Modern History and Spanish

Modern history and Spanish is a degree that combines the critical study of the past five centuries with direct engagement in one of the world's most widely spoken languages and its rich cultural traditions. Modern history teaches you to analyse historical events and processes from the sixteenth century to the present, developing the ability to handle primary and secondary sources, to evaluate competing interpretations, and to construct arguments about how and why the modern world came to be the way it is. Spanish gives you linguistic access to the societies that produced much of that history, from the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America to the far-reaching consequences of the Spanish empire and the contemporary Spanish-speaking world.

At St Andrews, this four-year MA (Hons) allows you to pursue both disciplines in depth, with history offering a wide range of optional classes across chronological, geographical, and thematic areas so that you can tailor your historical study to your interests. Spanish language study will develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to an advanced level, alongside cultural and literary modules that deepen your understanding of Spanish-speaking societies past and present. The degree includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking country or to study at an international partner institution, which is essential for developing the kind of linguistic fluency and cultural confidence that employers recognise.

Graduates of modern history and Spanish move into careers in diplomacy, the civil service, international organisations, journalism, publishing, teaching, law, and the cultural sector. The combination of historical analytical ability and Spanish language proficiency is particularly valued in roles that involve engagement with Latin America, Spain, or the wider Spanish-speaking world. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in history, Spanish, Latin American studies, or international relations, extending their expertise into specialist research or professional practice.