BA Politics and Spanish

One of the best parts of studying Politics and Spanish at Manchester is how much you’ll learn by doing. You won’t just sit in lectures—you’ll debate, collaborate, research, and immerse yourself in Spanish culture. From interactive language labs and interpreting suites to political workshops and year-abroad experiences, the program is designed to make sure you graduate with skills that feel real and useful in the world. You’ll also benefit from the university’s strong cultural links across Manchester, giving you the chance to practice your Spanish in authentic settings while connecting your studies to real political issues.

Here’s how that comes to life:

• Year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country – spend up to a year studying or working overseas, boosting your fluency and gaining international experience.

• Specialist Language Centre – access interpreting suites, multimedia resources, and digital tools like language-learning software, subtitling, and multilingual TV.

• Cultural engagement – work with partners like the Instituto Cervantes, HOME, and Palaver Festival, bringing Hispanic culture directly into your studies.

• Interactive teaching – small-group seminars, debates, and collaborative research projects give you the chance to sharpen your critical and communication skills.

• Student societies and film clubs – join Spanish-language events, cinema screenings, and discussion groups for extra practice outside the classroom.

• Independent research – develop your own dissertation or research project, with full academic support and access to Manchester’s world-class libraries.

A degree in Politics and Spanish opens doors to a wide range of careers where communication, cultural knowledge, and critical thinking are valued. Many of our graduates go on to work in media and journalism, public relations and communications, government and civil service, or the business and consulting sector. Employers who’ve hired Manchester graduates include the BBC, United Nations, ASOS, Ernst & Young, Eversheds, and the NHS.

Progression & Future Opportunities

• Dedicated Careers Support
  You won’t be on your own when it comes to planning your future. The University’s Careers Service is one of the best in the UK, offering tailored advice for language and politics students, plus access to events, job boards, and coaching. What’s great is that you can keep using this support for up to two years after graduation.

• Strong Employment Outcomes
  Manchester is consistently ranked as the second most targeted university by top graduate employers in the UK (High Fliers, 2024). That means recruiters are actively looking for Manchester students, which puts you in a strong position when you graduate.

• Industry Links
  Your degree is connected to some impressive names. Graduates have landed roles at organisations like the BBC, Northern & Shell, United Nations, ASOS, Ernst & Young, and the NHS. That shows the versatility of this course—you’re not limited to just one career path.

• A Degree That Holds Its Value
  Manchester is ranked among the top 10 in the UK for Modern Languages and Social Sciences, and in the world's top 50 for Arts & Humanities. Having “Manchester” on your CV is instantly recognisable and carries real weight with employers across the globe.

• Skills You’ll Graduate With
  By the time you finish, you’ll have more than just subject knowledge. You’ll leave with:

  • The ability to communicate confidently across cultures

  • Analytical and critical thinking skills

  • The ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects

  • A year abroad experience that proves you can adapt and thrive in new environments

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep studying, this degree sets you up really well for postgraduate options. Many graduates go on to Master’s programmes in law, education, public policy, international relations, or languages, either at Manchester or elsewhere. The degree is also designed so that you can move smoothly into professional training or specialist postgraduate study, depending on the path you choose.