International Relations and Spanish & Latin American Studies

International Relations and Spanish and Latin American Studies is a five-year programme that puts you at the forefront of contemporary debate on world events while equipping you with highly developed skills in one of the world's major languages and the knowledge to engage deeply with a region of extraordinary diversity and significance. International relations examines how states, international organisations, and non-state actors interact on the global stage, exploring the forces that shape conflict, cooperation, and governance across borders. Spanish and Latin American studies develops your linguistic proficiency alongside a deep understanding of the cultures, histories, and contemporary dynamics of the Spanish-speaking world.

At the University of Aberdeen, this five-year full-time programme develops both sets of expertise to a level that neither could achieve in a shorter degree, giving you time to develop genuine language proficiency and real depth in both the political analysis and the regional knowledge. You will study international relations theory and substantive areas including security, trade, diplomacy, and global governance, while the Spanish and Latin American studies strand takes you through language skills, literature, cultural analysis, and the history and politics of Spain and Latin America. The combination prepares you for engagement with the complex international world and the specific dynamics of a region that is central to global economics, politics, and culture.

Graduates are well prepared for careers in politics, diplomacy, international organisations, the media, local and national government, NGOs, international business, and think tanks. The combination of theoretical analytical depth and practical language and cultural competence is a distinctive and valued qualification in any role that requires working across the Spanish-speaking world. Postgraduate study in international relations, Latin American studies, Spanish, or global governance is a natural route for those who wish to develop their expertise further.