Spanish and Sustainable Development

Spanish and sustainable development is a combination that brings together one of the world's most widely spoken languages with one of the most important frameworks for thinking about the future of human civilisation. Spanish opens access to the rich literary, cultural and political traditions of Spain and Latin America, connecting you to an extraordinary range of societies across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean and beyond. Sustainable development brings an interdisciplinary perspective on the environmental, social and economic challenges of ensuring that human activity can continue without destroying the natural systems it depends on.

At the University of St Andrews you will develop language and communication skills in Spanish to a high level of proficiency, exploring the rich cultural heritage of Spain and Latin America through literature, history, film, translation and the cultural and political dimensions of the Spanish-speaking world. Sustainable development adds a rigorous analytical framework for understanding questions of environmental governance, international development, social equity and economic sustainability. The programme runs over four years full time and includes a year abroad, giving you immersive experience of the Spanish-speaking world alongside academic study in a different context.

Graduates of this combination are well placed for careers in international development, environmental policy, sustainability consultancy, the civil service, non-governmental organisations, journalism, diplomacy and any role that requires both Spanish language competence and an understanding of global sustainability challenges. The combination is particularly valuable for organisations working in Latin America or on Spanish-language policy and advocacy contexts. Postgraduate study in sustainable development, international relations, environmental policy, Latin American studies or modern languages provides a natural further route.