This degree is perfect for students who want to understand how politics shapes our world while becoming fluent in one of the most widely spoken languages — Spanish. You’ll explore global issues like power, identity, and human rights while developing the communication and cultural skills that make you stand out internationally.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Building your foundations
You’ll start with core modules such as Introduction to Politics and Political Ideas and Institutions, learning how governments function and how political theories influence real-world decisions. At the same time, you’ll take Spanish for Beginners or Intermediate Spanish, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and conversational fluency through small-group tutorials and interactive sessions.
Year 2 – Expanding your perspective
You’ll dive deeper into how different countries and systems operate in Comparative Politics and Political Theory. Spanish study continues at a higher level, with emphasis on comprehension, writing, and speaking. You can also choose optional modules in areas like Nationalism, Environmental Policy, or International Relations to explore topics you care about.
Year 3 – Specialization and depth
Now you begin to shape your degree around your interests — whether it’s Human Rights, European Politics, or Global Governance. Your Spanish modules focus on real-world application through cultural studies, literature, or translation. This year, develop your analytical and independent research skills through seminars and discussions.
Year 4 – The honours experience
In your final year, you’ll complete a Politics Dissertation (PO40006), conducting independent research on a political issue you’re passionate about, guided by expert faculty. You’ll also take advanced options in global affairs or Spanish culture, combining your political insight with language mastery — a combination highly valued by employers worldwide.
Focus Areas
Politics • Global Governance • Human Rights • Comparative Systems • Spanish Language & Culture
Learning Outcomes
Critical thinking • Research & analysis • Bilingual communication • Intercultural competence • Policy understanding
Professional Alignment
Offered by the School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Law, the program reflects modern political studies standards and equips you for roles in diplomacy, journalism, NGOs, civil service, and postgraduate research.
Reputation & Employability
Dundee consistently earns high student satisfaction and graduate outcomes across the UK. Its politics graduates work in public policy, foreign affairs, media, international organizations, and education, often using their Spanish fluency to work across borders.
At Dundee, learning Politics with Spanish is not about memorizing theories or vocabulary — it’s about experiencing politics and language in action. From your first year, you’ll be encouraged to debate real political issues, engage with current global affairs, and immerse yourself in the Spanish language through active communication, not just classroom drills.
You’ll learn in small, discussion-based seminars where your ideas actually shape the conversation. And for Spanish, you’ll build fluency through live language labs, role-play simulations, and cultural immersion projects. As you move to the later years, you’ll gain independence — researching political topics you care about and applying your Spanish in authentic contexts, possibly even abroad.
Here’s how Dundee helps you learn by doing:
Interactive Language Labs: Weekly sessions to strengthen your speaking, listening, and comprehension using digital software and native-speaker audio resources.
Year Abroad or Exchange Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to study in a Spanish-speaking country, immersing yourself in both the language and culture while earning credit toward your degree.
Research-Led Teaching: Politics modules are taught by researchers working on global issues like human rights, nationalism, and sustainability — so your coursework connects to real-world challenges.
Group Projects & Simulations: Expect to work with peers on political campaigns, negotiation simulations, and policy debates that develop your analytical and leadership skills.
Dedicated Study Spaces: You’ll learn in the Scrymgeour Building, home to Politics and International Relations, with direct access to academic mentors and resources.
Library & Digital Tools: Access the Main Library’s rich political archives, Spanish texts, and digital learning tools to enhance research and translation skills.
Student Societies: Join the Politics Society or Spanish Society, where you’ll network, attend debates, cultural events, and film nights — making learning social and memorable.
Studying Politics with Spanish at Dundee opens doors that go far beyond the classroom. Our graduates go on to shape policies, work in diplomacy, lead campaigns, and build international connections across languages and cultures. With a degree that combines global politics and language fluency, you’ll graduate ready to work anywhere in the world — from government and media to NGOs and multinational companies.
Here’s how Dundee prepares you for real-world success:
Career Support from Day One: You’ll have access to the University’s Careers Service, offering one-to-one guidance, CV reviews, mock interviews, and networking events. A dedicated careers adviser for Politics and International Relations ensures your path stays focused and practical.
Work Experience Built Into Your Degree: You can take micro-placements (30-hour modules) that let you work with real employers during your studies — gaining experience before you graduate.
Career Fairs & Job Portals: With seven annual recruitment fairs and over 8,000 job opportunities listed through the university’s job platform each year, Dundee connects you directly with employers across sectors.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: Around 90% of Dundee graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months. Many move into professional or high-skilled roles across politics, business, and public service.
Industry & Global Partnerships: Dundee integrates career development modules into your coursework, helping you link theory to employability. The university also runs the Dundee Plus Programme, which builds your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills — qualities employers look for worldwide.
Lasting Degree Value: While the degree isn’t tied to a specific professional body, it’s widely respected for its cross-cultural and analytical focus, giving you a competitive edge in bilingual or international roles.
You could see yourself thriving in roles like:
Policy Analyst • Diplomatic Service Officer • NGO Coordinator • Communications Specialist • Translator or International Liaison Officer
Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies, Dundee provides multiple postgraduate routes to deepen your expertise and specialise further:
Master’s degrees in International Relations, Global Politics, or Public Policy
Research degrees such as MPhil or PhD in Politics, Human Rights, or Comparative Studies
Postgraduate pathways in Translation, Applied Linguistics, or European Studies
Professional programmes in Diplomacy, Migration Policy, or Sustainable Development
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