Course Overview

Gain confidence in communication and explore the rich diversity of the Spanish-speaking world with our A level Spanish course.

A level Spanish is an engaging and practical subject that opens the door to new cultures, global conversations, and exciting opportunities.

Spanish stands out at A level for its focus on real communication and cultural understanding. You’ll build confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while exploring topics like Spanish society, culture, politics, and literature. From regional traditions to global issues, this course gives you a richer perspective on the Spanish-speaking world.

This A level course strengthens your language skills and critical thinking while helping you develop an international mindset. With flexible online study, it’s ideal preparation for university or careers in languages, travel, diplomacy, business, or education.

  • 72%
pass rate in 2024 at grade B and above

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

A level Spanish at a glance

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Exam board

AQA 7692

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Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

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Requirements
  • Volver, Pedro Almodóvar (film)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: Volver: Film Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides),  JA García Sánchez and T Weston, Hodder Education, 2017
  • La Casa de Bernarda Alba, Federico García Lorca (play)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: La casa de Bernarda Alba: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides), S Blanchi and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

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Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

AQA A level Spanish, JA García Sánchez, T Weston and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2016

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Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

Paper 1: 50% of marks (2 hours 30 minutes)
Paper 2: 20% of marks (2 hours)
Oral exam – 30% of marks (21 to 23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation). The oral exam is in two parts:

Part 1: Discussion of one sub-theme from a choice of four
Part 2: Presentation of the Individual Research Project (2 minutes of presentation and 9-10 minutes of discussion of the findings of your research.)
Non-exam assessment (NEA):

coursework: Individual Research Project

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7692

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

AQA A level Spanish, JA García Sánchez, T Weston and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2016

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements
  • Volver, Pedro Almodóvar (film)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: Volver: Film Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides),  JA García Sánchez and T Weston, Hodder Education, 2017
  • La Casa de Bernarda Alba, Federico García Lorca (play)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: La casa de Bernarda Alba: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides), S Blanchi and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

Paper 1: 50% of marks (2 hours 30 minutes)
Paper 2: 20% of marks (2 hours)
Oral exam – 30% of marks (21 to 23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation). The oral exam is in two parts:

Part 1: Discussion of one sub-theme from a choice of four
Part 2: Presentation of the Individual Research Project (2 minutes of presentation and 9-10 minutes of discussion of the findings of your research.)
Non-exam assessment (NEA):

coursework: Individual Research Project

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7692

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course requirements icon
Requirements
  • Volver, Pedro Almodóvar (film)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: Volver: Film Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides),  JA García Sánchez and T Weston, Hodder Education, 2017
  • La Casa de Bernarda Alba, Federico García Lorca (play)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: La casa de Bernarda Alba: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides), S Blanchi and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

AQA A level Spanish, JA García Sánchez, T Weston and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2016

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

Paper 1: 50% of marks (2 hours 30 minutes)
Paper 2: 20% of marks (2 hours)
Oral exam – 30% of marks (21 to 23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation). The oral exam is in two parts:

Part 1: Discussion of one sub-theme from a choice of four
Part 2: Presentation of the Individual Research Project (2 minutes of presentation and 9-10 minutes of discussion of the findings of your research.)
Non-exam assessment (NEA):

coursework: Individual Research Project

Why study A level Spanish

Future opportunities

  • Studying Modern Foreign Languages or linguistics at university or higher education level.
  • Opening up career paths – employment rates for language graduates are one of the highest, compared with other degree subjects.
  • You could spend a year in Spain or a Spanish-speaking country as a part of your degree.
  • Complementing subjects such as Law or Business, at university or higher education level.
  • A range of careers including those in education, journalism, editing and publishing, international business, communication and translation through to cultural and tourism, diplomacy, law, media, accountancy, management or governmental positions.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Core Skills

Introduction

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Topic 1 Reading
  • Topic 2 Listening
  • Topic 3 Culture
  • Topic 4 Speaking and listening
  • Core skills Assignment
Section 1

Los valores tradicionales y modernos

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to Los valores tradicionales y modernos
  • Las familias de antes y de ahora: los hijos hablan
  • La religión católica y las fiestas
  • Y vivieron felices… ¿para siempre?
  • Las múltiples formas familiares
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; Eliges tu diccionario; Practising grammar, Writing short answers, Building up your vocabulary and Recording your speaking
  • Section 1 Assignment
Section 2

El ciberespacio y los derechos

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to El ciberspacio
  • ¿Han cambiado las nuevas tecnologías nuestra vida a mejor o a peor?
  • Los teléfonos… ¿inteligentes?
  • Study Guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary
  • Section 2 Assignment
Section 3

La igualdad de los derechos

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to La igualdad de los derechos
  • La lucha por la igualdad de las mujeres
  • La lucha por la igualdad de la mujer
  • La mujer contemporánea: hablan ellas
  • Los derechos del colectivo LGBT
  • La lucha por los derechos LGBT
  • Mejorando la situación de la mujer: ¿un trabajo aún inacabado?
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; Translation from Spanish into English, Summarising material and extracting key points, Editing your writing; Choosing a topic for your research project
  • Section 3 Assignment
SECTION 4

