Arts - Spanish
By choosing the Maynooth BA degree, a wide variety of interesting subjects is opened up to you. Hundreds of subject combinations are available and you don't have to make any decision on your subject choices until you have sampled as many as you wish over the first four weeks of first year.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
3 years (4 if taking Erasmus/Study Abroad option)
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & 3rd language
(Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and a minimum of grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects. Minimum O6/H7 in Irish, English and a third language.)
Spanish: While there is no minimum entry requirement to study this language at non-beginner level, we generally recommend H4 Leaving Certificate level.
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
In general, students must be 17 years or older by 15th January in the year after entry to the University. If you are younger, you must make a special application to the University’s President.
All Leaving Certificate subjects carry equal points with the exception of *Mathematics (details below). Points are awarded for your six best subjects in any one year. These do not have to include subjects needed to meet general minimum entry requirements. Minimum entry requirements and course requirements may be satisfied by an accumulation of subjects over more than one year. As well as achieving the required points, you must have a minimum of six subjects in your Leaving Certificate, with two Higher Level papers at grade H5 and four Ordinary or Higher Level papers at grade O6/H7.
The requirements for each course are shown above.
* 25 bonus points will be added to the points score for a Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics grade H6 or higher.
The bonus points are included in the overall points calculation only when Mathematics is one of the applicant’s best six subjects following the addition of the bonus.
Foundation level Mathematics is accepted for matriculation (i.e. can be counted as one of the six subjects required - grade F6 or higher), but does not meet the requirement for degrees where Mathematics is a special programme requirement. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Foundation level Irish is not accepted for matriculation. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Points are awarded as follows:
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Applicants can use their points allocation for the Link Modules as one of their best six subjects for the purpose of calculating points, but the Link Modules do not qualify as a subject for minimum entry requirement purposes.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Click on the 'QQI FET Applicants Information link' below for specific course entry requirements.
QQI FET General Information Link
Careers / Further progression
Options after graduation?
- degree in Spanish offers students enhanced employability in a wide range of careers - diplomatic service, development work with NGOs, education, publishing, working with EU and global institutions, translation and interpretation, international trade, communications and tourism.
- Multinational companies such as Google and Intel, many of whom have bases in Ireland, continually note the importance of finding graduates who are not only fluent in languages but who have the intercultural competence to deal with colleagues and customers in an increasingly globalised world.
- Some of our students go on to pursue postgraduate research in Spanish and Latin American Studies. We offer a range of postgraduate programmes, and are happy to supervise postgraduate research in areas including Spanish Linguistics and Spanish and Latin American Literature and Culture.
Further information
Maynooth University greatly values the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University. A mature student is 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time degrees the mature age is 21. There is no upper age limit; we currently have students who range in age from 23 to over 70. Up to 200 mature students begin their studies here each year. Many of our mature entrants undertake preparatory studies in advance of gaining admission.
The Mature Student Office is committed to supporting the learning experience of our mature students. A certain number of places are reserved for mature students on all undergraduate courses. We offer a range of supports for mature students including an advisory service, tailored information sessions during Orientation/Welcome Week, academic advisors, the Student Budgeting Advice Service and a technology skills programme. There is also a Mature Student Society on campus providing a continuation of peer support, both academic and social, to incoming mature students.
See the Mature Student handbook for detailed information about applying as a mature student. Call, email or drop in to meet us in MAP Lodge on the North Campus or to request a mature student information pack. If the opportunity to return to education has presented itself to you, we hope you’ll choose Maynooth University.
Emer Sheerin, Mature Student Officer
+ 353 1 708 3307
emer.sheerin@mu.ie
Places 2023: 1,750 (MH101)
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
MH101: THE CAO'S MOST POPULAR FIRST PREFERENCE COURSE
The Maynooth Bachelor of Arts Degree MH101 has been among the top preference CAO courses for a number of years, receiving most first preference applications. By choosing the Maynooth BA degree, a wide variety of interesting subjects is opened up to you. Hundreds of subject combinations are available and you don't have to make any decision on your subject choices until you have sampled as many as you wish over the first four weeks of first year.
You will have the opportunity to acquire specific subject knowledge and transferable skills, such as social, analytical and management skills and the chance to emerge as a wellrounded BA graduate who is career-ready and equipped for employment and further study in Ireland or abroad.
Course Structure and Subject Groups
Course Structure
1st year: 60 Credits
Choose 2, 3 or 4 subjects - one per group - see table below (each subject is 15 credits).
Double subjects have a 30 credit option in 1st year. You can take 2 double subjects in 1st year unless they are scheduled at the same time. You should only do this if you are really sure of your subject choices.
