Facts & figures
Philologist in Spanish Language, Literature and Culture
Institute of Romance Studies
Spanish
Program
ELTE’s MA in Spanish Language, Literature and Culture is an ideal choice if you wish to gain an in-depth understanding of the deeper connections within European and non-European Spanish-language literatures and cultures, as well as the research methods required for their analysis and interpretation. Through exploring the diversity of Spanish-language cultures, students acquire specialised knowledge of the internal multicultural phenomena of the discipline and the complex relationships within the Hispanic world.
Programme details
During the training students will gain
— knowledge of contemporary questions in research on Spanish literature (history of literature from medieval times up until the present, Hispanic literature, etc.);
— obtain practice in scientific literature analysis;
— acquaint themselves with the methodology of literary research;
— experience in research;
— learn about the various techniques of Spanish text composition;
— improve their oral skills;
— get a deeper understanding of linguistics, study current fields of linguistic research (e.g., simultaneous linguistics, language history, descriptive linguistics, textual linguistics, lexicology, phraseology, sociolinguistics, etc.);
— experience in translation.
Tracks/ Specializations:
Spanish Literature and Translation
Spanish American Literature and Translation
Spanish Linguistics and Translation
The Master program will allow student to explore different areas of research, such as Spanish Golden Age, Spanish American Colonial Times to contemporary literature, to practise the scientific analysis of discourse and literary texts, to conduct in-depth literary research, to form a clear and informed argument reflecting a deep linguistic understanding (synchrony and diachrony, theoretical and applied linguistics). Note that the program does not offer teaching qualifications.
Interesting facts about the programme
The content of our courses is largely tailored to the current interests and needs of our students. The wide range of elective courses also provides opportunities to explore other fields of study. Students are actively involved in the Department’s programmes and events, including their organisation. They may take part in conferences, round-table discussions and professional workshops, while receiving support for their research ambitions. Students also have increasing opportunities to meet visiting international students, lecturers and artists. The best seminar papers, applications for the National Conference of Scientific Students (OTDK) and master’s theses may be published in the Department’s student publication series, Lazarillo – Fiatal Hispanisták Tanulmányai (Lazarillo – Studies by Young Hispanists).
Structure
Career
Graduates of the programme become professionals with up-to-date, highly applicable and interdisciplinary knowledge. Through their acquired expertise in linguistics, literature and cultural history, they gain a comprehensive understanding of the Spanish language and culture. Students become familiar with the history, social structures and political systems of Spanish-speaking countries. They are able to apply their knowledge in practice by performing language and cultural mediation tasks in a wide range of fields, including diplomacy, cultural life, organisations and institutions involved in international relations, tourism, media, journalism and public administration. The programme also prepares graduates to continue their studies at doctoral level.
Teacher
Researcher
Interpreter
Media, marketing, and advertising
Tourism industry
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 2,500 EUR | 2,500 EUR |
| Application fee |
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2026 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
| Entrance exam fee | 100 EUR (non-refundable) | 100 EUR (non-refundable) |
| Other cost |
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold a university bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent college degree) in the fields listed below. Full credit acknowledgement is only given for a Bachelor’s degree in Romance Philology, Specialized in Spanish Studies or Spanish as a Foreign Language Teacher qualification.
In case of any other degree, each diploma will be considered individually. The applicant must have at least 50 credits in the field of Spanish studies (Linguistics, Literature and Culture) to enter the programme. Transcripts from your bachelor's degree as well as course descriptions will be requested.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). Details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
Language requirements
Spanish knowledge of C1 level (CEFR)
Admission to the master’s programme requires a state-recognised C1 (advanced) comprehensive language certificate in Spanish, or an equivalent secondary school leaving certificate or higher education qualification.
The following language certificates are accepted:
— CELU: Nivel avanzado
— DELE (C1, C2)
— ECL (C1)
English is the language of administration for all international courses at ELTE Faculty of Humanities. All communication in administrative matters will be conducted in English. It is therefore recommended that all applicants speak a minimum of A2 level of English, even if it is not the language of tuition of their chosen programme.
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
| Online application form | - |
| Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate) | Notarized copy only on request. |
| Bachelor-level degree | An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
| Transcript of records | |
| CV | In English, in MS Word format with one low resolution photo |
| Motivation letter | A maximum of 500 words. |
| Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid. |
| Copy of application fee payment receipt | |
| Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt | |
| Language certificate | Official test result or certificate must be provided; see program specific proficiency requirements. |
| Other: An official English translation of the certificates and the records if the language of the original is not English |
Optional documents for admissions
- Research Proposal
Please consult with the coordinating department for more information - Letter of Reference
Also called "Letter of recommendation." From a former instructor and/or employer.
Application deadlines
The deadline for application means the deadline of submission of the full and complete application package in the online system.
Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11/2026 23:59 (CET)
Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2027 23:59 (CET)
Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2027 23:59 (CET)
The application procedure includes 3 periods in order to give the applicants the freedom to submit their application when it’s most suitable for them. The applicants of each period have the same chance to get admittance for the programme. However, please note, that the Faculty of Humanities ELTE reserves the right to cancel the entrance periods in case the number of the admitted applicants reaches the limit during the previous entrance periods.
