(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Global Studies and Latin American Studies
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BA L990
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
1. To provide students with a distinctive skill-set required to understand and analyse contemporary developments and policy challenges from an international perspective.
2. To provide students with opportunities to broaden their cultural horizons by taking up the challenge of studying new disciplines such as Art History, Philosophy, Literature, History, Sociology, Languages, Film Studies.
3. To provide students with an interdisciplinary programme of study of Latin American culture, society and politics
4. To provide students with opportunities to experience and acquire a number of different critical approaches through a balanced mix of teaching, reading and research in a range of academic disciplines from an interdisciplinary perspective.
5. To develop students’ analytical, critical, research and problem-solving skills.
6. To achieve proficiency level in Spanish or Portuguese; to attain corresponding levels of fluency and accuracy in using the language as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written) and awareness of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation, to develop a corresponding level of ability in translation, interpreting and creative writing.
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 social, political and economic processes that have shaped the world.
A2: Students will be able to demonstrate through a variety of means, a knowledge and understanding of the different styles of enquiry in a range of Humanities and Social Science disciplines
A3: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the key historical, cultural and social processes that shape Latin America.
A101: Students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese language at Mastery level in written and spoken registers relevant to both `real life` situations and to the formal study of language and/or the cultures of the Hispanic and Lusophone worlds`.
Learning methods
A1 and A2 are acquired through compulsory module lectures and classes in years 0, 1, 2 and the final year. A3 is acquired in compulsory modules that focus on Latin America. A4 is acquired in compulsory language modules.
Learning methods are inclusive by virtue of their variety (lectures, discussion, close reading and critical thinking); this allows students with different learning styles to achieve the learning outcomes.
Assessment methods
A1-A3 assessed in continuous coursework plus oral and written exams in all years. A4 is assessed in language modules.
Assessment methods are inclusive by virtue of their variety; students have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in diverse ways (essay-writing, presentations, responses to unseen examinations).
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Students will use their discipline-based training to think critically and analytically in relation to a number of different academic disciplines
B2: Students will be able to identify, analyse and solve problems, using appropriate techniques of writing, methodologies and theories.
B3: Students will be able to demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.
B4: Students will be able to identify accurately and across a range of disciplines social, historical, political and cultural issues related to Latin America of intellectual and academic interest that require researching.
B5: 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.
Learning methods
These skills are acquired in classes and seminars, in group discussion and through the submission of coursework in all years. Students are expected to do independent research to consolidate classwork. B1 and B2 are also acquired through lectures and feedback on course work, with B1 being acquired specifically in interdisciplinary modules. Students are encouraged to compare the approaches of different disciplines and to think across disciplines.
Learning methods are inclusive by virtue of their variety (lectures, discussion, close reading and critical thinking); this allows students with different learning styles to achieve the learning outcomes
Assessment methods
All intellectual/cognitive skills are assessed in continuous course work in all years and through end of year examinations.
Assessment methods are inclusive by virtue of their variety; students have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in diverse ways (essay-writing, presentations, responses to unseen examinations).
C: Practical skills
C1: Students will be able to communicate ideas clearly and coherently in a range of disciplines in both written and oral form
C2: Students will be able to present written materials using appropriate language and referencing
C3: Students will be able to work independently, write and think under pressure, meet deadlines, manage their own time and workload and demonstrate initiative.
C4: Students will be able to communicate with high level proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese in a wide range of contexts.
Learning methods
C1-C3 are acquired through classes, the submission of course work and preparation for examinations in all years of study.
C4 is acquired in language modules.
Assessment methods
Assessment of practical skills is through the submission of essays and assignments, and written examinations.
Assessment methods are inclusive by virtue of their variety; students have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in diverse ways (essay-writing, presentations, responses to unseen examinations).
D: Key skills
D1: Students will be able to present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and creative manner. 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.
D2: Students will be able to use the relevant information technology to research and present written work
D3: Students will be able to identify problems and apply relevant research methodologies and techniques of writing to resolve them.
D4: Students will be able to `read` an argument in seminar discussion; ability to respond effectively; ability to work in a variety of group contexts.
D5: Students will be able to reflect on their own learning, to seek and make use of feedback on their own performance, to recognise when further knowledge is required and to undertake the necessary research.
Learning methods
Key skills are acquired through participatory classwork in all years of study, through the presentation of continuous coursework and preparation for examinations. Students are encouraged to engage in discussion, to listen effectively and to participate in group work to the benefit of the group as a whole. On many courses oral presentation skills are assessed.
Learning methods are inclusive by virtue of their variety (lectures, discussion, close reading and critical thinking); this allows students with different learning styles to achieve the learning outcomes
Assessment methods
Assessment is through the submission of coursework and through written examinations. Some modules assess D1 and D5 through assessed oral participation or presentations.
Assessment methods are inclusive by virtue of their variety; students have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in diverse ways (essay-writing, presentations, responses to unseen examinations).