Explore Spanish at a higher level and unlock opportunities in culture, research and international collaboration.
Why study postgraduate Spanish?
Spanish is spoken across Europe and the Americas and is one of the most influential global languages. Studying it at postgraduate level expands your ability to work across cultures, ideas and communities.
At Otago you’ll explore far more than vocabulary and grammar. You’ll examine literature, history, identity and social change, which gives you a nuanced understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. This depth is valuable whether you are researching, teaching or or wanting to work internationally.
Postgraduate study in Spanish helps you think critically about global issues and communicate with confidence. If you want to build a career that involves cultural connection or international engagement, advanced study in Spanish offers a powerful foundation.
Career opportunities
A postgraduate qualification in Spanish opens pathways in fields that rely on language, cultural knowledge and global awareness. Possible careers include:
- International relations or diplomacy
- Translation, publishing or journalism
- International business or trade consultancy
- Education, teaching or academic research
- Cultural, community or exchange programme work
What it’s like to study at this level
Postgraduate Spanish at Otago combines academic depth with close guidance from experienced staff.
You can tailor your study through a postgraduate diploma, a research-focused Master of Arts or doctoral work. Your courses and thesis topics may explore literature, Latin American culture, Spanish variation or social history. You’ll develop advanced language skills alongside strong analytical and research abilities.
You can also take part in study abroad or exchange programmes that immerse you in Spanish-speaking cultures and deepen your academic work through lived experience and cultural insight.
This is for you if ...
Postgraduate Spanish suits students who already have experience with Spanish or another language, and are curious about culture, history and communication.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Spanish as an undergraduate at Otago.
Where Spanish expertise meets global opportunity
Otago’s Spanish programme, within the Department of Languages and Cultures, offers a supportive academic environment with strong teaching and active research. You will learn from staff specialising in language, literature and cultural studies, bringing diverse international perspectives into the classroom.
Postgraduate study develops advanced language and cultural knowledge while engaging you in a research-minded community. Exchange opportunities with universities in Spain and Latin America further strengthen your ability to communicate across cultures and work confidently in international or culturally focused careers.
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, masters’, 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 | 2026 | Introductory Spanish 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPAN132 | 2026 | Introductory Spanish 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPAN231 | 2026 | Intermediate Spanish 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPAN232 | 2026 | Intermediate Spanish 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPAN243 | 2026 | Latin American Culture and Literature | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| SPAN251 | 2026 | Latin American Cultural Travel | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| SPAN331 | 2026 | Advanced Spanish 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPAN332 | 2026 | Advanced Spanish 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPAN341 | 2026 | Special Topic in Hispanic Studies | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| SPAN343 | 2026 | Latin American Popular Culture | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPAN350 | 2026 | Sacred Stories: Myths and Legends in Hispanic Culture (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| SPAN351 | 2026 | Latin American Cultural Travel (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| SPAN441 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Spanish | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| SPAN451 | 2026 | Studies in Spanish | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| SPAN452 | 2026 | Studies in Spanish 2 | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| SPAN490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| SPAN590 | 2026 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | Not offered in 2026 |
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 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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