Course overview

Students study Portuguese language and aspects of the histories, cultures, cinemas and literatures of the Portuguese-speaking world, including Portugal, Brazil, and Lusophone(Portuguese-speaking) Africa. You will also have the opportunity to study English language, literature and drama from old English to the present day.

Year one

In English Studies, you have a choice of three core modules from the areas of English language, modern English literature, medieval studies and drama. In Portuguese, you begin the study of Portuguese and are introduced to aspects of modern Portuguese and Brazilian culture and history.

Year two

In English, you will choose core modules to develop your studies in at least two areas of the discipline. You will also have the opportunity to choose one literary period option, to explore how and why literature can be read in terms of an historical 'age' or 'epoch'. In Portuguese, you develop knowledge of the language to prepare for the year abroad and deepen and widen your knowledge of more specialist aspects of modern Portuguese and Brazilian literature, culture and history.

Year three

Usually spent in Portugal or Brazil or divided between the two, studying in a higher education institution, working as an English language assistant, or on a work placement.

Year four

You choose from a wide range of modules enabling you to specialise in key areas of English Studies. Joint honours students enjoy the same wide range of final year options in English Studies as single honours. In Portuguese, you build on your language acquisition in year three to develop your language skills to degree level and select specialist options from a range of research-based topics in the literature, culture and history of Portugal and Brazil.

By the end of the course

You will have a broad knowledge of English literature, culture and linguistics, and of the literatures, cultures and histories of Portugal, Brazil and Lusophone Africa. You will have gained international experience and acquired a high level of competence in Portuguese. Your transferable skills will include the ability to communicate effectively and to think independently.

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Hispanic and Latin American Studies
English Studies