Hispanic Studies PhD

A PhD in Hispanic Studies enables you to undertake a substantial piece of supervised research in the subject that makes an original contribution to knowledge and is worthy of publication.

Overview

A PhD, also known as a doctorate, is a requirement for a career as an academic or researcher. In addition, it has become a qualification valued by many employers who recognise the skills and commitment a PhD requires. Employers also recognise that a PhD indicates excellent research capabilities, discipline and communication skills.

Over the duration of the PhD, you produce an original piece of research of up to 100,000 words, in English or Spanish. Current research students are working on topics such as Spanish film legislation, contemporary Spanish film cultures, and the voluntary sterilisation campaigns under Alberto Fujimori’s government in Peru. Previous research theses have included work the translation of culture-bound elements found in Catalan films.

The main areas of research in the areas of Peninsular Studies (Spain) and Latin American Studies in the Department are in popular culture and subcultures in Spain; Spanish cultural studies and film studies; state formation and political culture in the Andes from the end of the colonial period; military culture in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in South America; Mexico, Cuba and the Caribbean in the 20th and 21st centuries; and, the intersection of market forces and articulations of national identity, especially in the contexts of tourism and nation branding.

Careers

The Department of Modern Languages is committed to developing your employability through a wide range of School events. Our graduates develop skills highly prized by employers in industry and the public sector, including oral and written communication, intellectual skills, and intercultural awareness and understanding.

Recent Hispanic Studies graduates have gone on to work in areas such as media, publishing, public administration, charities and voluntary work, education and teaching in the UK and around the world.

Students need to have a first or upper-second class BA honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, a distinction or merit in an MA programme or equivalent in a relevant subject (eg Hispanic Studies). Research students need to demonstrate competence in Spanish (and Catalan if relevant). All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.