The BComm (Spanish) combines a solid foundation in core business disciplines with professional-level Spanish language training and a full academic year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. This 4-year degree equips students with the skills and international experience needed to pursue careers in global business, public service, and more.

Year 1
In the first year, students build essential business knowledge through core modules in economics, accounting, marketing, and management, while beginning Spanish language studies. This year focuses on foundational skills across business and language. Sample modules include:

• Principles of Microeconomics / Macroeconomics
• Introduction to Financial Accounting / Management Accounting
• Business Information Systems
• Spanish Language I (beginners or advanced stream)
• Foundations of Marketing Thought
• Data Science for Business Analytics

Year 2
Second year deepens business understanding with applied modules in finance, consumer behaviour, and human resource management. Spanish language training continues to build fluency and cultural competence. Students also select an elective to tailor their studies. Sample modules include:

• Applied Microeconomics for Business
• Business Finance I
• Consumer Behaviour
• Spanish Language II
• Human Resource Management & Decent Work
• Elective options (e.g., Marketing & Sustainability, Digital Business)

Year 3
Year three is spent studying abroad at a partner university in Spain, Mexico, or Chile. This immersive experience allows students to complete business and language modules in a Spanish-speaking academic environment, enhancing their language skills and intercultural awareness. Students receive support from coordinators at both University of Galway and their host institution.

• Study abroad at a partner university (e.g., Alcalá de Henares, Granada, Salamanca, UNAM Mexico City)
• Business and Spanish modules taught in Spanish
• Cultural and academic immersion

Year 4
In the final year, students return to Galway to complete advanced business modules in areas such as strategy, innovation, and international business. Spanish language studies continue, with opportunities to specialise further through optional modules. This year also includes a practical enterprise module designed to develop creativity and business skills.

• Strategy
• Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise (ICE)
• Spanish Language III
• Ireland in the Global Economy
• Optional modules (e.g., Marketing Management, Business Law, International Finance)

Additional Features

• Students may start the Spanish option either at beginner or advanced level.
• Transfer between the general BComm and BComm International with Spanish option is possible after first year, subject to language exam results and consultation with the Spanish department.
• Optional work placements are available to provide practical business experience.
• The programme supports development of cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—key skills for global careers.

Curriculum Information

• A mandatory year abroad in Spain, Mexico, or Chile provides full language immersion and cultural insight.
• Core business modules aligned with international markets, including marketing, finance, and economic policy.
• Small-group Spanish classes focus on fluency, conversation, and professional communication.
• Practical projects and case studies build problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills.
• Access to a global network of alumni working across sectors like EU institutions, consultancy, finance, marketing, and media.

With strong business knowledge and professional-level Spanish, graduates of the BComm (International with Spanish) are well-equipped to pursue careers in:

• International trade and export management
• Financial services, banking, and fintech
• Marketing, digital strategy, and global brand management
• Public sector and EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, ECB, diplomatic service)
• Media, journalism, tourism, and cultural promotion
• Translation, interpreting, and multilingual project coordination

Many graduates also work with multinational companies and global organisations where Spanish is an asset, from tech and pharmaceuticals to logistics and consultancy.

The combination of a business degree, language fluency, and a year abroad equips our students with in-demand skills such as strong cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

This programme also opens doors to postgraduate study or professional pathways in business, economics, public policy, education, or translation/interpreting, depending on your interests.

The BComm (International with Spanish) includes a mandatory full academic year abroad in Year 3 at one of our prestigious partner universities in Spain, Mexico, or Chile.

Built into the Programme
This year abroad is a core and compulsory element of the degree, designed to fully immerse students in Spanish language and culture while continuing their business education at a partner institution.

Partner Universities and Locations
Students can study at our highly regarded partner universities, such as:

• Universidad de Alcalá de Henares
• Universidad de Deusto (Bilbao)
• Universidad de Granada
• Universidad de León
• Universidad de Salamanca
• Universidad de Valencia
• Universidad de Valladolid
• FEN, Universidad de Chile, Santiago
• UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City

Language of Instruction
All modules are taught through Spanish, giving students the opportunity to greatly improve their language fluency while gaining valuable insights into local business practices.

