Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development BASc (UCAS R4L8)
Explore our Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development degree at Warwick
A modern languages degree equips you with excellent communication, research, critical and evaluative skills, all of which are highly sought after by employers. On our BASc Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (GSD) degree you will gain specialist knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and sustainability issues of the Hispanic world.
General entry requirements
A level typical offer
AAB to include an A level in a modern or classical language.
A level additional information
You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 4/C in GCSE English Language or equivalent.
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB including grade B in a modern or classical language. See if you're eligible.
IB typical offer
34 to include a modern or classical language at Higher Level 5.
IB additional information
You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 4/C in GCSE English Language or equivalent.
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32 including grade 5 in a Higher Level Language. See if you're eligible.
BTEC
We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels, including an A level in a modern or classical language.
Scotland Advanced Highers
AA in 2 Advanced Highers including a modern or classical Language and ABB/BBB in three additional Highers subjects OR AB in 2 Advanced Highers including a modern or classical Language and AAB in three additional Highers subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB in three A levels including a modern or classical language plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.
Additional information
You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 4/C in GCSE English Language or equivalent.
International qualifications
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
This course requires: Band B
Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Course overview
The ability to communicate and express yourself confidently in more than one language is a vital skill for any Global Citizen.
A degree in Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (GSD) provides you with the unique opportunity to develop your Spanish speaking skills and confront critical challenges, including social justice and climate change facing the Hispanic world.
You will undergo a rigorous development of your language skills and explore Hispanic cultures with the School of Modern Languages and Cultures. Throughout the three years, this programme strikes a positive balance between language modules and cultural modules.
By studying GSD, you will take a transdisciplinary approach and examine issues from a diverse array of perspectives. You will need to be ready to think creatively and embrace new opinions from your peers from across the world. We will challenge you to become an active participant in your own learning.
You can enhance your skills and studies through optional work placements, study abroad, and certificates.
Our Global Sustainable Development courses are fully accredited with the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment.
This means that upon graduation from the courses, our students receive a professionally recognised level of knowledge, skills and tools for working in sustainability practice.
Important information
We are currently undertaking a curriculum review of our Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc) degree for 2026 entry. We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience. The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved we will update the course information on these webpages. It is therefore very important that you check these pages for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up for updatesLink opens in a new window.
Study abroad
Although it is not compulsory, we encourage you to study abroad during your degree.
Option 1: Part of your second year abroad
Spend part of your second year at Monash University, home to the Monash Sustainable Development Institute. You will learn to appreciate the different concerns and priorities for sustainable development, including different approaches to tackling global issues.
Your academic achievements abroad will count towards your degree awarded by Warwick.
Find out more about studying abroad for part of your second year.
Option 2: Year abroad
You may choose to apply for an intercalated year spent either studying abroad or on a work placement (subject to you meeting departmental academic requirements). This will mean extending your course to four years.
Warwick has partnerships with universities across the world. You will spend your first and second years at Warwick, studying abroad in your third year before returning for final year. Your year abroad will not count towards your overall final mark, giving you the freedom to choose modules outside of your comfort zone.
Core modules
Important information
We are currently undertaking a curriculum review of our Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc) degree for 2026 entry. We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience. The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved we will update the course information on these webpages. It is therefore very important that you check these pages for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up for updatesLink opens in a new window.
Teaching on this course will be equally split between the GSD Department and the Hispanic Studies Department.
In the first year you will study core GSD modules designed to provide a critical understanding of the ‘three pillars of sustainable development’:
- Economic Principles of Global Sustainable Development
- Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development
- Social Principles of Global Sustainable Development
You will also study the core Global Sustainable Development Project module, giving you the chance to see how the principles of GSD apply to a real case affecting a local community. For the Hispanic Studies half of the workload, you will study one of the following core Spanish language modules:
- Modern Spanish Language OR Modern Spanish Language for Beginners
You will also study one of the following core Spanish culture modules:
- Language, Text and Identity in the Hispanic World OR Images and Representations of the Hispanic World
In the second year, in GSD you will have the opportunity to engage with a key issue in sustainability, studying one optional core module from the following:
- Health and Sustainable Development
- Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System
- Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All
You will also choose optional modules with a GSD focus from within GSD or from other departments across the University. For the Hispanic Studies half of the workload, you will develop your language skills by choosing one optional core language module from the following:
- Modern Spanish Language II OR Modern Spanish Language II (Post Beginners)
You will also study one optional Spanish culture module offered by the Hispanic Studies Department.
