Course Overview

The Diploma in Spanish introduces students to the basic elements of Spanish and includes the study of a selection of social and cultural issues in the contemporary Spanish-speaking world. Knowledge of the Spanish language will be of benefit to all of those planning to visit Spain for business or pleasure. The ability to converse and write in Spanish will be a clear advantage to those who work, or wish to work in areas such as education, business, tourism and information technology, to name but a few. Knowledge of Spanish will offer enhanced employment opportunities both in Ireland and abroad.

If you already have prior knowledge of the language, or a Leaving Certificate in the subject, you can apply for direct entry to the second year. Once you make your application, you can then apply for an in-person entry test using your University of Galway Application Reference Number.

Mode of Study: Classroom-based

NB: The next intake for this course is September 2025

Applications and Selections

NB: The next intake for this course is September 2025

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.

Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Classes are taught one evening per week. All modules in the Diploma are individually assessed. The assessment for each module takes the form of essays, written assignments or presentations during the semester and a written examination at the end of the semester.



Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.). There are no specific entry requirements for the Diploma in Spanish.

*The English language requirement does not apply to this language diploma.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

2 years, part-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date
NFQ level

7

Mode of study

Classroom Based Learning

ECTS weighting

30

Award

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

This two year course has the following aims:

  • To equip students with essential communicative skills in Spanish, both spoken and written
  • To familiarise students with a range of contemporary social and political issues from the Spanish-speaking world
  • To introduce students to the history and cultures of Spain and Latin America

Six modules are on offer throughout the 2-year course. Students must successfully complete 3 modules per year.

Course Content - Year 1
Introduction to Beginners’ Spanish – written and spoken
Beginners’ Spanish – written, spoken and aural comprehension
Introduction to Spain and Oral Spanish

Course Content - Year 2
Improvers’ Spanish 1 – written, spoken and aural comprehension
Improvers’ Spanish 2 – written, spoken and aural comprehension
Introduction to Latin America and Oral Spanish

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Knowledge of Spanish opens up employment possibilities in Europe, the USA and Latin America. Former students have found employment in areas such as international business, banking, language and literature teaching, journalism, arts administration, development work, interpreting and tourism.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The Diploma in Spanish is designed for those who have little or no previous knowledge of the language and wish to gain Spanish language skills for personal or professional reasons.

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€1,000 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Tuition

€965 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Student levy

€35 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€1,500 p.a. 2024/25


A fees scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for re-employment. Students must be registered as unemployed and in receipt of one of the following: 

  • Job-seekers Benefit
  • Job-seekers Allowance
  • One-parent family allowance
  • Disability Allowance
  • Community Employment Scheme
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Signing for social insurance contribution credits

Find out More

Course Administrator
Tel: 
091 492144
Fax: 
091 525051
E-mail: artspt@universityofgalway.ie

What Our Students Say

Mary

Mary Haugh |   Current Student

I have been visiting Spain for several years and while I have picked up some vocabulary and phrases along the way, I have always wanted to learn the language in a more formal and structured but enjoyable way. The Spanish Diploma course offered by NUI Galway has given me just that. I completed the 1st year of the course online due to Covid 19 but I found it very engaging and the learning activities were lots of fun. I had lots of opportunities to converse and put new skills into practice. The Spanish and South American culture classes were especially interesting. Now that I am in my final semester of year two and back on campus, it has been lovely to finally meet the people I have been working with in person and I feel that some solid friendships have been made that will extend way beyond the course. This course has been thoroughly enjoyable. I have confidence in speaking, reading and writing the Spanish language because the tutors gave me such a concrete foundation in language structure, verb tenses and conjugations. I now have the necessary skills to continue to improve.