MPhil in Latin American Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MPhil in Latin American Studies is a 21-month interdisciplinary course on modern Latin America drawing on history, political science, environmental geography, economics and international relations. It includes a research project that involves fieldwork in Latin America of up to three months.

Faculty: Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (Social Sciences Division) | Department: Latin American Centre | Duration: 21 months, full time (six terms including fieldwork of up to three months) | Intake: 4 October 2027 (2027-28 entry) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students take a research methods course, two disciplinary papers in the first year (from Latin America since Independence, Introduction to the Latin American Economies, Environmental Geography of Latin America, International Relations of Latin America and Politics of Democracy in Latin America), three option papers (e.g. Andean Politics, The Politics of Brazil, Roman Catholicism in Latin America, Race and Racism in Latin America) and a thesis in the second year.

Career pathways

Latin American Centre alumni work in a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors, both within and outside Latin America.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline (minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 for US degrees). Applicants need a working knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese appropriate to their research area, particularly for the fieldwork component. No GRE/GMAT. Three academic referees, transcripts, statement of purpose (500-1,000 words, including language skills) and two essays of up to 2,000 words each. Interviews not normally held. English language (University higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken within two years of the start date. Application deadlines: 12:00 UK time, 13 November 2026 (applications more likely to receive earlier decisions) and 26 January 2027 (final deadline; 2027-28 entry).

Domestic applicants: GBP 20,710 a year (2027/28). Home fee, annual course fee Source

International applicants: GBP 32,970 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, annual course fee Source

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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