Program Overview

The Portuguese Studies Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Cambridge offers students an in-depth exploration of the Portuguese language, literature, culture, and history. This comprehensive program is designed to develop advanced language skills coupled with a profound understanding of Portuguese-speaking societies around the world. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that includes language acquisition, literary analysis, cultural studies, and historical contexts, providing a well-rounded academic experience.

Throughout the course, students will enhance their proficiency in spoken and written Portuguese, allowing them to communicate effectively in both formal and informal settings. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to interpret complex texts and cultural phenomena. By studying a variety of literary genres—from classical texts to contemporary works—students gain insights into the social and political developments that have shaped Portuguese-speaking countries.

In addition to language and literature, the program offers modules on Portuguese history, politics, and society, fostering a nuanced understanding of the historical trajectories and current issues facing Portugal and Lusophone nations. Students also have opportunities for interdisciplinary learning through modules in film, media, and cultural studies, which enrich their perspective on Lusophone cultures.

The program is designed with a strong emphasis on research and independent study, with students encouraged to undertake projects that align with their interests. Practical components, such as translation workshops and language immersion activities, strengthen real-world skills and cultural awareness. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only fluent linguists but also informed and culturally sensitive global citizens.

Graduates of the Portuguese Studies program at Cambridge are well-equipped for careers in diplomacy, international relations, translation, education, journalism, and the arts. The program’s rigorous academic environment, combined with opportunities for international exchange and individual research, prepares students for further study or professional pursuits worldwide.

Overall, the Portuguese Studies Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Cambridge provides an enriching academic journey that combines language mastery with cultural engagement, fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the diverse Portuguese-speaking world.

Feedback

Feedback on progress is provided through regular meetings with the Supervisor.  Termly supervision reports are written and are made available to the student online.  

Assessment

Thesis

There is a normal word limit for the thesis of 80,000 words (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography). The thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning through the discovery of new knowledge or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the devlopment of new theory, revision of older views or some combination of these. In writing the thesis you are expected to take account of previously published work on the subject and the thesis should be clearly and accurately written, paying due attention to English style and grammar. Candidates for the PhD in Cambridge are guided by a supervisor, though they will normally also discuss their work with a number of other experts in their field.  Following submission of the thesis, an oral (viva) examination is held.

Other

Annual progress interviews for all PhD students should normally take place between the start of the Easter term and the end of the academic year. The annual interviews constitute a system for the formal monitoring by the Degree Committee of the progress of all students working towards a PhD.

Graduate students are admitted in the first instance for a probationary period during which they are not registered as a candidate for the PhD degree. The first-year interview is the context in which registration as a candidate for the PhD is formally considered. Satisfactory progress is a condition for being registered as a doctoral student and for remaining on the register.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. 500-1000 word research proposal
• Sample of Work. A sample of recent research writing of approximately 5,000-10,000 words.  The sample can be either an essay produced during masters-level studies or a section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work. 
• Personal Reference

Funding options for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge are diverse and designed to support a wide range of students. The university offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid schemes to help mitigate the cost of tuition and living expenses. Government loans and external funding opportunities may also be available for eligible students, depending on their nationality and residency status. For UK students, the UK government provides student loans that cover tuition fees and maintenance costs, which are repayable after graduation based on income levels. International students are encouraged to explore scholarships offered directly by Cambridge, such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, which are highly competitive and aim to attract outstanding applicants from around the world. The university also allocates funding through college-based bursaries and scholarships, which vary between colleges and the specific programmes offered. Many colleges provide support to students in financial need, including fee waivers and maintenance grants. Additionally, external organizations, charitable foundations, and industry partners sometimes offer sponsorships and grants for students in particular fields of study. It is recommended for prospective students to check the specific financial aid options available for their chosen course and college, and to consult the university’s official website for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures. Generally, Cambridge encourages applications from students with financial need and strives to provide equitable access to its programmes through its extensive financial support mechanisms. Students are advised to carefully review all funding opportunities early in the application process, as some scholarships and bursaries have competitive selection procedures and limited eligibility periods. Overall, the financial support system at Cambridge is aimed at enabling academically talented students to pursue their studies regardless of economic background, fostering an inclusive academic community dedicated to excellence and diversity.

The University of Cambridge offers a diverse range of degree programmes across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Each programme is designed to provide students with rigorous academic training, critical thinking skills, and practical experience to prepare them for careers in academia, industry, and public service. Cambridge's academic structure typically includes a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work, and independent research, allowing students to engage deeply with their chosen field of study. Many programmes emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and foster a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to connect ideas across different areas of knowledge. The university is renowned for its distinguished faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and vibrant academic community, offering students unique opportunities to participate in pioneering research projects. Admission to Cambridge degree programmes is highly competitive, requiring strong academic results, relevant qualifications, and a demonstrated passion for the subject. Once enrolled, students benefit from extensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and access to a wide range of extracurricular activities. Graduates of Cambridge programs are highly valued worldwide, with many going on to influential careers in academia, government, business, and the arts. The university also offers numerous joint and flexible programmes, enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests and professional aspirations. Overall, Cambridge’s degree programmes are characterized by academic excellence, innovative teaching, and a global outlook, making them compelling choices for ambitious students seeking a world-class higher education.