Procedure of the application
The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.
Before making the payment please visit the Faculty’s website (go to section Application and Entrance Exam fees) for detailed guidance on how to use the payment platform.
Payment platform: https://epay.elte.hu/
Entrance examination and selection process
After the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs, applicants will be invited to an oral entrance exam. An entrance exam date option will be sent no later than the application deadline for the relevant period. Please, check your messages in the application system, and the e-mail address that is linked to the account regularly.
Procedure of the entrance examination
The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation of the applicant. Successful applicants must have a good command of Spanish to pass the entrance exam. The format of the entrance exam is an online interview. Ranking is based on the overall evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.
Results and the official decision will be announced in the application system. Admission letters are sent out also in the online application system within a few days.
Oral examination
The oral examination aims to assess the applicant’s level of language proficiency. During the interview, candidates discuss a range of topics related to linguistics, literature and civilisation. The list of examination topics, as well as the readings included in the recommended bibliography, provide guidance for preparation for the oral entrance examination.
List of examination topics
A. Linguistics
1. The components of the Spanish lexicon: origins and the transformation of Latin elements.
2. Spanish parts of speech and their main characteristics from morphological, syntactic and semantic perspectives.
3. The characteristics and functions of the Spanish noun phrase.
4. The use of personal pronouns in Spanish.
5. The morphological features of the Spanish verb phrase.
6. Reflexive verbs and reflexive pronouns; passive and impersonal constructions in Spanish.
7. Verb forms, verbal periphrases and verbal aspect in Spanish.
8. Syntactic characteristics of nominal sentences in Spanish. The nominal predicate, the copula and intransitive verbs in Spanish.
9. Spanish adjectival subordinate clauses. Explanatory and restrictive relative clauses in Spanish.
10. Contact languages, sociolects and varieties of Spanish; varieties of Spanish in the Americas.
Recommended reading
• Lorenzo, E.: El español y otras lenguas. Madrid: SGEL, 1980.
• Alarcos Llorach, E.: Gramática de la lengua española. Madrid: Ediciones SM, 2002.
• Vaquero de Ramírez, M.: El español de América. Madrid: Arco/Libros, 1996.
• Gómez Torrego, L.: Análisis sintáctico. Teoría y práctica. Madrid: Ediciones SM, 2004.
• Real Academia Española: Esbozo de una nueva gramática de la lengua española. Madrid: Espasa Calpe, 1974.
B. Literature
1. Medieval Spanish literature.
2. Poetry during the Spanish Golden Age.
3. Spanish Golden Age drama.
4. Spanish Golden Age prose.
5. The Spanish Enlightenment, Romanticism and Realism.
6. The Generation of ’98: the aesthetics of the turn of the century.
7. Twentieth-century Spanish literature.
8. The origins of modern Spanish-American literature (the colonial period and the nineteenth century).
9. Spanish-American literature in the first half of the twentieth century.
10. Spanish-American literature in the second half of the twentieth century and the present day.
Recommended reading
• Rico, F. (dir.): Historia y crítica de la literatura española. Barcelona: Crítica, 1974-2004.
• Alborg, J. L.: Historia de la literatura española. Madrid: Gredos, 1970.
• Oviedo, J. M.: Historia de la literatura hispanoamericana. Madrid: Alianza, 2002.
• Grossmann, R.: Historia y problemas de la literatura latinoamericana. Madrid: Revista de Occidente, 1972.
• Shaw, D. L.: Nueva narrativa hispanoamericana. Madrid: Cátedra, 1999.
C. Country Studies
1. Spain’s natural features and economic geography.
2. Spain’s autonomous communities.
3. The historical and cultural-historical background of contemporary Spain.
4. The political, social and cultural characteristics of present-day Spain.
5. Presentation of the current social and cultural characteristics of an autonomous community in Spain.
6. The natural features and economic geography of Spanish America.
7. The historical and cultural-historical background of contemporary Spanish America.
8. The political, social and cultural characteristics of present-day Spanish America.
9. The intellectual history of Spanish America (the significance of the literary essay).
10. Presentation of the current social and cultural characteristics of a Spanish-American country.
Recommended reading
• García de Cortázar, F.: Breve historia de España. Madrid: Alianza, 2004.
• González López, E.: Historia de la civilización española. New York: Las Américas, 1966.
• Vázquez, G. – Martínez Díaz, N.: Historia de América Latina. Madrid: SGEL, 1990.
• López Moreno, C.: España contemporánea. Madrid: SGEL, 2005.
• Chang-Rodríguez, E.: Latinoamérica. Su civilización y su cultura. Rowley, Massachusetts: Newbury House Publishers, 1983.
For more information about the application procedures, please visit the Faculty’s website
Contacts
Admission
Department of International Affairs
E-mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4.
More information
Website
Gabriella MENCZEL, PhD
Head of the Department of Spanish Language and Literature
Find the detailed structure of the program on the site of the Faculty.