Latin American Studies

This is a nine-month programme which spans three academic terms and is intended to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of the main developments in Latin America from c. 1900 to the present.

While the programme emphasises the specific features of individual countries, there is also broad comparative coverage of major trends such as authoritarianism and democracy, the economic cycle, the effect of international factors, the evolution of the Left and Right, revolutionary movements and the effects of neo-liberal economic models.

These topics are addressed through taught classes for a number of academic disciplines (including history, politics, sociology, international relations and economics), individual preparation for a range of exam papers, and a lively programme of seminars and conferences with visiting speakers.

You will be asked to submit two portfolios of essays on subjects of your choice during the first two terms.  In the final term of the programme, you will be required to sit three exam papers from a list to be provided on your arrival in Oxford. The exam papers for 2017-18 are not yet confirmed, but you may view the range of papers available for the current year in the Latin American Centre (LAC)’s MSc LAS webpage.

In addition to the three exams, you will be required to submit an extended essay of 10,000 words. The preparation of this extended essay will allow you to develop a critical focus by examining a particular topic in depth.

1. Academic ability

Proven and potential academic excellence

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

The Latin American Centre requires you to have a working knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese as appropriate to your individual area(s) of research. Please refer to your language skills in your statement of purpose. 

2. English language requirement

Higher level

3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

• Three references (letters of recommendation)
• Official transcript(s) of previous university-level degrees
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose. One to two pages 
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each

• Clarendon Scholarships. This unique scheme offers around 140 new, fully-funded scholarships each year to academically outstanding graduate students, as well as providing a lively and stimulating community of scholars.
• Hill Foundation Scholarships. The Hill Foundation Scholarships fund Russian students to study for full-time graduate courses in any subject at Oxford. The Hill Foundation is a charity which aims to create a community of Oxford scholars and alumni who will work to improve Russian life and culture.The scholarship will cover 100% of University and college fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £14,296). Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed course.