(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Latin American Studies
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Area Studies
BA T731
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Francisco Carballo
Lecturer in the Politics and Culture of Latin America
Goldsmiths, University of London
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
To provide students with an interdisciplinary programme of study of Latin American history, culture, society and politics.
To develop students' analytical, problem-solving and transferable skills.
To develop the intercultural skills necessary for students to live and work confidently in different cultures through a programme of study undertaken in Latin America.
To enable students to achieve Proficiency level or Mastery level Spanish or Portuguese.
To provide opportunities for students to acquire research and critical skills.
To provide students with a foundation for further study or work on and in Latin America.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the key historical , cultural and social processes of Latin America.
A2: Students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese language at Proficiency or Mastery level in written and spoken registers relevant to both 'real life' situations and to the formal study of language.
A3: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the intellectual and cultural origins and development of contemporary society.
Learning methods
A1-A3
Is acquired through core course lectures and classes in Year 1, through Latin American option modules in Years 2 and 3
Assessment methods
Assessment is through examinations and continuous coursework.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Students will be able to identify accurately, and across a range of disciplines, issues related to Latin America of an intellectual and academic interest that require researching
B2: Students will be able to apply a wide range of relevant primary and secondary written, oral or visual sources, where appropriate in their original language.
B3: Students will be able to reason critically, identify, analyse and solve problems, using appropriate methodologies and theories.
B4: Students will be able to demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.
Learning methods
Skills B1. - B4.
Are obtained and developed through lectures, interactive classes and seminars in group discussion and through coursework.
All skills are developed by independent reading undertaken by students under the direction of lecturers and class teachers.
Intellectual and cognitive skills are further developed through written and oral feedback on coursework.
Students acquire and apply all these skills in researching and writing their capstone project.
Assessment methods
All skills are assessed through the capstone project and in continuous coursework.
B2. - B4.
Are also assessed by examinations.
C: Practical skills
C1: Students will be able to identify, select and synthesise information from paper and electronic sources.
C2: Students will be able to communicate with high level proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese in a wide range of contexts.
C3: Students will be able to present written materials using appropriate language and referencing
C4: Students will be able to work independently, write and think under pressure, meet deadlines, manage their own time and workload and demonstrate initiative.
Learning methods
C1-C4 are acquired through lectures and classes
Assessment methods
C1-C4 are assessed through examinations, coursework and assignments
D: Key skills
D1: Both orally and in writing students will be able to demonstrate Spanish or Portuguese language proficiency in relation to a range of academic and social contexts. They will be able to present knowledge or conduct an argument in a clear, coherent and relevant manner and work independently in a Latin American context
D2: Student will use relevant information technology to research and present written work.
D4: Students will be able to identify a research problem and apply relevant research and methodologies to resolve it.
D6: Students will be able to reflect on their own learning, to seek and make use of feedback, to recognise when further knowledge is required and to undertake the necessary research
Learning methods
D1 is acquired through language course material.
D1. D4. and D6. are learnt through participatory classwork in core modules.
D2, D4 and D6 are learnt through writing coursework essays and assignments and consequent feedback, both written and oral.
D4 and D6. are learnt in CS241 Doing Research for a BA Dissertation and through the dissertation.
Students are encouraged to use electronic resources and to participate in group work to the benefit of the group as a whole, to listen effectively and provide critical feedback in an appropriate manner.
Assessment methods
All skills are assessed either through coursework or the dissertation.
D4 Is part of the assessment process in CS241 Doing Research for a BA Dissertation.
D1, D4 and D6 are also assessed through examinations.