You may choose to study abroad for part of your second year at Monash University. In Term One at Warwick you will study an optional core GSD module, an optional module with a GSD focus, one core Hispanic Studies module, and one optional culture module offered by the Hispanic Studies Department. The remaining study will consist of pre-approved modules at Monash University.
In the final year, there is one core GSD dissertation module. You will also take modules with a GSD focus from within or outside of the School for Cross-faculty Studies. For the Hispanic Studies half of the workload, you will study one language module, Modern Spanish Language III. You will also choose optional culture modules offered by the Hispanic Studies Department.
Year One
You will study one of the following core Spanish language modules:
You will also study one of the following core Spanish culture modules:
Year Two
You will study one optional core module from the following:
You will also study one optional core language module from the following:
Final Year
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules include:
Read more about our optional GSD modulesLink opens in a new window.
Read more about our Hispanic Studies modulesLink opens in a new window.
Co-curricular Certificates
We offer a range of unique certificates outside of the curriculum as a way of continuing your professional development.
In the first year, you can complete certificates in Climate Literacy and Professional Communication.
Assessment
Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks, with each year contributing 50% towards your final grade.
GSD modules
In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.
In the second year, optional core modules and optional modules in the GSD Department do not have traditional examinations. Depending on your module choices, assessment methods may include case studies, research papers, essays, log books, projects, presentations, quizzes and critical policy reviews.
The final-year dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.
See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.
Hispanic Studies modules
In the first year you will select two modules from a choice of modules offered by the Hispanic Studies Department. Assessment methods will depend on your module choices. Modules may be assessed by examination, coursework, or a combination of coursework and examination.
In the second year, you will select one module from a choice of two optional core modules. These modules currently have examinations worth 70% and 80% respectively. You then have a choice of other modules which have different assessment patterns, so assessment methods will vary according to which modules you choose.
In the final year, the core module is currently 100% assessed by examination. You then have a choice of other modules which have varying assessment patterns, so assessment methods depend on your module choices.
Modules from across the University
Assessment methods will vary according to the optional modules that you choose from across the University. The overall percentage of the course that is assessed by coursework depends upon the external options taken.
We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria are subject to change annually.
Teaching
In the GSD Department you will be taught by a range of academics from different disciplines. They will communicate their expertise on a specific issue and describe their methodology for addressing it, to allow engagement with global challenges with an interdisciplinary perspective. We expect you to bring together these various approaches and to develop your own informed stance on each issue.
Throughout the course you will:
- Attend lectures and take part in seminars, workshops and tutorials.
- Work with other students in teams on topical problems that pose significant sustainable development questions.
- Undertake fieldwork, archival research and engage in peer discussion to propose alternative solutions.
- Review the work of other students.
Discover how you will learn in GSD modules
Class sizes
Seminar groups in GSD comprise of around 20 students.
Typical contact hours
First-year core GSD modules have between 20 and 25 hours of contact time. Each module consists of lectures, workshops and, for the 'Global Sustainable Development Project' module, group supervision sessions.
Second-year optional core GSD modules have up to 45 and 50 contact hours.
The final-year core GSD dissertation module currently involves seven lectures and eight supervision sessions across three terms.
Optional modules in the GSD Department are available with between 25 and 50 hours for scheduled contact time, depending on the module. Some modules have lectures, workshops, film screenings and research supervision, whereas others only have lectures and workshops. Some modules may also include field trips.
Module offerings in other departments may involve more or less formal teaching time per week than the GSD modules.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.
Undergraduate fees
On 4 November the UK government announced an increase in the tuition fee cap for Home students for academic year 2025/26. The University of Warwick’s Executive Board has consequently confirmed a change in fees from the previously advertised rate to £9,535.
