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The second-most widely spoken language in the world with approximately 400 million native speakers, Spanish has official status in 21 countries:  Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela.  Spanish is also an official language of Puerto Rico.

British Council, (2014) Languages for the Future 

What's it like to learn Spanish with the IWLP?

Read posts from former students on our blog. You can also read about how you’ll learn on an IWLP module and the reasons why you should take an IWLP module.

Students of IWLP Spanish may get the chance for some extra-curricular activities, such as conversation clubs. There are Study Abroad opportunities in Spain and you could also join a society and learn more about Spanish-speaking cultures.

How do I sign up?

For detailed information, see our how to apply page.

New students arriving for their first year 
who are permitted and wish to take an Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP) module for credit, starting in Semester 1, must contact the module selection team at moduleselection@reading.ac.uk.  Please ensure that you use your university email account, providing the module code and title you would like to take. If you are unable to take an IWLP module for credit, you can still take the module non-credit - please see below.

Existing students who want to take an IWLP module for credit in the following academic year need to sign up via RISIS module selection. All non-credit students must submithe non-credit application form - please note that non-credit applications open in September.

Placement test

If you have any previous knowledge of Spanish, you must complete the placement test so that we can put you in the correct stage - please note that the placement test is only open from April to October.

Language ladder

If your placement test suggests that your ability is already higher than the modules offered by the IWLP, or if you have already completed Stage 3, you might be able to enrol on one of the language modules offered within the degree programme, which are available as credit and non-credit options.

More information is available from the Spanish Language Lead.

Modules available

LA1PS1-IWLP SPANISH 1

This beginner’s module is for students who have no prior knowledge or virtually no knowledge of Spanish. This module will provide an introduction to Spanish, concentrating on its use in familiar, everyday situations. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level.

Module description for Spanish 1

LA1PS2-IWLP SPANISH 2

This post-beginner module is for students who have some basic knowledge of Spanish, such as that acquired by attending LA1PS1 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Spanish by consolidating and building on their existing knowledge of language necessary for everyday situations.

Module description for Spanish 2 

LA1PS3-IWLP SPANISH 3

This lower-intermediate module is for students who have some previous knowledge of Spanish, such as that acquired by attending LA1PS2 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Spanish through engagement with a range of socially relevant and interesting topics, such as local traditions, contemporary media and problems facing the world, and a short research project.

Module description for Spanish 3