Academic and Personal Growth
The immersive year abroad helps students:

• Strengthen spoken and written Spanish
• Adapt to new learning environments and cultural settings
• Build independence, resilience, and global perspective
• Deepen their understanding of international business environments
• Gain experience that is highly valued by multinational employers

Students also benefit personally by making new friends, exploring new cities, and experiencing day-to-day life in a Spanish-speaking country.

Financial Support
Students studying in Europe may be eligible for Erasmus+ funding, which provides financial assistance for travel and living expenses. Additional scholarships or supports may be available for students studying in Latin America.

Why It Matters
This year abroad is more than just an academic requirement. It’s a transformative and life-changing experience that helps students grow into globally aware, adaptable, and career-ready graduates.

The BComm (International with Spanish) blends business education with Spanish language and cultural learning. Students combine business lectures, small-group language classes, and interactive projects to build skills for careers in international business.

How Will I Learn?

1. Business Lectures – Core business subjects such as marketing, economics, digital business, and management are delivered through large-group lectures, laying the foundation for a well-rounded business education.
2. Small-Group Language Classes – Spanish is taught in small interactive classes focused on communication, fluency, and vocabulary-building, with personalised feedback from lecturers.
3. Innovation and Enterprise – Modules like Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise (ICE) challenge students to work in teams to solve real business problems, developing teamwork and creative problem-solving skills.
4. Year Abroad – In third year, students spend a full academic year at a partner university in Spain, Mexico or Chile, studying through Spanish and gaining deep cultural and business insight.
5. Applied Learning – Through case studies, simulations, presentations and group projects, students gain hands-on experience applying business theory in practical ways.

How Will I Be Assessed?

1. Continuous Assessment – Coursework may include essays, presentations, in-class tests, language exercises, and group assignments. Students receive regular feedback to track their progress.
2. Examinations – End-of-semester written exams assess knowledge in business subjects and language proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehension.
3. Oral Assessments – Spanish modules include regular oral exams, role-plays, and presentations to help students grow in fluency, accuracy and confidence.
4. Project Work – Business modules often involve practical group or individual projects, encouraging students to analyse business problems or design innovative solutions.
5. Year Abroad – Students complete modules at their host university, and assessment is based on academic performance abroad. This year typically carries pass/fail credits toward the BComm degree.

Students can expect a blend of lectures, small-group learning, and hands-on project work with a strong emphasis on language immersion and global business experience.

Course queries:
business@universityofgalway.ie

Q: Do I need prior knowledge of Spanish to apply? 
A: For 2025 admissions you can start Spanish from scratch. Entry requirements ask for a H4 in a modern European language other than Irish or English (or Grade C in a continental language at A-Level), but this language does not need to be Spanish. 

However, For students enrolling in September 2026 or later years, a H4 will be required in Spanish (or a Grade C in A-level Spanish).

Q: Can I study abroad as part of the degree?
A: Yes. In third year, students partake in a mandatory study abroad year at one of our partner universities in Spain, Mexico, or Chile. This immersive experience helps you build fluency and cultural awareness while continuing your business studies.

Q: Why should I study Spanish with Business?
A: Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is in high demand across many industries. Combining business and Spanish gives you a competitive edge in global markets.

Q: Are there work placements included?
A: This course does not include mandatory work placements, but practical training is offered through modules like Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Additional Requirements
For Leaving Certificate - H4 in a modern European language other than Irish or English
For A-Levels - Grade C in a continental language

From 2026 onwards:

For Leaving Cert students will require a H4 in Spanish.
A Level students will require a Grade C in Spanish

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements,  

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information. 

Application Process
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for each the following September.  

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.

Spanish - University of Galway

News - University of Galway