Latin American Politics

The Latin American Politics MSc provides students with an opportunity to develop their general and specialist knowledge of major issues in the politics of Latin America. The programme’s graduates have established careers in research, journalism, teaching, and policy formulation and implementation in both government agencies and NGOs.

Students will develop a detailed understanding of the political histories of major Latin American countries, key public policy issues, the challenges of democratisation and democratic consolidation, and the domestic and international influences on political developments in the region. They will gain the key research and analysis skills necessary for professional development in the field of Latin American politics.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (15 credits each), four optional modules (60 credits in total), and the research dissertation (90 credits).

Please note: All option modules are subject to availability

Core modules

• Researching the Americas: Latin America and the Caribbean
• Democratisation in Latin America

Optional modules

Students choose four option modules from a selection that includes the following:

• Histories of Exclusion: Race and Ethnicity in Latin America
• The International Politics of Latin America
• Latin American Economies: Beyond Neoliberalism
• Social and Economic Development of Contemporary Brazil
• State and Society in Latin America: Ethnographic Perspectives
• Money and Politics in Latin America
• The Politics of Human Rights in Latin America: Transitional Justice
• The Caribbean from the Haitian Revolution to the Cuban Revolution
• The Latin American City: Social Problems and Social Change in Urban Space

Students may choose a maximum of 30 credits from other departments or from other University of London colleges, subject to the Programme Director's approval.

Dissertation/report

All students write a dissertation of 15,000 words on a research topic of their choice (linked to the subject area of one of their taught modules), provided that as it contains a substantial politics focus.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, presentations, research skills training, and independent reading and research. Assessment is through essays, group and individual presentations, analytical exercises and the dissertation.

Fieldwork

Many of our Master’s students undertake fieldwork in order to carry out research for their dissertation projects.

There may be travel costs associated with fieldwork. The institute has limited funds available to students to help towards the costs of fieldwork. These funds are awarded on a competitive basis on the criteria of academic performance to date, the quality of the research proposal and the importance of fieldwork for completing the research.

Normally an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. A basic reading competence in Spanish or Portuguese is desirable. Students without such skills may be considered but are advised to undertake a separate language course prior to or during their programme.

The Latin American Politics programme at University College London offers a range of financing options to support enrolled students throughout their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various funding sources, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans, to facilitate their academic pursuits. UCL provides several merit-based scholarships specifically targeted at students pursuing political science and area studies, which may include Latin American Politics. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and commitment to regional studies. Additionally, UCL offers departmental funding opportunities, which are flexible and designed to support students engaged in research or fieldwork related to Latin America.

International students are advised to consider external funding opportunities, such as government grants, embassy scholarships, and private foundations that support Latin American region studies. For students from the UK or European countries, there are also options like student loans available through government programs, which can cover tuition fees and living expenses. UCL has a dedicated financial aid office that provides comprehensive advice and application guidance for all funding possibilities.

Furthermore, part-time work opportunities are available both on and off campus to help students manage their finances during their studies. Work placements, internships, and research assistant positions often provide stipends or hourly wages, aiding students' financial stability. University College London also offers advice on budgeting and financial planning tailored to the needs of graduate and postgraduate students.

Overall, financing a Latin American Politics programme at UCL involves a combination of internal scholarships, external funding sources, government loans, and personal income from part-time employment. Students are encouraged to apply early for scholarships and funding opportunities to maximize their support and mitigate financial barriers to completing their degree successfully. By leveraging these resources, students can focus on their academic and research goals within the vibrant environment of UCL’s global Latin American Studies community.

The MSc in Latin American Politics at University College London is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the political systems, cultures, and historical developments that have shaped Latin America. The program combines political science theories with regional studies, enabling students to analyze contemporary political issues, governance structures, social movements, and economic developments within Latin American countries. It aims to equip students with critical analytical skills and a deep contextual knowledge to understand the complex political dynamics of the region. The curriculum includes core modules on the political history of Latin America, democratization processes, security and conflict, and socio-economic issues. Students also have the opportunity to choose optional modules tailored to their areas of interest, such as human rights, development policies, or regional integration. The program emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent research projects, often involving case studies or empirical analysis. UCL’s location in London offers access to a rich network of academic resources, expert faculty, and potential fieldwork opportunities. Graduates of this program often pursue careers in academia, international development, governmental agencies, NGOs, or diplomatic services focused on Latin America. The program typically lasts one year for full-time students and offers flexibility for part-time study. Admission requirements include a good undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, Latin American studies, or related fields, and proficiency in English. The program’s interdisciplinary approach fosters a nuanced understanding of Latin American politics, making graduates well-equipped to analyze and address political issues within the region and globally.