A new partnership will enable Lancaster University’s new School of Global Affairs to offer a Spanish Government seal of approval to students, staff and members of the public, who officially master the Spanish language.

Executive Dean of the University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Professor Ed Simpson and Head of the University’s new School of Global Affairs Dr Derek Hird signed the partnership agreement with the Director of the Instituto Cervantes Manchester, Mr Pedro Eusebio, at a special ceremony on campus.

The agreement cements the partnership which will see the School become an official Spanish language examination centre for DELE Spanish Diplomas, the official qualification certifying a degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language, granted by Spain's Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.

The Instituto Cervantes organises the examination sessions, while the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain designs the exams and oversees corrections and the final evaluation of all exams.

Mr Eusebio said: “Signing this agreement means Lancaster University becomes a DELE exam centre. This is very important for the Instituto Cervantes in strengthening co-operation with Lancaster University, providing an opportunity for students to take the official exam and for our commitment in bringing the Hispanic culture to Lancaster University.”

Dr Hird said: “This agreement enables Lancaster University to support students in gaining recognition for their achievements in the Spanish language and opens new opportunities for them in their careers. The test centre, open to students, staff and members of the public, enables anyone at all studying Spanish to get this level of recognition through the Instituto Cervantes.”

The Instituto Cervantes is an official language body created by the Spanish government. It is responsible for teaching and promoting the Spanish language, the co-official languages of Spain and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. It is present in 90 cities across the world and has more than 200,000 students.