Hispanic Studies (by Research) - MA

Royal Holloway is a thriving centre for postgraduate research in Hispanic Studies with particular expertise in cultural studies, critical theory, feminism and gender theory, psychoanalysis, film studies, literature and the visual arts, both in Spain and Latin America.

The cultural wealth of the Spanish-speaking world, with all its vibrancy and diversity, continues to make a unique contribution to our civilisation, while Spain itself is now a major player on the European stage and we have excellent links in Spain and Latin America. All of this provides a rich backdrop for what is a fascinating and varied field of study.

This degree enables you to independently explore your area of interest in real depth, it can also provide you with the chance to test or try out an area of study in preparation for doctoral study. Whilst you will be working independently, you won’t be alone, you will receive specialist one-to-one tuition throughout your degree. You will work closely with your specialist supervisor, or supervisors, to develop a clearly defined research topic and complete a 30,000-40,000 word dissertation.

You will be part of our research-led environment in which academic staff are working at the frontiers of their subjects. The breadth of our teaching and research expertise means that we are able to provide the latest thinking, expert support and intellectual challenges.

In addition to your dissertation you will undertake a taught course designed to equip you with an array of theoretical and historical approaches to the study of literature, art and culture. This will enable you to articulate, refine and persistently test your own approach to your chosen topic within this broader theoretical and methodological framework. You will also have access to skills training and enjoy the additional support of a dedicated Research Advisor.

• Outstanding research profile: top 10 UK Modern Languages department for research quality and top in London (REF, 2014).
• Numerous opportunities for intellectual discussion including our regular research forum, which meets to discuss papers by research students and staff; research seminars and lectures delivered by staff and visiting scholars; and an annual Postgraduate Colloquium where research students present papers to renowned keynote speakers and visiting scholars. 
• A close-knit international community based in our beautiful historic campus, and within easy reach of London, and all of the of the libraries, talks and facilities that it has to offer.

Course structure

• Theories of Literature and Visual Culture
• Dissertation

Teaching & assessment

Theories of Literature and Visual Culture is assessed by an essay and presentation.

The dissertation is examined by a Visiting Examiner and includes a viva voce.

Your future career

On graduating you will have a proven ability to undertake focused research, improved your written and oral presentation skills, and honed skills in critical analysis. In addition, you will have an understanding and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in literature, film, cultural studies or the visual arts. All of the these skills will be appealing to employers and enable you to pursue your chosen career. Alternatively, you will also be in a strong position to continue onto doctoral study, having demonstrated that you have the self direction, originality and initiative required.

In recent years a number of our Modern Languages, Literature and Culture postgraduates have gone on to successful academic careers both in Britain and internationally in the fields of modern languages, critical theory and film. 

Postgraduates have also embarked upon many interesting and successful careers outside academia – in the UK, continental Europe and the United States – including journalism at The Independent, work for NGOs, trade sales, publishing, professional translating, teaching, opera direction, museum curatorship, creative arts, and librarianship.

Visit the Hispanic Studies (by Research) - MA page on the Royal Holloway, University of London website for more details!