Alongside the tuition fee increase, maintenance loans will also rise by 3.1%.
The University expects to increase fees for future years in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK government.
How are fees set?
The UK Government sets tuition fee rates.
To learn more about how the UK student fees and maintenance loans are set, please visit the UK Government websiteLink opens in a new window and UCASLink opens in a new window.
Undergraduate fees
If you are an overseas student enrolling in 2025-26, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
- Band 1 – £26,290 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
- Band 2 – £33,520 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2026 fee rates before you apply.
Fee status guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Further information
Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team and available funding from our Student Funding Support.
Scholarships and bursaries
Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window
If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.
Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window
You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.
We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £2,500 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.
As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.
Further information
Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.
Eligibility for student loans
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.
Check if you're eligible for student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.
If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.
Help with living costs
If you struggle to meet your essential living costs, our Student Funding team Link opens in a new windowwill be on hand to offer advice and support.
There are a number of options that may be available to you including government, bursary and/or hardship support. Warwick also has a number of bursaries and scholarships Link opens in a new windowthat you may be eligible to apply for.
Repaying your loans
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.
Placements and work experience
We encourage you to undertake a work placement as part of your degree.
You will have the opportunity to take part in short and long work placements. These support you in developing your employability skills and prepare you for future employment. Other benefits to pursuing a placement or work experience include:
- Applying theory to practice
- Exploring a potential future career path
- Learning and experiencing first-hand the professional environment
- Learning additional skills and knowledge from industry professionals
We will also support you in sourcing your own work placements outside of the options below.
Year-long work placement
You can complete a four-year degree and your work placement will take place in your third year. The work placement can take place inside or outside the UK.
Short work placement
As part of the Certificate of Professional Communication, you will undertake a four-week work placement during the summer.
Your career
As a GSD graduate, you have a wide range of career pathways available to you. This is demonstrated by the variety of work placements that our students have completed.
GSD students have secured work placements with employers from the private, public, and third sectors. These include (but are not limited to):
- Research institutions
- Governmental bodies
- Non-governmental organisations
- Intelligence agencies
- Housing
- Environmental consultancies
They have undertaken diverse roles such as:
- Marketing Assistant
- Sustainability Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Researcher
GSD is also partnered with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), a global professional body for individuals and organisations working, studying or interested in the environment and sustainability. All GSD graduates are automatically eligible for IEMA membership.
Transferable skills
You will learn valuable transferable skills that will help you grow your employment prospects, including:
- Analysing and problem solving: Through your study of sustainable development principles and models, you will learn how to extract the essential features of complex systems, providing useable frameworks for evaluation
- Critical thinking: You will assess arguments, make judgements, formulate reasoned debates and generate feasible solutions
- Communication: You will develop advanced communication skills that enable you to connect with a variety of audiences and in different settings
- Research: You will undertake an integrated programme of research skills training; teaching you how to source, evaluate and use different forms of information and data
- Organisation: Through a rigorous assessment schedule and a compulsory dissertation module in your final year, you will learn the essentials of time management, prioritisation and how to be well organised
- Collaboration: You will be presented with several opportunities to work with others and nurture your emotional intelligence, whilst developing a professional attitude suitable for the workplace
Helping you find the right career
We have a dedicated Employability and Placement Manager who will provide you with one-to-one careers guidance. They work in collaboration with employers, so you will be supported in securing appropriate work placements. You will have access to specialist pre-placement advice, guidance and preparation, as well as on-going support during your placement.
You will also have access to the University’s Student Opportunity resources (including careers counselling, employment advice, and job fairs).
Global Sustainable Development
Do you agree that humanity has reached a point where passivity is no longer an option? Our unique Global Sustainable Development (GSD) degrees allow you to explore ethically and morally complex areas in seeking to find positive interventions with a beneficial impact. Don't worry about the future. Change it.
Get to know GSD better by exploring our departmental websiteLink opens in a new window
Our courses
- Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Design and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Global Sustainable Development and Business Studies (BASc)
- Economic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Education Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- History and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Philosophy and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Politics, International Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Psychology and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Sociology and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Theatre and Performance Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
Related degrees
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- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
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Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
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