Does the Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies teach Iberian or Latin American Spanish?

Both, with structured comparative attention. Castilian is the default written register for advanced grammar work, but Latin American varieties (Mexican, Argentinean, Andean, Caribbean) are integrated across press, listening and translation exercises.

What level of Spanish do I need to enrol in the Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies?

Solid intermediate — roughly CEFR B2 or completion of an Advanced Diploma in Spanish. Heritage speakers and applicants with significant working Spanish can be assessed via a short diagnostic at registration.

Can I study the Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies online?

Yes. Spoken-language sessions run synchronously with cohort partners. Translation, reading and culture modules run with a mix of asynchronous content and live tutorials. Distance students complete the same portfolio within structured deadlines.

Will the Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies prepare me for DELE C1?

Yes. The course is structured against CEFR C1 benchmarks and Instituto Cervantes DELE conventions, with practice work built into the curriculum. Many students sit the DELE C1 certificate alongside the Higher Diploma assessment.

Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a fifteen-to-eighteen-month UK qualification for students moving from intermediate to advanced Spanish across both Iberian and Latin American varieties. You will work intensively on advanced spoken and written competence at CEFR C1 level, develop translation craft across registers, read across Spanish-language press from Madrid to Mexico City to Buenos Aires, and produce a substantive translation or research portfolio. Direct top-up into the final year of a UK Bachelor's degree at LSJHML or a partner university is available on completion.

Spanish is one of the world's most widely spoken working languages and the medium of significant journalism, literature and trade across two continents. The Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies is built around the advanced standard professional Spanish-language roles require. By the end you can hold a professional meeting in Spanish, read the Iberian and Latin American press with confidence, and translate at near-publication standard.

Key Features

Advanced spoken and written Spanish aligned with CEFR C1 standards and Instituto Cervantes DELE benchmarks.
Both Iberian and Latin American Spanish taught with structured comparative attention.
Translation workshop series — news, official, commercial and short literary Spanish in both directions.
Press and contemporary writing module — Spain (El País, El Mundo), Mexico (Reforma, La Jornada), Argentina (Clarín, La Nación) and others.
Industry-led masterclasses from working translators, Latin America programme officers and bilingual professionals.
Direct top-up into the final year of a UK Bachelor's degree at LSJHML or a partner university.

What You Will Learn

The Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies is structured around intensive advanced-level language acquisition alongside translation craft and cultural literacy across the Spanish-speaking world. You graduate with advanced functional Spanish, working translation competence and the cultural grounding professional Spanish-language roles require.

Advanced Spanish — grammar, lexis, register, written and spoken fluency at CEFR C1.
Iberian and Latin American variation — Castilian, Mexican, Argentinean, Andean and Caribbean varieties.
Translation craft — news, official, commercial and short literary translation in both directions.
Reading the Spanish-language press — Iberian and Latin American sources.
Listening and discussion at advanced level — broadcasters, podcasts, professional meetings.
Contemporary Spanish-language cultural production — literature, film, journalism.
Modern history and current politics of Spain and Latin America at a working level.
Instituto Cervantes DELE C1 examination preparation.

Who This Higher Diploma Is For

Advanced Diploma graduates or equivalent in Spanish ready for a near-degree-level credential.
Working professionals using Spanish in trade, journalism, NGO work or the public sector wanting formal advanced credentialing.
Heritage Spanish speakers consolidating and extending their language with a UK qualification.
Students planning a BA top-up year and onward MA in translation or international journalism.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Spanish Language Studies move into translation, bilingual communications and Latin America-facing professional roles. Typical first or next roles include:

Spanish Translator (in-house, agency, public sector)
Bilingual Communications Specialist (NGO, professional body, technology company)
Spanish Teacher (secondary, FE college, language school)
Latin America Programme Officer (charity, INGO, trade body)
Bilingual Account Manager (financial services, fintech, professional services)
Foreign Service Officer (Spain or Latin America-focused FCDO desks — entry routes)

The Higher Diploma articulates directly into the final year of a UK BA in Spanish or Modern Languages at LSJHML or a partner university.

Entry Requirements

An Advanced Diploma (Level 5) or equivalent in a related subject, OR a Diploma plus two years of relevant work experience.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement and CV.
Mature applicants (25+) without standard qualifications may apply with significant senior-track work experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.