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Dual degree partnership between the University of Barcelona and Goldsmiths: PGCE Secondary Modern Languages (Spanish)

The Department of Educational Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London is collaborating with the University of Barcelona (UB) to deliver a newly-designed credit recognition and dual degree for those interested in exploring study in different contexts internationally.

Why study through this partnership

  • You’ll have experience of studying in two countries and educational systems. This will help you stand out in a crowded job market
  • With the support of our dedicated Careers Service, leading faculty and an international alumni network, you’ll graduate with expertise and professional connections as you take the first steps into your chosen career
  • Our single-site campus is located ten minutes from London Bridge, and you’ll have all that London has to offer on your doorstep
  • You’ll graduate with two degrees – a master's in either Spanish as a foreign language or in Training Teachers of Spanish as a Foreign Language from the University of Barcelona and a PGCE in Secondary Modern Languages from Goldsmiths
  • You will gain significant professional opportunities and valuable teaching experience in the UK
  • You will enhance your teaching skills through hands-on experience and increase employability, potentially leading to long-term job positions
  • You will study a programme that bridges the gap between academic training and professional employment, and facilitates personal growth and development 
  • You will be exposed to new cultures, educational settings, and diverse perspectives
  • You will be equipped with global perspectives and professional development

The UB master's programme excels in providing a strong theoretical foundation, equipping you with the essential knowledge and expertise to master the Spanish language. This rigorous academic approach ensures that you have a deep understanding of linguistic principles and cultural contexts. 

The PGCE programme at Goldsmiths offers a more practical, hands-on approach, where you can refine your teaching skills through real-world practice. This dual focus on theory and practice creates a holistic learning experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, thereby perfecting your teaching quality. 

You will benefit from UB's robust theoretical training, which prepares you to dominate the language, while Goldsmiths’ emphasis on practical application ensures you develop the pedagogical skills necessary for effective teaching. Ultimately, the programme will enhance your academic and professional capabilities while preparing you to excel in diverse educational environments.

Contact the department 

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact the Joint coordinator of the PGCE Secondary Modern Languages, Faris Sanhaji.

 

What you'll study

You will study two years full-time or three years full-time depending on your chosen programme at UB:

Your studies at Goldsmiths

In the Autumn Term at Goldsmiths, College-based sessions complement school-based work by covering issues raised in lesson planning – eg. speaking skills, group work, or using ICT. The sessions are based on workshop-type activities but offer the opportunity to reflect on the underlying teaching principles. 

They also allow you to follow up General Professional Studies by exploring equal opportunities, classroom management, Every Child Matters and Inclusion. 

For the Spring and Summer Terms, you move to a second school and take on more responsibility for teaching classes; you may also continue to team-teach with your mentor in school. 

Your university tutor and mentor share responsibility for assessing your teaching practice, and help you identify your strengths and work on any weaknesses. 

You also work with your mentor on a curriculum development project in which you explore a current initiative in language teaching, devising teaching materials and trying them out in the classroom. 

You complete one formal subject assignment during the year. This includes a review of current language teaching methodologies and how they have developed, as well as a focus on a particular issue related to current classroom practice. 

Download the programme specification for a complete overview of what you will study.  

Teaching style 

This programme is taught through scheduled learning – for example, through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work. 

How you'll be assessed 

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may include coursework assignments such as extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs, group projects and reflective essays, as well as seen and unseen written examinations.

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Entry Requirements

You can apply for this partnership programme if you are a current UB student, or a former student who graduated from UB within a year. You will need to have successfully completed one of the following UB programmes to be eliglbe:

To apply to study at Goldsmiths on the PGCE Secondary Modern Languages (Spanish) programme, you should follow Goldsmiths' PGCE application process.

Students need to meet the standard PGCE requirements set out by Goldsmiths which may change from time to time. For more information on additional and general entry requirements, please visit our page PGCE entry requirements.  

  

English language requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study. 