Optional Critical Skills (15 credits) is available to take with all subject combinations.
Your options - summary
4 subjects (4 x 15 credits)
This allows you to study the greatest range of subjects and decide which you prefer
3 subjects and Critical Skills (4 x 15 credits)
This allows you to take a range of subjects and also take the Critical Skills course
A double subject and two others (1 x 30 credits and 2 x 15 credits)
This allows you to take three subjects, but to devote half of your time to one subject
A double subject, one other subject and Critical Skills (1 x 30 credits and 2 x 15 credits)
In this option you take two subjects along with the Critical Skills first year course
Two double subjects (2 x 30 credits)
In this option you take only two subjects in first year
2nd year and Final year: 60 credits per year
In most cases students progress with two subjects, choosing between:
-Double Major (30:30)
-Major with Minor (40:20)
In some cases a Single Major (normally 60 credits) option is possible.
After 1st year there may be an option to move into a specialised degree, depending on the subjects you chose in 1st year and your results.
These are the possible transfer options having completed the 1st year of the Maynooth BA Degree:
BA Finance MH401
BA Accounting and Finance MH403
Single Major BBS or BBA (Business and Management / International Business / Marketing and/or with Global Cultures) MH404
BBS/BBA Business and Accounting MH407
BBA Business and Languages MH409
BSc Economics MH415
BA International Economics MH416
LLB Single Major MH501
BCL Double Major (Law and Arts / Law and Accounting / Law and Business / Law and Criminology) MH502
BSc Computer Science and Software Engineering / BSc Multimedia, Mobile and Web Development (through Arts) MH601
Electives: In 2nd year you’ll have the opportunity to take an Elective. This is an optional 10 credit short course which helps students to expand their university education and broaden their perspective. Electives are compatible with all subjects in MH101 and many of our specialised degrees.
Erasmus or Study Abroad: BA students have the option of studying at one of Maynooth’s almost 200 partner universities after second year. Students taking this option graduate with a BA International degree after four years.
Bachelor of Arts Subject Groups - First Year
31 subjects are organised into 6 timetable groups. The subjects in a group are scheduled at the same time, so you may not choose more than one subject from any group. The following table shows the timetable groups. You can take any combination, as long as there is no timetable clash and you meet any minimum entry requirements.
Subject Groups
Group 1
Geography - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
German - 30 credits required for beginners in this language
Law - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Mathematics (Pure) (Groups 1+3) - 30 credits must be taken in this subject
Philosophy
Critical Skills
Group 2
Business (International)- This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Business (Management)- This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Business (Marketing)- This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Criminology
History - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Music (extra 15)
Critical Skills
Group 3
English - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
International Development - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Mathematical Studies
Mathematics (Pure) (Groups 1+3) - 30 credits must be taken in this subject
Critical Skills
Group 4
Anthropology - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Economics
Music Technology
Nua-Ghaeilge
Critical Skills
Group 5
Computer Science - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Music - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Sociology
Spanish - 30 credits required for beginners in this language
Critical Skills
Group 6
Accounting - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Chinese Studies - 30 credits required for beginners in this language
French - 30 credits required for beginners in this language
Greek & Roman Civilization
Mathematical Physics
Media & Cultural Studies
Medieval Celtic Studies
Politics
Psychological Studies
Statistics
Business (extra 15)
English (extra 15)
Geography - If choosing the Geography subject in Group 6, the only subject you may choose in Group 1 is Geography (this is due to timetabling of subjects in 2nd year)
Critical Skills
Group 7 (only relevant if taking a 30 credit option in these subjects)
Anthropology (extra 15)
Chinese Studies (extra 15)
Computer Science (extra 15)
French (extra 15)
German (extra 15)
History (extra 15)
International Development (extra 15)
Law (extra 15)
Spanish (extra 15)
Language and Culture (this subject is available for non-beginner Chinese Studies, French, German or Spanish students)
Note
1. Each subject is worth 15 credits. Subjects available as optional 'double subjects’ (30 credits) are noted above . These subjects need extra class times, normally scheduled in Groups 6 or 7.
2. Chinese Studies, French, German and Spanish require a 30 credit first year for beginners in the language (noted above). If you have studied one of these languages before (to Leaving Certificate level; H4 standard or better is recommended), you take the 15 credit option.
3. 15 credit Critical Skills can be taken in any timetable group.
