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Postgraduate Study

3 courses offered in the Centre of Latin American Studies

Students come to the Centre of Latin American Studies from Britain, Latin America and across the world, attracted by the reputation of Cambridge as a world-class university, and by the rigour and breadth of the MPhil course.

The hallmark of the Cambridge MPhil course is the personal attention paid to students' needs: teaching is generally done in small groups and can often accommodate students' interests. During the preparation of the dissertation, you will work closely with a supervisor whose own research expertise lies close to your chosen field of study.

The MPhil course of study includes lectures, seminars and individual supervision, with teaching provided by University and College Lecturers. The MPhil comprises a Core Course and four taught modules of your choice. The assessment takes the form of three assessed essays of 5,000 words and a 15,000-word dissertation. A background in literary or cultural studies, anthropology, modern languages, area studies, history or economics, sociology, politics or development is useful but not essential. Evidence of interest in or commitment to Latin America is expected. 

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The Centre of Latin American Studies (CLAS) offers a full-time and a part-time PhD programme. The Centre currently has approximately 15 PhD students at different stages of the programme, working in a range of areas.

Full-time PhD students are required to be resident in Cambridge for the duration of their degrees, with the exception of extended fieldwork trips. It is important to note that the part-time PhD at Cambridge is not a distance-learning course. Part-time students are expected to fully engage with the Faculty, to integrate into the research culture of the University and to attend the University on a regular basis for supervision, study, skills training, research seminars and workshops.

The students form a lively academic and social community, playing a full part in the Centre's activities, meeting regularly to present their latest research to each other and organizing seminars and conferences with the Centre's support. 

Further information, including current and past student profiles, is available on the Centre's website.

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Students come to the Centre of Latin American Studies from Britain, Latin America and across the world, attracted by the reputation of Cambridge as a world-class university, and by the rigour and breadth of the MPhil course.

The MPhil course by thesis only is generally taken by students who have already completed a Masters course elsewhere, students who have not yet attained a Masters degree but have clear reasons for taking the course by thesis only and a very well advanced thesis proposal, and mature students returning to study with relevant experience who wish to use the course as a first step towards writing a book. In most cases, students will also be encouraged to take one or more of the modules offered on the taught course to supplement their knowledge in relevant subjects. 

The assessment takes the form of a 30,000-word thesis. During the preparation of the thesis, you will work closely with a supervisor whose own research expertise lies within your chosen field of study. Strong evidence of interest in or commitment to Latin America is expected. The admission process will include a short interview.

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Department Members


Dr Felipe Hernández
Head of Centre

  • 1 Academic Staff
  • 33 Graduate Students

http://www.latin-american.cam.ac.uk/

Research Areas