La influencia de los ídolos

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to La influencia de los ídolos
  • Los jóvenes bajo la influencia de los ídolos musicales
  • ¿Héroes deportivos?
  • La nueva cultura de la fama
  • Study Guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; Listening effectively; Reading effectively; Translating from English into Spanish
  • Section 4 Assignment
SECTION 5

La identidad regional en España

  • Introduction and Progress Checker
  • Guide to La identitad regional en España
  • La Semana Santa en España
  • La Semana Santa
  • La tauromaquia, sus diversas formas y la polémica
  • ¿A favor o en contra de la tauromaquia?
  • Un viaje gastronómico por España
  • ¡En España se habla más de una lengua!
  • Las lenguas en España
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary
SECTION 6

El patrimonio cultural

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to El patrimonio cultural
  • Perú: incas, conquistas y maravillas para la historia
  • Unas pinceladas de arte mexicano
  • La arquitectura árabe en Andalucía y sus vestigios
  • La arquitectura árabe en Andalucía
  • El patrimonio musical y su diversidad en el mundo hispano
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; Revision for AS Paper 1 and Revision for AS Paper 3
  • Section 6 Assignment Part 1
  • Section 6 Assignment Part 2
Continuing

Film Study Volver

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to Volver
  • Getting to know the film Volver
  • Pedro Almodóvar
  • Watching the film for a second time
  • Studying the film in depth
  • Scene summaries; Themes; Characters; Director’s methods
  • Study guidance
  • Writing about the film; Structuring your writing
  • Film study Assignment
SECTION 7

La inmigración

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • How to work through La inmigración
  • La inmigración en España: procedencia, distribución e integración
  • La inmigración en España
  • La vida y penurias de un ‘sin papeles’
  • La inmigración mexicana en EE.UU.
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; The A level exam; Choosing a topic for your research project
SECTION 8

El racismo

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to El racismo
  • Actitudes racistas y xenófobas en la España de ayer y hoy
  • Actitudes racistas en España
  • Las medidas nacionales y locales en contra del racismo en Hispanoamérica
  • Las legislaciones antirracistas en el mundo hispano
  • Las leyes antirracistas en Latinoamérica
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; Translating a paragraph into Spanish; Organising your research project
  • Section 8 Assignment
Section 9

La convivencia y la integración

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to La convivencia y la integración
  • La convivencia entre culturas en la España medieval
  • Convivencia e integración en los centros escolares
  • La convivencia en la España moderna
  • Los gitanos en España
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary
  • Section 9 Assignment Part 1
  • Section 9 Assignment Part 2
Section 10

Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos de mañana

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos de mañana
  • Los jóvenes y la política: ¿activismo o apatía?
  • El paro entre los jóvenes
  • El desempleo de los jóvenes españoles
  • Su sociedad ideal: ¿una quimera?
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; Continuing your research project; Revising the first half of the course
  • Section 10 Assignment
Section 11

Monarquías y dictaduras

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to Monarquías y dictaduras
  • El franquismo en España
  • La sociedad española en la dictadura de Franco
  • La evolución de la monarquía en España
  • Dictadores latinoamericanos
  • El régimen de Cuba
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; Revision for A level Paper 1; Revision for A level Paper 3; Making a short presentation in Spanish
Section 12

Movimientos sociales

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to Movimientos sociales
  • El poder de los sindicatos
  • Las protestas sociales en profundidad
  • La efectividad de las manifestaciones
  • Podemos
  • Study guidance
  • Using the Spanish Grammar Summary; Revision for A level Paper 1; Revision for A level Paper 3; Making a short presentation in Spanish
  • Section 12 Assignment Part 1
  • Section 12 Assignment Part 2
Book study

La Casa de Bernarda Alba

  • Introduction and progress checker
  • Guide to La Casa de Bernarda Alba
  • Getting to know the set play
  • Studying the play in depth
  • Chapter summaries; Characters; Narrative techniques; Key themes
  • Study guidance
  • Preparing for Paper 2; Writing an A level essay
  • Book and film study Assignment

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £730
    Deposit £73
    Amount of credit £657
    Monthly payment £54.75
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £730
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

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    With you every step of the way

    Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor

    You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.

    “I have always been passionate about learning languages and I am delighted to be sharing my interest in Spanish. I have been a languages teacher for over 12 years. As a tutor, I like to tailor my support to the needs of each student. Learning a language should be a fun and fulfilling experience and there are many ways to learn. I have a BA Hons in languages from the University of Hull and took my PGCE at the University of York. I am originally from North Yorkshire and now live in Wakefield.”

    Caroline, Spanish Tutor
    MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS
    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
    • Or contact us today by phone or email.

    We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

    People who study A level Spanish also take…

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.