- Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
- Reading Identities
- Living and working in Spanish speaking countries
There are no optional or elective modules offered at Level 3, as the focus is on the development of key academic skills through a broad understanding of social sciences and humanities.
Credit Level 3
Subjects of study include:
- Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication
- Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
- Introduction to Translation (available to intermediate students)
- Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
- The Spanish World and the Word
- World Varieties of English
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Difference and the Visual: Representation, Meaning and Identity
- Expressions of Spanish Culture
- Language in the Public Space
- Multilingual e-Collaboration: Transposing Current Affairs
- Understanding Culture: Hispanic Studies in Focus
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Spanish and Global Communication with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Spanish and Global Communication with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Final Year Project
- Identities on the Move: Hispanic Studies in Focus
- Mediation in International Contexts
- Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
- Professionalising International Communication
- Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
- Themes in Contemporary Hispanic Studies
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
Professional recognition
The University of Westminster is a Higher Education Language partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
Hear from our students
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers and support you to achieve your full potential.
Boost your employability
Spanish was the second most desired language by employers in 2019, according to a report by CBI/Pearson.
Source: CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey report 2019.
Futureproof your career
The British Council named Spanish as the most important language for the future in 2017.
Source: British Council.
International experience
Gain work experience while developing your language skills by taking part in a semester or an academic year working or volunteering in a Spanish-speaking country. Previous destinations have included Madrid, Barcelona, Grenada, Cuba, Mexico, and Argentina.
Industry links
Guest speakers join us from a range of companies, organisations and agencies, which in the past have included:
- Migration Museum Project
- The Museum of Brands
- World Bank
Work experience
You have the opportunity to spend an optional year abroad working or volunteering in a Spanish-speaking country.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for a range of roles, including:
- Brand managing and advertising expert
- Communication expert in business and marketing
- Global communication executive
- Interpreter
- Liaison officer
- Teacher
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- British Council
- European Parliament
- Harrods
- Ministry of Justice
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Federica Mazzara
Reader in Cultural Studies
Federica Mazzara has a background in Cultural Studies and is interested in a variety of topics, including migration, representation and art. She graduated in languages and values the importance of learning a foreign language in relation to its cultural context.
She teaches various modules at the University of Westminster, including Introduction to the Studies of Language and Culture, and Complex Narratives: Representation, Meaning and Identity and Migration and Cultural Encounters.
She is course leader for the "Languages and International Communication" and "English Language and International Communication" BA courses.
If you're interested in the language and culture of different countries and how they interact on global issues, then this is the course for you."
Course Team
Why study this course?
Fantastic London location
Our Regent Campus is based around one of London’s most vibrant streets and puts you in the heart of multicultural London.
Develop a global outlook
Learn about different cultures and strengthen your intercultural communication skills by learning alongside students from all over the world.
Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) partner
We are committed to supporting the development of our linguists and we work closely with the CIOL.
Studying languages with us
Entry Requirements
- A levels – DEE (56 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 56 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 56 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
- BTEC Diploma – MM
- Access – 56 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement. We accept students at Beginners’ and Intermediate levels. Proficient students (native speaker level) will be directed towards our BA in Languages and Translation as a more appropriate course.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 56 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.- We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement. We accept students at Beginners’ and Intermediate levels. Proficient students (native speaker level) will be directed towards our BA in Languages and Translation as a more appropriate course.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
You should budget £50 for additional materials at Level 4, £50 at Level 5 and £50 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
You should budget £50 for additional materials at Level 4, £50 at Level 5 and £50 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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