4. The following subjects have minimum entry requirements that you must meet if you wish to take that subject:
> Nua-Ghaeilge: H4
> Music: H5
> Mathematics (Pure): H2
5. For the following subjects we recommend certain minimum Leaving Certificate grades:
> Accounting, Business (International), Business (Management), Business (Marketing), Economics: we recommend that students have achieved Leaving Certificate O4/H7 Mathematics to study these subjects.
> Computer Science, Mathematical Physics, Mathematical Studies, Music Technology, Statistics: we recommend that students have achieved Leaving Certificate O3/H7 Mathematics to study these subjects.
> Chinese Studies, French, German, Spanish: while there is no minimum entry requirement to study these languages at non-beginner level, we generally recommend H4 Leaving Certificate level.
6. If you are taking Statistics in 1st year you must also take Mathematical Studies or Mathematics (Pure).
Spanish (group 5 subject)
- If you want to achieve a high level of competency in a world language, as well as learn about Spanish and Latin American culture and society more generally, studying Spanish as part of our BA degree is for you.
- As a student of Spanish, you will have a twin focus on language and culture. Through language classes and with supporting material such as film, literature and cultural events, you will aim to become a fluent speaker and writer of Spanish. If you’re a beginner, you can take intensive language classes.
- Over the course of your degree programme, you will receive an excellent grounding in all aspects of Spanish language through core modules in Spanish Language, complemented by a broad range of optional modules such as Linguistics, Spanish Literature and Cinema, Latin American Literature and Cinema, Catalan and Portuguese.
Why choose this subject?
- What distinguishes Spanish and Latin American Studies at Maynooth University is that we give students a thorough grounding in the language while introducing them to Spanish as a world language and cornerstone of many vibrant cultures.
- Spanish is offered in a friendly, supportive environment at both beginner and non-beginner (post-Leaving Certificate, or equivalent) levels in first year.
- Students are expected to spend the third year of their BA studying in a university in Spain or Latin America, including the world-renowned Universities of Salamanca and Guadalajara, Mexico. This is a unique opportunity and a "lifechanging" experience, as any of our past students who have spent a year abroad can attest. You also have the opportunity to work as a Teaching Assistant in Spain (subject to availability), which is a great asset to have on your CV
- Students interested in teaching Spanish should note that the Teaching Council of Ireland requires all registered teachers of Spanish to have spent a minimum of two months living in a Spanish-speaking country. The Maynooth University School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures advise at least a three-month residency. Students who successfully complete a year abroad as part of their programme are conferred with a 4-year BA International.
Course structure
1st year
BA Bachelor of Arts – Spanish – Double Major or as a Minor
You will engage with a wide range of texts, learning to recognise and analyse key features.
- Either 15 credits of Spanish (if you studied Spanish in school to the recommended H4 Leaving Certificate or equivalent level) or 30 credits of Spanish (if you are a beginner)
- Non-beginners are strongly recommended to take Language and Culture as a subject in 1st year and to select the modules on Spanish Language and Culture. This is especially important if you are hoping to keep on Spanish to degree level
- Choose 2 or 3 other subjects, which may include Critical Skills, from the available groups (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table p. 45 of prospectus or see 'Course Content' field above for list.
Choose your other subjects from the 5 groups available (maximum 1 subject per group)
2nd year and Final year
- Spanish as a Double Major or as a Minor
- Continue with 1 of your 1st year subjects
- Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year
- Transfer option in 2nd year - into the Business and Languages degree MH409 - for students who have completed the first year of the BA degree (MH101) taking at least 15 credits of a Business subject and passing 30 credits of beginners/15 credits of non-beginner Spanish.
Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year
All students of Spanish & Latin American Studies have the opportunity to spend the third year of their degree programme in a Spanish-speaking country. This might involve:
- Studying at a university in Spain (Erasmus programme)
- Assisting with English classes at a Spanish school (ELA programme - subject to availability)
- Erasmus internship/placement (subject to availability)
Students who avail of the Year Abroad can have this year recognised as part of their studies and thus convert their degree programme into a 4-year BA International.
Possible topics
1st year
Language from beginner or Leaving Certificate level (or equivalent)
Introduction to the culture of the Spanish-speaking countries
2nd year
Introduction to Spanish Literature
Latin American Short Story
Visual Worlds of Spain and Latin America
Language modules
Linguistics
Catalan or Portuguese are also offered at beginner level
Crossing Boundaries: Preparation for the Year Abroad
Final year
Spanish Literature
Latin American Literature
Linguistics and Translation
Students continue with their language modules
Continuing Catalan or Portuguese are also offered
Contact us
Maynooth University Spanish and Latin American Studies
+ 353 1 708 4724
spanish@mu.ie
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/spanish
Facebook: @MaynoothSMLLC
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