Official Qualification
9 months / 60 ECTS
Specialise with UAX’s Online Master’s in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE), which focuses on teaching Spanish as a foreign language. You will learn to plan, deliver and assess Spanish language programmes for international students, incorporating teaching strategies, language assessment and intercultural communication.
In collaboration with:
The Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (Online) prepares you to plan, deliver and assess Spanish courses for students of different ages, levels and cultural backgrounds. You will learn to teach grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and communicative skills using a practical approach tailored to the realities of the classroom.
Furthermore, you will develop skills in language teaching methodology, language assessment, the creation of teaching materials and intercultural communication, preparing you to teach Spanish in international and multicultural educational settings.
The Master’s programme’s methodology is geared towards the practical application of knowledge in real-life contexts of teaching Spanish as a foreign language (ELE). You will learn to design teaching units, create materials, plan courses and develop assessment systems tailored to different learning profiles and needs.
You will also work on error analysis, adapting content to multicultural settings, and teaching Spanish for different purposes and at different levels. All of this is complemented by work placements at partner centres and institutions linked to the field of teaching Spanish as a foreign language.
Specialised training in the teaching of Spanish, language assessment, intercultural communication and the use of digital tools applied to the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language (ELE).
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The curriculum combines the fundamentals of applied linguistics and the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language (ELE) with training in the development of teaching materials, digital resources, intercultural understanding, learning in virtual environments and Spanish for specific purposes. The programme is rounded off with work placements and a Master’s Thesis focused on the professional realities of teaching Spanish as a foreign language.
Master's Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language
First Year
FIRST FOUR-MONTH PERIOD
| Code | Subjects | Character* | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM121100 | L2 acquisition and methodological approaches | OB | 3 |
| SM121101 | Analysis and production of materials in ELE | OB | 3 |
| SM121102 | Teaching grammar in Spanish as a foreign language (ELE) | OB | 6 |
| SM121103 | Teaching skills in Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) | OB | 6 |
| SM121104 | Teaching vocabulary and pronunciation in Spanish as a foreign language (ELE) | OB | 3 |
| SM121105 | Pragmatics and Interculturality in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language | OB | 3 |
| SM121106 | Digital educational resources for learning Spanish as a foreign language | OB | 6 |
| SM121150 | An Introduction to Spanish Linguistics | CM | 3 |
| SM121151 | Fundamentals of Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language | CM | 3 |
| TOTAL: | 36 | ||
SECOND FOUR-MONTH PERIOD
| Code | Subjects | Character* | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM121107 | Learning Spanish as a Foreign Language in virtual environments | OB | 3 |
| SM121108 | Teaching resources for the Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) classroom: literature, music and film | OB | 3 |
| SM121109 | Design and creation of digital teaching materials for Spanish as a foreign language (ELE) | OB | 6 |
| SM121110 | Spanish: Specific Aims | OB | 3 |
| SM121111 | Work placements | OB | 6 |
| SM121112 | Programming, planning and evaluation of Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) courses | OB | 3 |
| SM121113 | Master’s Thesis | OB | 6 |
| TOTAL: | 30 | ||
*Character: BT: Basic Training, Ob: Required, Op: Optional
The main reason why UAX attracts students like you is the opportunity to balance your personal, professional and academic life. What sets us apart is a barrier-free approach, centred on you and your desire to learn.
What is our approach like?
In addition, you’ll have full access to our campus in Madrid to carry out administrative tasks, get answers to your questions and enjoy the facilities it has to offer.
The work placements on the Online Master’s in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) will enable you to apply the knowledge you have acquired in real-life contexts of teaching Spanish as a foreign language. During this experience, you will take part in activities relating to lesson planning, the creation of teaching materials, the observation of teaching processes and the adaptation of content to different student profiles.
You will complete 125 hours of curricular work placements (6 ECTS) at centres and institutions specialising in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language, including language schools, state-run language schools, universities and partner educational organisations.
In addition, you will have access to a network of over 700 work placement agreements that facilitate connections with the educational and professional sectors. Here are some of the centres with which we have agreements. Request further information and discover all our agreements.
The flexibility of online learning, with opportunities to connect
Take your exams online wherever you are or, if you prefer, in person at our designated centres in Spain and Latin America, subject to availability and capacity.
