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Queen's University Belfast

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.

Within this cluster, Lusophone Studies aim to promote cutting-edge research and debate across a variety of areas relating to the Portuguese-speaking world, with particular emphasis on Brazil and Portuguese-speaking Africa.

Staff are actively involved in two cross-subject research fora, focusing on Latin American Studies and Postcolonial Studies. All staff and postgraduates participate in international conferences and are encouraged to become involved, where appropriate, in international networks. Amongst other networks, staff in Lusophone Studies are involved in the Digital Latin American Cultures Network and the Lusophone and Hispanic Caucus of the African Literature Association.

Entry requirements

Research Degrees (PhD/MPhil/MD/Professional Doctorates)

The normal minimum requirement for admission to a research degree programme is an Upper Second Class Honours Degree from a UK or ROI Higher Education Provider or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Specific entrance requirements for individual programmes are available via the online Course Finder and we recommend that you also visit School webpages and contact potential supervisors to discuss your proposed research.

Factors taken into consideration by School selectors will include an assessment of an applicant's academic background and research proposal (if applicable). Relevant publications, professional research experience or other achievements by the applicant may also be considered.

Further information is available on Higher Doctorates and PhD by Published Works.

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, evidence of an acceptable level of proficiency will be required. In addition, applicants who are non-EEA nationals must satisfy the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. Further information is available on the UK Government website.

The evidence should be in the form of a Secure English Language Test (SELT), or another English language qualification acceptable to the University which examines all four elements of language learning Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS Academic and TOEFL internet based tests should be taken within the last two years. Further information is available here.

Details of the English language requirements for entry to each postgraduate taught and research programme can be found in the individual Course Finder pages.

If you have not yet obtained an acceptable English Language qualification at the required level before sending us your application, your formal offer for postgraduate admission will include an English language condition which you must satisfy before the start of your programme.

INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a wide range of English language courses designed specifically for international students.

International applicants

For more information please visit the international section of our website.

Applicants who require assistance with the application process should email the International Admissions team at intl.student@qub.ac.uk

Duration

Mode of study/duration

Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).

Further enquiries

People teaching you
Dr Tori Holmes 
Lecturer
SAEL
Email: t.holmes@qub.ac.uk

Application date

Postgraduate Research

There is no standard closing date. You should however check both the University's website and refer to the relevant School/Institute webpage for information on deadline dates for postgraduate funding applications, as these will also determine when your application for admission should be submitted.

Research areas

Research information

Associated Research
Digital culture in Brazil
Representation of urban Brazil (particularly the favelas of Rio de Janeiro)
Contemporary Brazilian documentary film
Postcolonial literatures, cultures and film in Portuguese-speaking Africa
Comparative literature and film
Gender studies
Representations of heroism

We also have a strong record in supervising comparative and interdisciplinary theses across the different languages and disciplines represented in the School of English, Arts and Languages and with other Schools in the University. A number of research projects have recently been funded by the Northern Bridge Doctoral Training Partnership and by the DEL Strategic Priority Studentship scheme.