Spanish is a dynamic global language with around 350 million native speakers in Spain, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the USA, Equatorial Guinea and the Philippines. Its use and influence in international politics, economics and communications are growing rapidly, as Spain and leading Latin American countries play increasingly important roles in world affairs.
The primary focus of Hispanic Studies at Durham is the vibrant cultural output of Spain and Latin America. Staff in the Department are internationally recognized experts on literature, film, theatre and visual culture from the Middle Ages to the present.
Our undergraduate courses in Spanish language, available to both beginners and those with A Level Spanish, aim to equip students with a sound understanding of how the language works, the confidence to use it effectively in a wide range of situations, and an awareness of the diversity of its cultural functions.
At postgraduate level, Spanish and Latin American topics can be studied as part of the School’s taught MAs in the Photographic Image, Culture and Difference, and Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Spanish/English translation is included in the School's new MA in Translation Studies www.dur.ac.uk/mlac/postgraduate/transstuds/. We supervise research degrees in the fields of Spanish literature, film and theatre; Latin American literature and visual culture; literary and dramatic translation.
The Department of Hispanic Studies at Durham University participated in RAE08 and received detailed feedback in January 2009. 90% of all of the research submitted by Durham University staff was assessed as being at least of International Quality (2* and above) in terms of originality, significance and rigour. Of the research assessed from Hispanic Studies, 65% is recognised as Internationally Excellent or World Leading (3* and 4*). This places us 4th in a ranking of UK institutions based on the same criteria. The Good University Guide 2010, using similar criteria, also ranks us 2nd out of 43 Iberian Languages departments.
The Department's outstanding research performance has contributed to very high rankings in university guides published in the press. The Iberian Languages tables in both the Complete University Guide and the Times Good University Guide have put us in 2nd place in the 2010 and 2011 editions. These tables combine a research assessment score with measures of student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey), entry standards (average UCAS tariff), and graduate prospects (percentage of graduates going into graduate-level employment or further study). (Note: you need to register to view the Times GUG; they offer a free preview.)
Image of the Córdoba Mezquita © 1996 Steven J. Dunlop and used under the terms of the GFDL.
'Calle del descanso' image © Ulrik De Wachter and used with permission.
Image of statue of Santa Teresa in Avila © Michael Thompson 2001.
