Why Bachelor of Arts?
Want to master one of the fastest-growing languages?
Spoken by almost 500 million people, Spanish is the fourth most used language globally – and an official language of the United Nations. Native Spanish speakers can be found in every reach of the world, throughout five continents and in over twenty countries.
These countries play a significant role in global politics, economy and culture. Whether you’re making friends, accessing research or creating business opportunities, mastering Spanish will unlock exciting new horizons.
Get a global perspective. Enhance your resume with bilingual skills and open doors to exciting careers in Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Arts is future-focused and flexible, focused on exploratory learning and career readiness.
The Spanish Studies major immerses you in Spanish language, culture and society. Flexible for different language levels, the curriculum explores big questions. How did Spanish colonialism shape Latin America? How do dialects vary across Spanish-speaking regions? What is the future of the language? Through language acquisition, literature and contemporary culture courses, you’ll discover the rich traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.
Our staff are passionate, experienced and accessible, eager to propel your language mastery forward and support your research ambitions. You’ll engage with Spanish-speaking communities in Australia and abroad. Benefit from personalised tutoring and mentoring. Get acquainted with Spanish events, clubs and organisations. Review contemporary Hispanic Studies research. Participate in immersion programs and exchange partnerships overseas. Gain real-world experience through tailored internships.
You’ll graduate ready for dynamic careers that demand cultural agility and a global perspective.
Key features
Learn to speak, read, write and negotiate in Spanish.- Access valuable tutoring and career services.
- Benefit from rich immersion programs and exchanges in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Build your professional network, including active researchers and guest scholars.
- Define your career path through research, reflection and hands-on work experience.
- Undertake a tailored internship in a relevant industry.
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of Arts is designed to launch you into the career of your dreams with a focus on readiness for the modern workforce. Through hands-on internships, you’ll gain real-world experience and connect with industry professionals, setting the stage for future opportunities. Engage in self-reflection, research and goal setting to chart a personalised path forward. We nurture adaptability and out-of-the-box thinking, preparing you to navigate change and drive innovation in your future career.
The Spanish Studies major offers two streams: Beginners – for those new to Spanish or with some school experience – and Continuers, for native speakers or those with high grades in previous study. Depending on your starting level, you’ll take courses in:
- Beginners Spanish
- Intermediate Spanish
- Upper-intermediate Spanish
- Advanced Spanish
- Introduction to contemporary Spanish culture
- Introduction to contemporary Spanish and Latin American literature.
You’ll build a firm grasp of modern Spanish, including a broad vocabulary and grammatical understanding for both spoken and written forms. Learn to communicate effectively, navigating complex conversations. Advance your cultural appreciation and critical thinking, studying Spanish literature, art, architecture, films and social issues. Discover the vibrant multicultural impact of the growing Spanish-speaking community in South Australia. Through interactive classes, study-abroad opportunities and extracurricular activities, you’ll gain a multifaceted understanding of the Spanish-speaking world and develop valuable intercultural competencies essential for global citizenship.
Our flexible Bachelor of Arts also allows you to explore other interests by taking another major in a different area. Pursue interdisciplinary studies – from History to International Development – to complement your Spanish language journey.
Majors
The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Archaeology and Classical Studies
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Anthropology
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- English Literature
- Environmental Management
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- German Studies
- History
- International Development
- International Security
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
- Screen Studies
- Sociology.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for all Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
|
Course code
SOCI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Beginners Spanish A
|
Course code
LANG1609
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Beginners Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG1606
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Spanish A
|
Course code
LANG2603
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG2604
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate Spanish A
|
Course code
HLTH1030
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG3605
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Spanish Literature
|
Course code
LANG3603
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Spain
|
Course code
LANG2605
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Spanish A
|
Course code
LANG2603
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG2604
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate Spanish A
|
Course code
HLTH1030
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG3605
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Spanish Literature
|
Course code
LANG3603
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Spain
|
Course code
LANG2605
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
|
Course code
ABORBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
|
Course code
ARCYBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
|
Course code
ARTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
German Studies
|
Course code
GERMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Philosophy
|
Course code
PHILBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCRBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Kaurna Languages
|
Course code
KAURBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
Learning another language will give you a competitive edge in the global job market. You could work as a diplomat, for a Spanish content agency or at Latin American film festivals. You might pursue international business, facilitating partnerships across cultures. Perhaps you’ll lead tours in Spanish-speaking countries, sharing your passion for history and culture.
You could also be a:
- Interpreter
- Language instructor
- Cultural liaison
- Import/export coordinator
- International relations specialist
- Travel consultant
- Market research analyst
- Translator
- Immigration service worker
- Tourism consultant
- Foreign correspondent
- Multilingual health professional
- Cultural events coordinator
- International aid worker
- Legal assistant.
Industry trends
In today’s globalised world, being bilingual is not just an asset – it can be a real necessity. More and more, government agencies and non-profit organisations value language skills for diplomacy and navigating cross-cultural issues. Major industries such as finance, marketing, sales and especially international trade, need professionals who can operate effectively in Spanish-speaking markets. Countries like Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Chile and Peru have emerging markets experiencing substantial economic growth. Corporations like Amazon, Google and Coca-Cola also operate extensively in Spanish-speaking regions. Understanding Spanish enables you to tap into these opportunities. Whether you’re negotiating crucial deals, establishing business partnerships or expanding campaigns into new territories, your language skills will be invaluable.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