What’s more, as a student at UAX Online, you’ll have access to our Campus Hubs – a network of exclusive physical spaces where you can study, access libraries, work in co-working areas and connect with other students. Because studying online doesn’t mean studying alone.
Campus Hubs available in: Alcobendas, Alcorcón, Valencia San Vicente, Murcia, Barcelona, Málaga, Seville and Arganda.
Access is via your UAX student card, subject to availability and the opening hours of each centre.
She uses digital tools in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language (ELE) to design teaching materials, create interactive activities, assess language skills and develop learning experiences tailored to students with different profiles and educational backgrounds.
Faculty
With more than 15 years of experience teaching Spanish to students and professionals from different countries, she is an expert in teacher training and ELE programme development. She combines university teaching with academic coordination and TFM tutoring, providing leadership, innovation and practical experience in language teaching.
Educational consultant and designer of learning experiences, specialising in e-learning, gamification, narrative design and active methodologies. She trains teachers, leads projects and collaborates with educational institutions in the development of innovative proposals. Founder of Ágora Virtual and creator of the GAUBI app.
PhD in Spanish (Spanish Language) and a specialist in sociolinguistics applied to the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language. She has over ten years’ teaching experience in higher education and specialist language centres, and is accredited as an examiner and tutor for SIELE and all levels of DELE.
PhD (cum laude) in Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching and a specialist in educational innovation and the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language (ELE). He combines university teaching with research into gamification, AI and technologies applied to language learning, and is renowned for developing innovative projects for the teaching of Spanish.
She holds a PhD in Translation and specialises in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. She has international teaching experience at institutions such as the Instituto Cervantes, the European Commission and various universities in Europe and Africa. Her career combines teaching Spanish as a foreign language, educational innovation and research into translation and intercultural communication.
He holds a PhD in Literary Studies and specialises in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. A university lecturer and official examiner for the Cervantes Institute’s DELE diplomas, he has experience in teaching, research and academic management, as well as having participated in educational innovation projects related to teaching Spanish as a foreign language.
He holds a PhD in Education (Cum Laude) with an International Distinction and specialises in language education and Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) in multicultural contexts. He is currently a Spanish lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and has teaching and research experience in Europe, the Americas and Africa. He is accredited as a DELE examiner and SIELE tutor by the Instituto Cervantes.
PhD in Applied Linguistics for the Teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) and a specialist in language acquisition and error analysis among learners of Spanish. She has over 20 years’ experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language (ELE), teacher training and language assessment; she is also a DELE examiner at all levels and the author of numerous teaching materials.
She holds a PhD in Translation and Multicultural Communication and is a lecturer in Communication and Public Speaking at UAX. Specialising in language teaching methodology and the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language, she regularly takes part in training activities and seminars relating to the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language (ELE) and intercultural communication.
Master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and a specialist in technology applied to the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language. She has international teaching experience at universities and educational institutions in the United States, as well as a professional background in communication and content management.
Number of new places: 210 places
Entry requirements:
The entry requirements will be determined in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decree 822/2021 of 28 September, which regulates access to and admission to official Master’s degree programmes, as set out in Article 18.
The entry requirements for the Master’s programme, which are not subject to a points-based system, consist of holding an official undergraduate degree or equivalent and demonstrating a C1 level of Spanish in accordance with the CEFR for students whose mother tongue is not Spanish.
Entry profile:
You may enrol on this programme if you hold an official undergraduate degree or equivalent, preferably in one of the following areas:
Where demand exceeds supply, the following admission criteria will apply:
When assessing the CV, only academic, training and professional merits directly relevant to the Master’s programme will be taken into account. Proof of any of the merits claimed must be provided by submitting academic certificates, diplomas, certificates issued by the employer or employment contracts, and other documentation that allows the duration, content and suitability of the training or experience to be verified against the criteria described above.
