Best Universities to Study Linguistics in Spain

When deciding where to pursue their higher education studies, international students who wish to study abroad will almost certainly put Spain at the top of their list. Because of the academic excellence and many famous affordable universities, Spain is among the most attractive countries for higher education studies. 

The field of linguistics is considered a prestigious discipline among Spanish universities, and as such, they offer a wide range of degree programs for linguistics. Some of the most popular universities in Spain have linguistics degree programs available, either at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. 

Here are some of the best universities to study linguistics in Spain:

Pompeu Fabra University

The Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona offers a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Languages and a master’s degree in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. Both degrees are part of the Institute for Applied Linguistics (IULA), a Pompeu Fabra University research center. 

The Bachelor’s degree in Applied Languages is a four-year program designed for students who like to explore all the aspects of languages and communication techniques between people of different cultures and nationalities. This degree enables students to work in any of the following fields, depending on their expertise:

• Press Offices 
• Communication Departments
• Editing 
• Cultural Mediation 
• Language Teaching 
• Software Application Support 

Of the many benefits that a degree in Applied Languages offers is the high employability rate, where 70% of graduates find jobs in the first three months of graduation. The master’s degree in  Theoretical and Applied Linguistics is delivered in English, Spanish and Catalan. 

University of Santiago de Compostela 

The Faculty of Philology at the Universidade Santiago de Compostela offers a master’s in Applied Linguistics. Students with prior experience in philology can apply to this degree program to further advance their linguistics knowledge in a specialized manner. Students with a master’s degree in applied linguistics can choose between three available specializations, which include:

• Language Teaching and Acquisition 
• Communication and Linguistic Resources 
• Lexicon, Grammar, and Variation 

The University of Santiago de Compostela offers a variety of scholarships, and grants which are available for different degree levels. This university’s master’s degree in applied linguistics is delivered along with other participating universities, including the University of A Coruña and the University of Vigo.  

The final master’s dissertation is a must to graduate with a master’s degree in applied linguistics entirely. During the studies, students must also complete an internship or practicum, which makes for six curriculum credits. 

University of Jaen (UJA)

English Studies at the University of Jaen are available for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The bachelor’s degree in English Studies is a four-year program, and they have two languages of instruction: English and Spanish. Delivered by the Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences, this degree program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge of the English language. 

The curriculum of the bachelor’s degree in English Studies comprises the following main elements, which are then divided into smaller components. The main elements include:

• English Language
• Culture and Literature 
• Training in Philology  

With a bachelor’s degree in English Studies, graduates can apply for a master’s degree at the University of Jaen. The master’s degrees available for graduates of English Studies include:

• Online Master in English Studies 
• Master in Secondary Teacher Training 
• Master in Spanish Language and Literature 
• Master in Advanced Studies in Cultural Heritage, History, Art, and Territory 
• Master in Occupational Risk Prevention 

Universidad de Murcia 

The University of Murcia offers a master’s degree in theoretical and applied linguistics, which takes one year to complete. This degree program is designed to produce future professionals in linguistics and any related area. Students are mostly trained in the research aspect of linguistics, and they can even implement their skills in several research centers available for students of the University of Murcia. 

To be eligible for enrollment in the master’s degree in theoretical and applied linguistics, one must have prior training experience in any of the following fields:

• Philology 
• Translation 
• Applied Languages 
• Linguistics

The study plan of this degree program focuses on providing students with an understanding of language and linguistics and their use in a research setting. Students will also learn the best method of delivering the knowledge clearly and concisely, especially in their future careers. 

University of A Coruña 

The master’s in Applied Linguistics at the University of A Coruña is designed to teach students about language learning and teaching, communication and linguistics resources, lexis, grammar, and variation. Those who pursue this master’s degree in applied linguistics typically plan to specialize in applied linguistics. They will be prepared to implement the gained knowledge in a professional setting. 

The master’s degree in applied linguistics provides students with the possibility to work in any of the following fields:

• Teaching 
• Translation and Interpretation 
• Linguistic and Cultural Mediation 
• Editing 
• Linguistic advice in the business world 
• Media
• Advertising, etc. 

Applicant must send proof of prior academic record which makes for 70% of the admission requirements, and have a degree in Philology, Linguistics, Translation and Interpretation, Languages, or fields related to Humanities. The CV of an applicant is also a crucial part of the admission process to the University of A Coruña. 

University of Granada

The University of Granada offers an undergraduate degree in English studies which introduces students to all the aspects of the English language. Some of the essential elements of this degree include linguistics, literature, and cultural exchange between languages. English studies majors can choose a second language from a variety of options that include:

• Bulgarian 
• Catalan
• Chinese
• Czech
• French
• Galician
• German
• Greek
• Hebrew 
• Italian
• Japanese
• Modern Arabic
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Serbo-Croatian

The four-year bachelor’s degree in English studies requires students to have advanced Spanish language knowledge. This degree program prepares students with critical thinking skills which are more than necessary for their future careers. The English studies degree aims to teach students the fundamentals of linguistics and its disciplines. Graduates will be able to work in teams and gain communication skills. The Degree in English studies at the University of Granada is an equal opportunity to study both English language and linguistics through an in-depth training program. 

Jaume I University (UJI) 

Jaume I University has several faculties available for pursuing all degree levels. The bachelor’s degree in English Studies is part of the Arts and Humanities faculty. Students earn the skills to pursue professional careers or further their higher education experience at a higher level. The English Studies degree includes several courses such as:

• Applied Linguistics. 
• English and North American Literature. 
• Teaching English as a second language (ESL).
• Technical and Business English. 

The university offers students of English Studies the opportunity to learn and study additional languages, including French and German. They can visit any nearby European or North American university to learn about exchange programs or career possibilities. 

After graduating with a degree in English Studies from Jaume I University, a few master’s degrees are available at the same university for those interested in furthering their education. Here are some master’s programs available at UJI for English Studies graduates:

• English Language Teaching and Acquisition in Multilingual Contexts.
• English Language for International Trade.
• Intercultural Communication and Language Teaching.

University of Barcelona

The Faculty of Philology and Communication at the University of Barcelona offers a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and Language Acquisition. This degree program is designed to train students in several aspects of human language and answer questions about applied linguistics. The ideal applicants for this program are motivated and skilled in English and have critical thinking and basic IT skills. 

The master’s degree program in Applied Linguistics and Language Acquisition is divided into four components that include:

1. Applied Linguistics and Language Acquisition. 
2. Research Methodology in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition.
3. Research Topics in Second Language Acquisition and the Teaching and Learning of Second Languages.
4. Master’s degree thesis. 

Graduates of the master’s degree program in Applied Linguistics and Language Acquisition can work in the following fields: 

• Translation. 
• Editing. 
• Research. 
• Education. 
• Tourism.
• Language technologies and planning. 
• Language documentation and description. 
• Language consultancy. 
• Language pathologies.
• Spoken and written communication.