Latin American Studies PhD

Overview

We are one of the longest-running established centres for the study of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies in the UK. Research at Liverpool is characterised by wide-ranging interests in the national and global dimensions of Latin American Studies, with a particular emphasis on social science, historical and cultural studies research.

Introduction

Research activity in Latin American Studies is at the forefront of developments in literary, historical, cultural studies, and the social sciences. 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 enhances our understanding of ‘Latin American studies’ as our research relates to the multiple geographical and linguistic contexts that make up the Hispanic and Lusophone worlds.

You will benefit from interdisciplinary and cross-institutional supervision tailored to your research interests. Latin American Studies is part of the Language-Based Area Studies pathway of the ESRC North-West Doctoral Training Centre, which includes the University of Manchester and Lancaster University. This means you can access the resources, facilities, modules and expertise across 3 top UK universities. ESRC funding is available for 1+3 (MA and PhD) and +3 (PhD) research for projects with a social science focus in Latin American Studies. Prospective applicants with a humanities focus can apply through the modern languages pathway of the AHRC North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership.

Research topics

We welcome research proposals that are in areas matching the expertise of our researchers. Potential themes of your research could include:

You’re also welcome to suggest your own theme for a potential research project. Some current and recent PhD topics include:

• Latin American cinemas
• Brazilian popular culture and performance
• Latin American literature and culture
• Latin American popular culture and memory
• Digital cultures in Latin America
• Latin American political history; social movements and identity; memory and human rights
• Violence and its traumatic aftermaths in literature, film and digital cultures.
• Youth mobilisation and empowerment in El Salvador
• Transitional justice in Guatemala
• Citizenship in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas
• Natural resource extraction and rural resistance in Peru
• Sexual politics and social movements in Brazil
• Indigenous movements in Bolivia
• Participatory democracy in Venezuela
• Local content and online practices in a Brazilian favela
• Gender, sport and development in Nicaragua.

Research culture

We work closely with local and regional cultural organisations such as FACT, the National Museums Liverpool, the Tate Gallery and the Bluecoat leading to public events on Latin American digital art, Brazilian popular culture, and Latin American film and literature.

Our Latin American Studies Network fosters a robust research environment based on expertise in the Department. This Liverpool-based multidisciplinary network brings together experts in Latin American and North American studies to support research in the field, exchange ideas, and to provide opportunities for collaborations amongst the members.

We have hosted the annual conference of the Society for Latin American Studies, which is home to the ‘Bulletin of Latin American Research’ and the ‘Bulletin of Hispanic Studies’.

(Research Excellence Framework, 2021)

How to apply

• 1. Identify potential supervisors Potential supervisors for this PhD include: Dr Niamh Thornton Ms Ana Bela Almeida Dr Valdi Astvaldsson Mr Nelson Becerra-Gonzalez Dr Nicola Bermingham Dr Diana Cullell Teixidor Ms Maria Gonzalez Alonso Mr Joan Mas Font Dr Gorka Mercero Altzugarai Dr Manuel Moreno Garcia Del Pulgar Ms Marina Rabadan Gomez Miss Ana Reimao Vilhena Pereira Mr Jordi Sanchez-Carrion Dr Lisa Shaw Professor Claire Taylor Dr Sizen Yiacoup . View the staff list for the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film for details of potential supervisors across the department. If you’d like any help finding a supervisor, please email HLC-PGR@liverpool.ac.uk .

1. Identify potential supervisors

• Dr Niamh Thornton
• Ms Ana Bela Almeida
• Dr Valdi Astvaldsson
• Mr Nelson Becerra-Gonzalez
• Dr Nicola Bermingham
• Dr Diana Cullell Teixidor
• Ms Maria Gonzalez Alonso
• Mr Joan Mas Font
• Dr Gorka Mercero Altzugarai
• Dr Manuel Moreno Garcia Del Pulgar
• Ms Marina Rabadan Gomez
• Miss Ana Reimao Vilhena Pereira
• Mr Jordi Sanchez-Carrion
• Dr Lisa Shaw
• Professor Claire Taylor
• Dr Sizen Yiacoup .
• 2. Prepare your application documents You may need the following documents to complete your online application: A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake) University transcripts and degree certificates to date Passport details (international applicants only) English language certificates (international applicants only) A personal statement A curriculum vitae (CV) Contact details for two proposed supervisors Names and contact details of two referees.

2. Prepare your application documents

• A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
• University transcripts and degree certificates to date
• Passport details (international applicants only)
• English language certificates (international applicants only)
• A personal statement
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact details for two proposed supervisors
• Names and contact details of two referees.
• 3. Apply Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,238 Part-time place, per year - £2,619

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £25,350 Part-time place, per year - £12,650

Fees stated are for 2026/27 and may be subject to change for academic year 2027/28. The University may administer inflationary rises to international fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this degree, as well as general student living costs .

Funding your PhD

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding . These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom . Change it here.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Facilities and resources

The Department of Languages, Cultures and Film is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, with departments steeped in history and disciplines which have been taught for over a century.

Facilities for postgraduate researchers include designated shared office space and access to a vast repository of journals in the areas of Comparative and World Literature, including e-journals, through the Sydney Jones Library.

You will join a lively community with colleagues from all disciplines collaborating through institutional research groups and forums.

You’ll have access to the newly opened Newton Interpreting Suite. The suite uses the latest industry-standard technology, making it fully ISO compliant. It features five interpreter booths, a 12-person conference table, and an AV comms room to allow hands-on experience of interpreting in real time.

Career support from day one to graduation and beyond

Once you graduate after completing your PhD, you’ll gain free access to Prosper to help you unlock your potential and kickstart your postdoctoral research career.

Prosper provides structured career development and support, designed specifically for postdocs, in close collaboration with employer partners and principal investigators.

Opportunities include coaching, workshops, webinars and a buddy scheme designed to help you realise the next step in your career journey.

You can also access online resources including the Prosper portal so you can manage your personal and professional development at your own pace.

As a postgraduate researcher at the University of Liverpool, you have access to an exciting portfolio of development opportunities, designed to support your ongoing success and help you realise your ambitions.

These development opportunities, available through The Academy’s PGR Development Hub , are suitable for all subject specialisms. You might be just commencing your research or in the final stages of completing your PhD.

An initial Development Needs Analysis will encourage you to reflect on your abilities. This exploration of your personal, professional and career development needs will form the foundation of a bespoke development plan you’ll agree with your supervisor.

The aim is to immerse yourself in new experiences, engage in development opportunities designed exclusively for postgraduate researchers, and reflect on your progress.

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in planning for your future career.

You can access tailored guidance and support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops.

The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

Meet our PhD researchers

These are the trailblazers, the leaders, the true originals. Our postgraduate researchers are shaping their future, and the future of the world we live in, advancing knowledge with each discovery.

Entry requirements

Discover the qualifications you'll need to apply for this course.

We typically require a UK master’s degree and 2:1 undergraduate degree, in subjects relevant to the proposed field of research, or equivalent academic qualifications from non-UK institutions.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country .

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications .

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification | Details

IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0

TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.

Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests , to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online

6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online

5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online

5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online

5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus

5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus

4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Research areas