Hispanic Studies PhD
Modern Languages and Cultures continues to extend research activity over a broad range of areas in Iberian and Latin American Studies. The School is now at the forefront of high profile research in literary, historical, linguistic and cultural studies. Our research emphasizes our understanding of ‘Hispanic studies’ in the broadest sense, as relating to the multiple geographical and linguistic contexts that make up the Hispanic and Lusophone worlds.
Why study with us?
7th
most widely spoken language in the world is Portuguese
4th
in sector overall for research classified as 'world leading (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) in latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
100%
of research environment classified 'world leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
Overview
We are one of the longest established and most broadly-based centres for the study of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin-American Studies in the UK. We are one of the few centres to have staff whose expertise covers Basque, Catalan, Galician, Portuguese and Spanish (both Castilian and Latin American Spanish), emphasising the global dimensions of language-based research. Our interests provide a rich interdisciplinary environment for research and learning.
Research activity in Hispanic Studies covers a broad range of areas in Iberian and Latin American Studies. Our research is at the forefront of developments in literary, historical, linguistic and cultural studies, and we are the home to major journals, including the Bulletin of Hispanic Studies, the Bulletin of Contemporary Hispanic Studies and Modern Languages Open. Our research emphasizes our understanding of ‘Hispanic studies’ in the broadest sense, as relating to the multiple geographical and linguistic contexts that make up the Hispanic and Lusophone worlds.
We also work closely with local and regional cultural organizations such as FACT, the National Museums Liverpool, the Tate Gallery and the Bluecoat and have been supported by public institutions such as, the Instituto Cervantes and the Instituto Camões leading to public events on Latin American digital art, Brazilian popular culture, and Spanish and Latin American film and literature.
Prospective postgraduate students can apply for AHRC funding and the Section hosts the Language-Based Area Studies Pathway of the ESRC’s North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership for social science research in Latin American Studies.
Our research interests
Staff offer specialist supervision on any approved aspect of the languages, literatures, cultures or civilisations of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and Lusophone Africa. Our research is characterised by interdisciplinary breadth as well as geographical scope. We are particularly interested to hear from potential doctoral students working in the areas of gender, race, media histories, digital culture, migration, film studies, history, and literature, although other research areas are also welcomed. The topic and nature of the research are decided by students in consultation with staff.
Research themes
Our research themes are:
• Spanish Linguistics, with a particular focus on Sociolinguistics
• Medieval Spanish Literature and Culture
• Contemporary Spanish Literature and Culture
• Development and new forms of Poetry in Spain
• Spanish and Latin American Cinemas
• Modern Catalan Literature and Culture
• Modern Basque Literature and Culture
• Brazilian Popular Culture and Performance
• Latin American Literature and Culture
• Latin American popular Music and memory
• Digital Cultures in Latin America and Spain
• Political history; social movements and identity; memory and human rights
• Violence and its Traumatic Aftermaths in Literature, Film, and Digital Cultures
Facilities
- We have a fully-equipped language laboratory and a Modern Languages Resource Centre that can also be used for private study
- Strong links with cultural institutions such as the Instituto Cervantes in Manchester, and the Office for Cultural and Scientific Affairs at the Embassy of Spain with whom we organise cultural activities to enrich student experience
- We have strong links with the Instituto Camões, Instituto Etxepare and Instituto Ramon Llull, allowing us to maximise student experience through cultural events and activities.
Research groups
- Conflict, Memory and Heritage
- Image, Sound, Performance
- Place, Space and Belonging
- Media Histories
Study options and fees
The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year
| PhD | Duration | UK students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,786 |
|
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,393 |
|
The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.
* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.
^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.
Entry requirements
Applications are welcomed from both full-time and part-time students. For research degrees, we would normally expect applicants to have a BA or BSc degree of 2:1 standard (and also an MA) in a subject relevant to the proposed field of research.
English language requirements
| IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT | Overall 6.5 no band below 6.0 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT requirement | Minimum 88 overall with L 19 W 19 R 19 and S 20 |
| C1 Advanced CAE requirement | Overall 176 with no less than 169 in any paper |
| Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) | ISE II with an overall pass with merit in components |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language | Grade C |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language | Grade B |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
More about applying for research degrees
Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal
Find a supervisor
View supervisors in this area
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- Postgraduate Support team
- Email: HLC-PGR@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 3623
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