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees 

Students accepted by Goldsmiths shall be required to pay the relevant tuition fees, as reviewed and set annually by Goldsmiths. For more information on the tuition fees for programmes at Goldsmiths, please visit Tuition fee amounts. 

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment. 

Funding opportunities 

For the first three academic years (2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27), Goldsmiths offers up to six students per academic year a 30% discount on the standard International PGCE fees. You do not need to apply for the discount. UB and Goldsmiths department will consider all applicants. 

If more than six students from UB apply, a waiting list system will be in place, and the following criteria will be applied to rank candidates: 

  • Quality of completion of interview tasks (written task in English, micro-teaching task) 
  • Quality of answers in individual interview 
  • Possibility to teach a second language (German, French, Arabic or Mandarin). 

Students who graduated within one year are also eligible for the discounts. For those who are not allocated with the discounts are liable to pay the full tuition fee. 

In addition, we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about  funding your studies with us. 

 

Additional costs 

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page. 

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please see the programme specification on degree pathway pages for more information. 

For more information on methods of payment, go to how to pay tuition and accommodation fees.   

Visit our scholarships finder

Careers and Skills

Preparing you for a successful future

The dual degree programme between the University of Barcelona and Goldsmiths, University of London, equips you with the expertise needed for a successful career in teaching Spanish as a foreign language.

At the University of Barcelona, you'll gain a deep understanding of Spanish language and culture, focusing on grammar, lexis, and linguistic diversity.

Goldsmiths complements this with practical teaching experience, lesson planning, and classroom management skills. Supported by dedicated mentors, you'll develop a comprehensive skill set, preparing you to meet the demands of the global education market and excel in language instruction.  

With opportunities for hands-on experience and networking with industry leaders, this dual degree marks an important step to a successful future in the field of educational studies.  

Careers further afield

Graduates of the degree can also pursue career opportunities in a wide range of other areas, such as: 

  • Teacher of Spanish as a foreign language 
  • Designer and editor of educational materials for the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language
  • Language consultant
  • Manager of language consulting centres
  • Specialist in the application of ICT to the teaching of Spanish 
  • Publisher in the educational industry 

Graduate visas 

Our Immigration Advisory Service can provide advice on graduate visas.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths

Staff

Faris Sanhaji

For more information about this dual degree programme:

International students

Moving across countries can often be disorienting. Explore the following links for information and requirements regarding your preparation and arrival in London. 

  • London could maybe be more expensive than your home city. Check out London cost of living for information on basic average expenses and tips for saving money. 
  • Stay ahead of the curve by visiting our when you arrive page for essential information on healthcare, support services and more!  
  • Make applying for a visa stress-free with the right help! Take a look at our Immigration Advisory Services for all-visa related enquiries and one-to-one chats with experts.  
  • Unsure of where to live? Explore Goldsmith's Halls and Accommodations for a variety of housing options.  
  • Goldsmiths’ Multi-Faith Chaplaincy offers a non-judgmental space for all beliefs and faith traditions.   

You can also visit our International students page for further support and advice. 

Transitioning to Goldsmiths

Transitioning into a new university from a partnership is a wonderful and unique experience, though it comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding the effort it takes to move countries and universities, here are our top tips to make your transition into Goldsmith's smoother and more enjoyable.

  • To start, connect with current students through our student-led platform, Unibuddy. This allows you to chat directly with current students who have experienced the transition themselves and can help you through any doubts and queries
  • Discover our wide range of Societies. Whether you’re looking for competitive sports teams or the university’s newspaper, you have a wide selection of activities to choose from. Check out the Economics society
  • Explore the Events at Goldsmiths to get a feel for the vibrant student life and meet people from all years and departments. From cultural festivals to academic seminars, there’s always something happening on campus
  • Check the Student Union (SU) for events and opportunities, including part-time job opportunities, non-academic support, Salsa Dance classes, and the popular Trashy Tuesdays at the SU Bar
  • Lastly, don’t forget to review the International Student Handbook available on the Student Union's Website for important information on housing, arriving to the UK, support services and more 

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