Alfonso X El Sabio University has approved and published regulations brought into line with Royal Decree 822/2021 to address the transfer and recognition of credits.
https://www.uax.com/download/9959/file/Normativa-TRC.pdf
The recognition of credits within the official curriculum of this degree programme will be carried out by assessing the alignment between the skills and knowledge acquired through the courses undertaken and those set out in the curriculum for the corresponding courses.
| Subject | Requirement |
| External Work Placement (6 ECTS) | Teachers who can demonstrate more than 150 hours of teaching experience in Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) or 12 months’ work experience |
To apply for recognition, the following must be submitted:
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Scholarships and financial support for studying at UAX
We know that studying is an investment. That’s why we want to remove financial barriers and make things easier for you. Fill in the form and let our advisers help you discover the scholarships, partnership schemes and personalised financial support that best suit your situation.
Community of Madrid
Financial support for students with a disability of 33 per cent or more who are studying at universities or higher education institutions specialising in the arts in the Community of Madrid.
Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport
Find out about the scholarships and grants offered by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport, categorised by type and level of education.
Attracting Pre-doctoral Research Talent
Financial support for outstanding students who wish to carry out innovative research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their disciplines.
If you’ve already decided to take the plunge, enrol early and benefit from a direct grant. It’s a way of rewarding your commitment and giving you a head start in planning your future.
Students from Ibero-America
This programme is aimed at Ibero-American citizens or foreign nationals legally resident in countries within the OEI’s sphere of influence. The scholarship covers a 50% discount on the total tuition fees.
Students from Ecuador
This programme is aimed at citizens with Ecuadorian nationality and/or residence who wish to study an online master’s degree in Spain. The scholarship covers a 50% discount on the total tuition fees.
2025, 2nd Edition
Grants for students on higher-level vocational training, undergraduate, postgraduate or master’s programmes enrolled at Spanish universities with a Santander agreement. A financial supplement to support you whilst undertaking your work placements.
If you graduated from UAX and are now thinking of studying for a new degree, we want to continue supporting you. That’s why we’re offering you a 10 per cent discount on tuition fees.
If you have an immediate family member (up to the second degree of kinship) enrolled at UAX, you can benefit from a 5 per cent discount on tuition fees. Because studying as a family is even better.
Studying for two degrees at the same time is a challenge, and we want to support you. If you’re already at UAX and enrol on a second degree programme, you’ll be eligible for a grant towards your booking fee and tuition fees.
If you’d like to continue your studies with us and progress from vocational training to a bachelor’s degree, from one bachelor’s degree to another, or from a bachelor’s degree to a postgraduate degree, we’re here to support you with a grant covering up to 25 per cent of your tuition fees.
If you have a strong academic record, we would like to recognise your talent with a scholarship designed for new students. (Excludes the degree in Medicine).
If you’re a high-performance athlete, at UAX we want to help you balance your passion with your studies. We offer specific grants that can cover up to 50% of your tuition fees.
ELE stands for Spanish as a Foreign Language and refers to the teaching and learning of Spanish by people whose mother tongue is not Spanish.
The scope of ELE encompasses course planning, the teaching of linguistic and communicative skills, the creation of teaching materials, the assessment of learning, and the adaptation of teaching to multicultural and international contexts. The UAX Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) is designed to train specialists in this field.
Yes. The UAX Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language is an official degree worth 60 ECTS credits, recognised in Spain and within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Furthermore, as it is an official Master’s degree, it provides access to doctoral studies once the requirements set out in current regulations have been met, and it may be recognised or accredited by the relevant authorities in different countries in accordance with their applicable legislation.
The Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) combines training in Spanish teaching methodology, applied linguistics and lesson planning with specialised content on learning assessment, intercultural communication, and the creation of digital materials and resources for language teaching.
Throughout the programme, you will gain in-depth knowledge of areas such as the teaching of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and communicative skills, as well as the design of ELE courses, learning in virtual environments and Spanish for specific purposes. In addition, you will round off your training through work placements and a Master’s Thesis focused on real-world teaching contexts.
To pursue a career in teaching Spanish as a foreign language, it is advisable to have specialised training in language teaching methodology, course planning, learning assessment and intercultural communication.
The Master’s in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) provides these skills and prepares students to work in national and international educational contexts. However, the entry requirements for certain posts may vary depending on the institution, the country or the type of centre, and may include qualifications, teaching experience, language accreditations or other additional requirements.
Find out how to become a Spanish teacher by exploring all the necessary requirements.
