MSc in Latin American Studies | University of Oxford

While the programme emphasises the specific features of individual countries, there is also broad comparative coverage of major trends such as authoritarianism and democracy, the economic cycle, the effect of international factors, the evolution of the Left and Right, revolutionary movements and the effects of neo-liberal economic models.

Students will choose two disciplinary papers from the following:

• Latin America since Independence
• Introduction to the Latin American Economies
• Sociology of Latin America
• The International Relations of Latin America
• The Politics of Democracy in Latin America.

In addition, students will choose either one option paper or a further disciplinary paper. As a guide, the following option papers are currently available but may vary from year to year:

• Andean Politics
• Human Rights in Latin America
• The Politics of Brazil.
• Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime State & Society in Latin America

These topics are addressed through taught classes for a number of academic disciplines (including history, politics, sociology, international relations and economics), individual preparation for a range of assessments, and a lively programme of seminars and conferences with visiting speakers.

A typical week during term time will involve around 40 hours of study, including two to six hours of scheduled contact hours, two hours for the weekly seminar and at least thirty hours of independent work. During peak times around deadlines, the amount of work could be higher depending on your own study habits. 

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.

Assessment

Assessments for the disciplinary and option papers will be by a combination of written exam papers and/or submitted essays.

In addition you will be required to submit a dissertation. The preparation of this dissertation will allow you to develop a critical focus by examining a particular topic in depth.

Graduate destinations

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

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic (including Covid-19), epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you’re thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Oxford 1+1 MBA programme

This course can be studied as a part of the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme. The Oxford 1+1 MBA programme is a unique, two-year graduate experience that combines the depth of a specialised, one-year master’s degree with the breadth of a top-ranking, one-year MBA.