International Relations and Spanish
International relations and Spanish is a combination that brings analytical rigour to the study of global affairs while equipping you with one of the world's most widely spoken languages. International relations as a discipline explores the origins of war and peace, the making of foreign policy, the architecture of trade regimes, international terrorism, human rights law, and the interaction between political and economic development. Spanish adds a direct linguistic and cultural connection to a vast region, encompassing Spain and much of Latin America, that is central to contemporary global politics, migration, trade and cultural life.
At the University of St Andrews you will study this four-year full-time programme, which includes a year abroad giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking country for an extended period, deepening both your language skills and your direct understanding of the societies and political contexts you study academically. St Andrews has a strong international reputation in the social sciences, attracting students from across the world and creating a genuinely international intellectual community. You will engage with the theories and methods of international relations, from realism and liberalism to constructivism and critical approaches, while also developing your Spanish language skills across reading, writing, listening and spoken production, alongside engagement with Hispanic literature and cultural history.
Graduates of this combination are well prepared for careers in diplomacy and foreign affairs, international organisations, NGOs, development agencies, journalism and international business. Spanish language competence combined with expertise in international relations is particularly valued in organisations with interests in Latin America, Spain or the wider Spanish-speaking world. Roles in the civil service, think tanks, conflict resolution, human rights work and policy research are also strong destinations.
Postgraduate study in international relations, area studies, Spanish and Latin American studies, law or public policy is a natural next step.