Spanish Studies

The study of Spanish language and culture is offered at Bachelor’s and Master’s level. It has a pragmatic character and is composed of three groups of subjects:

A. linguistics (with an applied interpretation) – phonology and corrective phonetics, morphology and syntax, lexicology and vocabulary

B. civilization – the geography and history of Spain and Hispanic America, Spanish culture and literature

C. linguistic ability – spoken and written Spanish, text condensation, specialized and literary translation, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting

Students can focus more on translation (specialized or literary) or on interpreting depending on their own inclinations. Tuition is mostly undertaken in Spanish; therefore, knowledge of Spanish to at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.

Graduates can seek employment in social institutions, diplomacy, European institutions, editorial offices and publishing houses, and in the business sector in both Slovak and foreign companies. Alternatively they can forge a freelance career as registered interpreters or translators. After completing the required teaching qualification, graduates can also forge a career for themselves in education.

Entrance requirements

1. The entrance exam in general academic prerequisites

2. The entrance exam in specific academic prerequisites

The exam in specific academic prerequisites focuses on the evaluation of the linguistic ability of the applicant. The exam is in written form and is divided into a morphosyntactic part and a part dealing with Spanish and Hispanic American history, geography, literature and social life and customs. The morphosyntactic part contains grammar exercises (complementary and translation exercises), wherein linguistic ability in Spanish to the level reached in the textbook Španielčina pre samoukov (‘Spanish for the Self-Taught’ by Bohdan Ulašin: Bratislava, Eastone Books, 2009) and knowledge of the basic rules of grammar concerning the use of nouns, adjectives, pronouns and verbs (including the use of all grammatical tenses and moods) is required. The second part of the exam requires knowledge of basic political, cultural, historical and literary facts about Spain to the level reached during studies at secondary school as well as knowledge of current affairs in Spain and Latin American countries from media texts. This part of the exam includes a required reading component.