For the first time ever in Skyrim I've decided to make a hybrid character. The thing is I'm not 100% sure on the differences between being a Spellsword and being a Battlemage, or even a Paladin! They all seem so similar.. so can someone clear it up for me please?

Also, what's ideal race for a battlemage/spellsword/paladin? Preferably human, as my character WILL be Dragonborn. Would a hybrid Nord be viable lore-wise?

Thanks in advance!

I don't think there is an actual difference between a Spellsword and a Battlemage, just two names for the same thing.

A paladin, however, is usually a holy warrior who focuses on melee and restoration/anti-undead magics. Naturally they try to do as many good deeds as possible and usually wear heavy armor.

Dunmers make excellent battlemages, redguards are good paladins. Breton is a good choice too for a battlemage.

Also yeah a nord dragonborn is probably the canon lore for what's going on.

I know a Nord DB is canon, I meant a Nord Spellsword/Battlemage. Sorry, shoulda been clearer on that!

From previous classes, they're very similar. This is what Oblivion "defined" them as:

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Classes#Battlemage
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Classes#Spellsword

And unlike previous games, any race can pretty much be anything you want it to be.

It should be fine, race barely matters in Skyrim so you should be good to go.