UCL will be taking stock of their history, showcasing their world-leading teaching and research, and reflecting on the future of modern languages and area studies.

The first chair of Spanish Studies in the UK was established at UCL and held from 1828-30 by the liberal exile, Antonio Alcalá Galiano, a friend of Jeremy Bentham and supporter of the anti-absolutist 1812 Constitution of Cadiz.

This event for UCL’s 200th anniversary is very much a celebration of our students past and present, aimed at UCL alumni.

The programme includes

• The screening of a documentary about Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies at UCL
• A panel on contemporary fiction with novelist Marta Perez Carbonell and her translator, UCL alumna, Rosalind Harvey
• A presentations by staff and students celebrating our past, present and future, and reflecting on the challenges facing our discipline.

The schedule for the event will be as follows

1. Arrival and welcome (4-4.30pm)
2. Present (4.30 – 5.35pm): We will reflect on contemporary Spanish fiction, its international reception and the problems and possibilities for translation and internationalisation.
3. Past (5.45 – 6.50pm): We will reflect on our history with a screening of a short documentary followed by a panel discussion about Spanish liberalism and the origins and history of Spanish at UCL and in the UK.
4. Future (7 – 7.50pm): We will showcase the amazing work of our staff and students, with a particular focus on new forms including the filmic essay.
5. Reception in Foster Court G20 (7.50pm – late)

All are welcome, but particularly keen to welcome back former students and alumni.

2026 marks UCL’s 200th Anniversary and a year of Bicentennial activity and celebration.

Visit the UCL200 website to explore the full programme and learn how you can get involved.