Postgraduate Study in Spanish
Languages take you places.
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is the official language for more than 400 million people and is spoken in Spain, Central and South America, Mexico, the United States, the Philippines and some parts of Africa. Within the Pacific Rim context, Spanish is expected to become a major language of communication in coming years.
Spanish-speaking countries account for an increasing proportion of world trade and are becoming important target markets for New Zealand exporters. The New Zealand government has also indicated a strong interest in developing cultural links with South America.
Why study Spanish?
Language specialists are constantly in demand in the modern world of global travel and communication. As New Zealand continues to strengthen its international relationships, there will be a need for Spanish speaking graduates to represent New Zealand's interests in the Spanish-speaking world.
Learning a language broadens horizons. The University's exchange programme enables you to embark on an adventure with unforgettable experiences abroad. Living for several months in a country thousands of miles from home gives a boost to your confidence and valuable first-hand knowledge and understanding of another culture.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Spanish as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Applications for the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Spanish are no longer being accepted. The Languages and Cultures programme Kā Reo me kā Tikaka o te Ao Whānui is introducing a new curriculum which will no longer offer honours.
| Papers |
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The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Spanish is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
| Thesis |
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Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Spanish or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Spanish must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Spanish prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
SPAN papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAN131 | 2025 | Introductory Spanish 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPAN132 | 2025 | Introductory Spanish 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPAN231 | 2025 | Intermediate Spanish 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPAN232 | 2025 | Intermediate Spanish 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPAN243 | 2025 | Latin American Culture and Literature | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN251 | 2025 | Latin American Cultural Travel | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN331 | 2025 | Advanced Spanish 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPAN332 | 2025 | Advanced Spanish 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPAN341 | 2025 | Special Topic in Hispanic Studies | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN343 | 2025 | Latin American Popular Culture | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN350 | 2025 | Sacred Stories: Myths and Legends in Hispanic Culture (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN351 | 2025 | Latin American Cultural Travel (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN441 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Spanish | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN451 | 2025 | Studies in Spanish | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN452 | 2025 | Studies in Spanish 2 | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPAN590 | 2025 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | Not offered in 2025 |
Contacts
Email languages@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/spanish
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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