Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies at the University of Essex offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse cultures, histories, politics, and economies of Latin America. This multidisciplinary programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the region’s complex social dynamics, geographical diversity, and contemporary issues. Through critical analysis and engaging coursework, students will examine topics such as Latin American history, literature, politics, art, and development studies, enabling them to appreciate the rich heritage and ongoing transformations across the Latin American countries. The programme encourages an active learning approach, combining lectures, seminars, and research projects, which fosters analytical thinking and intercultural awareness. Students will also have the opportunity to enhance their practical skills through language modules, internships, and fieldwork, preparing them for careers in international development, diplomacy, journalism, and academia. The programme’s vibrant academic community provides an inclusive environment for discussion and collaboration, supported by expert staff with extensive regional knowledge. Graduates of this programme are equipped with valuable insights and skills that are highly sought after in global organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and private sector companies operating within or related to Latin America. Whether interested in pursuing further academic research or entering the professional world, students will leave the programme with a well-rounded perspective and a set of competencies tailored to understanding and addressing the key challenges and opportunities in Latin America today.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

• Introduction to Contemporary Latin America
• Introduction to Latin American History; and two from:
• Spanish to Portuguese Conversion, Advanced Portuguese, Intensive Initial Spanish or Advanced Spanish

Year 2

• Spanish and/or Portuguese language option;
• Doing Research for a BA Dissertation;
• one Latin American half-option;
• one Latin American option in art history, politics, history, literature or sociology; and
• one Latin American or non-Latin American option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

• Spanish and/or Portuguese language option;
• Final-year Dissertation;
• one Latin American option from the same list of departments as in the second year; and
• one Latin American or non-Latin American option.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
• Spanish can be started from scratch. If Portuguese is taken as the major language, you must achieve an A-level in either Portuguese or Spanish (or equivalent).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.

Latin American Studies at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of the diverse cultures, histories, politics, and societies of Latin America. This interdisciplinary program combines insights from history, politics, anthropology, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region’s complexities and transformations. Students engage with key themes such as resistance movements, development, human rights, and environmental issues, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to careers in international relations, development agencies, journalism, academia, and diplomacy.

The program is designed for those interested in Latin American affairs and aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural competence. Courses are taught by experts in Latin American studies and often include opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in conferences. The curriculum covers topics like Latin American history from pre-colonial times to the present, contemporary political challenges, economic development, social movements, indigenous rights, and transnational influences. The program emphasizes language skills, encouraging students to learn or improve Spanish and Portuguese, which are essential for regional engagement and research.

Students also benefit from the university’s extensive resources and connections with Latin American institutions, NGOs, and cultural organizations, facilitating practical experience and networking opportunities. The program may include a dissertation or research project, allowing students to specialize in particular countries or themes within Latin America. The university’s location and partnerships also enable students to participate in exchange programs or undertake research projects abroad, enhancing their intercultural competence and employability.

Overall, Latin American Studies at the University of Essex aims to prepare graduates for a range of careers in academia, government, international organizations, development work, or private sector roles that require regional expertise and cross-cultural communication skills. The program combines rigorous academic training with opportunities for real-world engagement, equipping students to understand and address the complex challenges faced by Latin American countries today.