Lusophone - Research

Overview

Lusophone Studies is part of the Modern Languages research cluster, which provides a vibrant environment for both disciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship. Recognised as a centre of excellence for research into the languages, literatures, histories, linguistics, visual cultures, and cultural identities of Europe and beyond, the cluster is founded on a dynamic and forward-looking research ethos.



Subject Summary

You will have the opportunity to pursue an original research project working closely with your supervisory team. Staff supervising on the Lusophone Studies programme are engaged in cutting-edge research relating to the Portuguese-speaking world, with particular emphasis on Brazil and Portuguese-speaking Africa. Areas of research specialism include digital culture, documentary, gender studies, postcolonial literatures and film, representations of heroism, and urban cultural studies. We welcome interdisciplinary approaches and comparative projects (whether within Lusophone Studies or with other language areas), as well as those involving fieldwork. We are happy to receive enquiries from prospective PhD students.



Course structure

There is no specific course content as such. Staff supervising on the Lusophone Studies programme are engaged in cutting-edge research relating to the Portuguese-speaking world, with particular emphasis on Brazil and Portuguese-speaking Africa. Areas of research specialism include digital culture, documentary, gender studies, postcolonial literatures and film, representations of heroism, and urban cultural studies. We welcome interdisciplinary approaches and comparative projects (whether within Lusophone Studies or with other language areas), as well as those involving fieldwork. We maintain research links with a number of leading universities in Portugal, Brazil, and Portuguese-speaking Africa, so you will be able to undertake study with partner institutions too.



For more information about the research interests of individual members of staff in Portuguese, please see our staff profiles:

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Connect/Staff/#SpanishPortuguese



The unit strongly supports an interdisciplinary research ethos and staff are actively involved in several cross- subject research groupings, reading and writing groups. The PhD programme promotes interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration in the training and supervision of graduate students.

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. While a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



International Students

Please see International Student's link below.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

3 academic years full-time, 6 academic years part-time.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2025/26

Career Prospects

Introduction

Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector or within NGO’s.