Official launch of BA Spanish at the University of Reading

Wednesday, 09 December 2015

BA Spanish has officially launched at the University of Reading after beginning teaching in September 2015. 

The new BA Spanish programme helps students develop highly proficient Spanish language skills, and also provides a diverse range of modules that examine Spanish and Latin American cultures and societies. The course also presents the possibility for students to spend a period of residence abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. BA Spanish also aims to host a wide range of events for the academic community and wider public, including film screenings, academic talks and cultural events. 

A formal event was held on 25 November to mark the official launch of the programme, in which the first cohort of students were invited to meet supporters of the course such as Guisell Morales Echaverry, Ambassador of Nicaragua. Guests enjoyed a selection of Spanish wines and tapas, whilst musical entertainment was provided by the Cuban music band, Charanga del Norte.

Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell recognised the growth of Spanish as a global language. “Spanish as a foreign language is enjoying significant growth in the secondary and tertiary sectors. It is widely recognised as one of the crucial languages of the future, as reported repeatedly by the British Council, amongst other bodies.” 

“Here at Reading, the BA programme in Spanish aims to reflect that growing importance by providing a curriculum that reflects the scope, diversity, dynamism and vibrancy of Spanish and Latin American societies and cultures.”

Recruitment for the course is currently open, and student numbers for its first year of operation surpassed initial targets.