International Relations and Spanish & Latin American Studies (5 years), MA

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

The MA International Relations and Spanish & Latin American Studies (5 years) at the University of Aberdeen is a unique program that combines global politics with language and culture. It’s perfect for students who want to understand international affairs while becoming fluent in Spanish and exploring the vibrant cultures of Latin America.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in both international relations and Spanish. You’ll explore Introduction to International Relations, learning how global politics work, while Spanish Language 1 and Spanish & Latin American Studies 1 will introduce you to the language, history, and culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

Year 2

Year two builds on your foundation, helping you think more critically about international politics through International Relations Theory. Your Spanish skills will grow with Spanish Language 2, and Spanish & Latin American Studies 2 will dive into contemporary issues in Latin America, from politics to society.

Year 3

This is an exciting year because you’ll spend a year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, fully immersing yourself in the language and culture. You’ll also take Advanced International Relations courses and Advanced Spanish Language, which prepare you for more independent study and research later.

Year 4

In your fourth year, you’ll specialise further with courses like International Political Economy and Latin American Politics, gaining a deeper understanding of global and regional issues. Spanish Language 4 will refine your skills even more, helping you prepare for your dissertation.

Year 5

The final year is all about research and independent work. You’ll complete a dissertation in International Relations and another in Spanish & Latin American Studies, supported by advanced seminars where you can explore your own interests in both fields.

Focus Areas

International Relations, Spanish Language, Latin American Culture, Global Politics, Regional Studies

Learning Outcomes

Become fluent in Spanish, understand Latin American societies, develop strong analytical skills in international relations, gain research expertise, and master cross-cultural communication

Professional Alignment

This degree prepares you for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, media, and academia, giving you both bilingual communication skills and deep cultural knowledge that employers value.

Reputation

The University of Aberdeen is known for its research excellence and supportive learning environment. Its students consistently report high satisfaction, making it a strong choice for anyone serious about global studies and language learning.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aberdeen, this program isn’t just about studying theories in a classroom — it’s about getting out there and putting your skills into practice. You’ll have plenty of chances to immerse yourself in real-world international relations scenarios while developing your Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge. From hands-on projects to a transformative year abroad, the program ensures that your learning goes beyond lectures.

Here’s how students gain practical experience:

Year Abroad in a Spanish-Speaking Country: Spend a full year living, studying, or working abroad, which gives you unparalleled language practice and first-hand cultural understanding.
Cultural and Language Immersion: Courses like Introduction to Latin American Culture and Contemporary Spanish Cinema let you explore politics, history, and society in context, helping you connect classroom learning to real-world issues.
Group Projects and Collaboration: Many courses include team-based assignments and presentations, so you learn to work effectively with others — a skill employers value highly.
Specialist Resources and Facilities: Access the University’s libraries, research institutes, and language labs to support your studies and independent projects.
Research and Field Opportunities: Use dedicated research resources and, when relevant, engage with field trips or case studies that bring international relations and regional studies to life.

These experiences are designed to build confidence, practical skills, and cultural awareness, preparing you for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, and beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program leave Aberdeen with a unique combination of global political knowledge and Spanish language expertise, making them highly sought after in both international and cultural fields. Many find themselves stepping confidently into careers such as:

Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer, representing their country in global affairs
International Development Specialist, working with NGOs or government agencies to promote sustainable change
Policy Analyst, researching and shaping policies for organizations or think tanks
Translator or Interpreter, bridging communication across languages in diverse sectors

Your journey is supported every step of the way through the university’s dedicated employability and career services:

Career Services: Receive personalized guidance, CV support, and interview coaching to prepare for your dream role
Internships and Placement Opportunities: Gain hands-on experience with international organizations and governmental bodies
Networking Events: Connect with alumni and professionals who can open doors in your chosen field
Language Support & Immersion: Advance your Spanish through courses and your compulsory year abroad, giving you a real competitive edge

With these experiences, graduates are well-prepared for the global job market, equipped with practical skills, cultural insights, and confidence to take on international roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, many students continue their studies to specialise even further. Options include:

LLM in International Law and International Relations, focusing on the legal side of global affairs
MLitt in European and Latin American Literatures and Cultures, for a deeper dive into language, literature, and cultural studies