Spanish is the language of over 350 million people and is the official language of 21 countries in three continents. It is an important community language in Australia, and it has been identified as one of the nine Key National Languages by the Australian National Policy on Languages. Students at undergraduate level study Spanish language courses, as well Spanish history, literature, and film. The main aims of the Honours year are: To enable students with an adequate background in Spanish to pursue further study in one specialist area in more depth than is possible with a pass degree To enhance students capacity for independent research and to acquire research skills appropriate to their area of specialisation. To train to a standard sufficient for enrolment in postgraduate research degrees, and for a specialist career. Achievement of first class or IIA honours allows direct entry to a PhD program.

An Honours year in Spanish focuses on developing and consolidating the knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate study, with particular emphasis on utilising those skills in a sustained and purposeful way by conducting independent research. Apart from content knowledge, employers and professionals value both the reliability and capacity for independent work, and the skill at writing substantial reports which are demonstrated by successful completion of Honours.