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  • Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (BA)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • You will complete an average of six language assignments a year and sit written and practical examinations in the summer term. For most literature and culture modules, you must complete two essays a year, and sit written examinations in the summer term.

  • Attendance
      • Two–three evenings a week
      • October–May
  • Duration
      • Four years part-time
  • Entry requirements
      • You can join the degree at various levels of linguistic competence: either with a knowledge of Portuguese equivalent to upper-intermediate or GCSE level; or equivalent to A-level; or equivalent to post-A-level; or with native or near-native ability.
      • Admission based on written test and interview.
      • At the interview, the admissions tutor will advise applicants about their pathway through the degree programme.
  • Fees and funding
  • Location
      • Central London
  • Teaching

    • Lectures, seminars and workshops.



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Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (BA) - 2012/2013 entry

The Portuguese-speaking world covers not only Portugal and Brazil but also Luso-Africa (Angola, Moçambique, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau) and Luso-Asia (Goa, East Timor, Macau). Develop a critical appreciation of the literature, art, cinema, cultural histories and geographies of these countries, with a strong focus on Portugal and Brazil. Acquire near-native language skills in Portuguese too – and you can start from GCSE level.
  • Course structure

    • The programme is made up of 12 modules: three at Level 4; four at Level 5; and five at Level 6.

      You must take a minimum of eight modules related to Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian studies (some of which may also include Spanish and Latin American content), including up to four Portuguese language modules. To complete the programme, you can take up to four modules from a different degree programme.

      There is a range of Level 5 and 6 modules with Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian content (some of these also include Spanish and Latin American content). Sample modules include:

      • Contemporary Latin American Art and Literature
      • Cultural Geographies
      • Frontier Poetics
      • Introduction to Twentieth-Century Spanish and Latin American Narrative
      • Latin American Encounters
      • Latin American Fictions
      • Latin American Poetry 
      • Literature and the City
      • Luso-Brazilian Culture
      • Portugal In-Between: Identity and Cosmopolitanism in Portuguese Culture
      • Space, Culture and Society in Brazil
      • The Urban Experience in Brazil
  • Study resources
  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information

    • Graduates go on to careers in international organisations or businesses, in translation or teaching, and as researchers or journalists.

    • To speak to an independent careers advisor, booking onto one of our Future Focus — Careers Workshops
  • Apply now
    • How to apply

      Admission based on written test and interview.

    • Application deadlines and interviews
      • Applications last week of February to last week of September.
      • Interviews May-September.
      • At the interview, the admissions tutor will advise applicants about their pathway through the degree programme.
    • Online application
      You can apply online from the link below.
    • Our Application Workshop will give you an overview of what Birkbeck looks for in an undergraduate degree application and includes practical writing exercises to help you write a more effective personal statement