Portuguese Studies

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Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies at Manchester plays key roles in national and international research contexts through its publications, seminar and conference activity, and through its innovative approach to the configuration of the discipline boundaries in which it works.

Our research and postgraduate teaching ranges chronologically from the Early Modern period in Spain through nineteenth-century Latin America to the present day (for example, with work on the modern city in Latin America, transnational contemporary cinema in relation to Spain, and twenty first-century migrations).

Our publications and supervisory interests range from cultural, linguistic and literary history and theory to language contact and transnational exchange. We have expertise in Brazilian/Portuguese Studies, Cultural and Gender Studies, Film Studies, History, Literature and Culture in Latin America, Linguistics, Sociology, and Textual Criticism.

In recent years we have successfully supervised to completion research students in subjects covering our whole range, but with a particular clustering around Latin American and Gender and Cultural/Literary Studies topics (including, notably, work on Lusophone Africa).

Opportunities for study in the Early Modern period - which we are currently prioritizing - are made particularly rich by the holdings of The John Rylands University Library, the third largest academic library in the UK; the Library is also is extremely strong in Latin American Studies and Spanish and Portuguese literature as well as being the UK national holding library for Lusophone African studies.

We run two regular research seminar series in Spanish/Portuguese and in Latin American Cultural Studies; postgraduate students contribute significantly to the running and content of both. Postgraduate activities are further supported by a generous bequest from a former staff member, Dr Gordon Kinder, which provides supplementary travel bursaries and funding for events.

Teaching and learning

The MPhil is suitable for students who wish to undertake original research over a shorter period than the PhD. It involves one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. A satisfactory MPhil topic is one that a suitably qualified and properly supervised student can bring to completion within the permitted timeframe. Please note, all MPhil students are required to undertake Research Training as part of their MPhil programme.

Progression and assessment

Your research will normally be supervised by two members of staff at the University. Your supervisors will most likely be members of the School, but if your research requires it, the School or Subject area may arrange for supervision by someone outside the School. Supervisory arrangements at Manchester are governed by a Code of Practice which is available on the University's website. Regular meetings will be held with the supervisors, and details of each of the meetings will be recorded. Research Panels (consisting of at least three academic staff, including the supervisors) are held once per semester to monitor progress.

Academic entry qualification overview: Successful completion of a Masters course with an overall classification of Merit or higher, or its overseas equivalent, with an element of research training, is a prerequisite for entry to an MPhil. A research proposal must be included with the formal application materials.English language: Students whose first language is not English require: * an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with 7.0 in the writing component or * a TOEFL score of 600 paper-based test, 250 computer-based test, or 100 internet-based testor * a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 70 overall with 70 in the writing componentInternational entry requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 600 TOEFL iBT® test: 100 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.