To be eligible for the Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE), you must hold an official undergraduate degree or equivalent. In addition, students whose mother tongue is not Spanish must demonstrate a C1 level of Spanish in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The Master’s programme is primarily aimed at graduates in Philology, Linguistics, Modern Languages, Translation and Interpreting, Education, Humanities and other related disciplines. Other academic backgrounds related to language teaching and linguistics may also be eligible, subject to the admission criteria set by the university.
No. The Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) is a specialised course that provides the knowledge and skills required to teach Spanish to foreign students, but does not in itself qualify graduates to take up all teaching posts.
Access to certain posts, particularly in state schools, universities or international institutions, may require additional qualifications, professional experience, language accreditations or specific selection processes, depending on the regulations and requirements of each organisation.
Therefore, the Master’s degree should be understood as a specialisation in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language that complements prior training and broadens professional opportunities in the field of ELE.
The Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) is particularly recommended for those who wish to specialise in teaching Spanish to international students or to develop their professional career in multicultural educational settings.
It is aimed both at recent graduates in fields such as Philology, Linguistics, Translation, Education or the Humanities, and at teaching professionals seeking to update their methodological skills, incorporate digital resources or broaden their career opportunities in the field of ELE.
It may also be of interest to those wishing to design teaching materials, create online Spanish courses, work on international programmes or develop projects related to language teaching and intercultural communication.
The Master’s in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) combines live, synchronous classes with resources and activities that can be undertaken asynchronously, making it easier to balance study with work and personal life. Throughout the programme, you will have access to the virtual campus, academic support and consultation sessions.
The methodology is based on active approaches such as agile learning and the flipped classroom, applied to course planning, the creation of teaching materials and the teaching of ELE in face-to-face, virtual and blended learning environments. Furthermore, the assessment system combines continuous assessment activities with online final exams.
Yes. The Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) includes 6 ECTS credits of external work placement (125 hours) at centres and institutions specialising in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language.
During this period, you will be able to observe and participate in activities relating to lesson planning, the creation of teaching materials, the teaching of ELE and the adaptation of content to different student profiles. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the professional reality of a sector with a growing international presence.
On the Master’s in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE), our students develop skills in using advanced digital tools that are essential for teaching in today’s environment. They will become proficient in using platforms such as Trello for project management, Moodle for creating virtual learning environments, and OpenShot for editing educational videos.
In addition, they will become familiar with applications such as Lumi, ExeLearning and Google Sites for creating interactive content and educational websites. Google Classroom will be an essential tool for organising and distributing materials, whilst Padlet, Genially and Mindmeister will be used to create collaborative murals, interactive presentations and concept maps, respectively.
As for collaboration and assessment tools, students will work with Miro and Mural for teamwork and visualising ideas, Socrative and Lumi for formative assessment, and Wakelet, Digipad, Kahoot and Quizizz for creating quizzes and compiling educational resources.
For those interested in further exploring the use of technology in the classroom, we also offer the Online Master’s in ICT Applied to Education. This programme provides advanced training in the pedagogical use of information and communication technologies, enabling teachers to innovate in their teaching practices and adapt to the changing needs of pupils in the digital age.
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UAX promotes a culture of quality within the university community through the UAX Quality System (SIUAX), for which the University Management bears ultimate responsibility, ensuring that the system’s planning is implemented to effectively meet quality objectives and satisfy the needs, requirements and expectations of customers and stakeholders.
The bodies responsible are:
This organisational structure facilitates two-way communication regarding the various improvement initiatives, thereby enabling and ensuring the development of a culture of quality within the University.
The Degree Programme Monitoring and Improvement Committee for the 2025–26 academic year is composed of:
You can view the various indicators via the following links:
Improvement measures implemented for the degree programme during the academic year:
Enquiries, complaints and claims
We respond to the genuine needs of our students and staff, because we believe in the continuous improvement of our results. That is why we always want to hear whatever you have to say.
If you are already part of UAX, please visit the ‘Customer Service: complaints, suggestions and compliments’ section on thevirtual campus , logging in with your username and password.
In accordance with Royal Decree 822/2021 (Article 34), this degree programme must undergo the accreditation renewal process. During the process, an evaluation team from the Madrimasd Knowledge Foundation will meet with various stakeholders associated with the degree programme. In addition, they have provideda form so that anyone interested can inform the Foundation of any aspects they consider relevant to the development of this programme.
