Doctor of Philosophy in Latin American Studies
Program Introduction
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Duration of Study
The normal duration of this program is 3 years,and the maximum duration is 6 years.
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Teaching Approach
Face-to-face Teaching
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Teaching Language
Chinese/English
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Academic Field
Area Studies
Study Plan
Admission Requirements
1. Applicants must hold a Master's degree;
2. Applicants must submit proof of language proficiency as follows:
Applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency or proof of instruction in English if the applicant's undergraduate or master's program was conducted in English;
Applicants whose native language is not Chinese must provide an HSK certificate or other equivalent proof of Chinese language proficiency;
If an applicant's undergraduate or master's program was not in Spanish or Portuguese related fields, proof of language proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese must be provided, such as DELE certificate, EEE 4 or EEE 8 certificate (Test for Spanish Majors), CAPLE certificate or Celpe-Bras certificate. Applicants who are unable to provide the above-mentioned language proficiency certificates are required to, upon enrollment, complete supplementary Spanish/Portuguese language courses arranged by the University within their study period at their own expense.
Language Domain：Political Science
Students are required to complete a total of 42 credits. After completing coursework in the first academic year, students shall determine their research direction in consultation with their supervisor. The research topic must align with the objectives of the program.
Program Structure:
Table 1：Core Courses (9 Credits)
No. | Course Title | Credits | Type | Remarks |
1 | Research Methods | 3 | Compulsory | All compulsory courses must be completed in the first academic year |
2 | Policy Studies on China–Latin America Relations | 3 | Compulsory | |
3 | Studies on National Conditions of Latin American Countries and Regions | 3 | Compulsory |
Table 2：Elective Courses (15 Credits)
(Students must complete 5 out of the following 10 courses)
No. | Course Title | Credits | Type | Remarks |
1 | Special Topics on Latin American Societies | 3 | Elective | Students are required to complete five courses, totaling 15 credits, as arranged by UIC |
2 | Special Topics on Latin American Cultures | 3 | Elective | |
3 | Special Topics on Latin American History | 3 | Elective | |
4 | Special Topics on Latin American Studies I | 3 | Elective | |
5 | Special Topics on Latin American Studies II | 3 | Elective | |
6 | Studies on Foreign Relations of Latin American Countries | 3 | Elective | |
7 | Special Topics on China-Latin America Relations I | 3 | Elective | |
8 | Special Topics on China-Latin America Relations II | 3 | Elective | |
9 | Artificial Intelligence and Social Science Analysis | 3 | Elective | |
10 | Innovative Applications of AI in Latin American Language and Cultural Studies | 3 | Elective |
Table 3：Other Compulsory Courses（6 Credits）
No. | Course Title | Credits | Type | Remarks |
1 | Academic Research Projects | 6 | Compulsory | The course shall be completed in Years 1–3. Students must complete required academic activities and submit academic activity report in accordance with UIC requirements |
Table 4：Dissertation（12 Credits）
No. | Course Title | Credits | Type | Requirements | Remarks |
1 | Dissertation | 12 | Compulsory | Minimum 80,000 words in Chinese; minimum 60,000 words in English / Spanish / Portuguese | It should be completed in Years 2–3 |
Course Description
Core courses
Research Methods (3 Credits)
This course aims to cultivate doctoral students’ research capabilities in the fields of social sciences and area studies. It introduces qualitative and quantitative research methods, comparative research design, data collection and analytical techniques, and academic writing standards. Through the integration of theory and practice, students will master research design logic, academic ethics, and the fundamental principles of cross-cultural research, laying a solid foundation for doctoral dissertation work.
Policy Studies on China–Latin America Relations (3 Credits)
This course systematically explores interactions and policy evolution between China and Latin American countries in politics, economy, culture, science and technology, and diplomacy. Topics include the historical background of China–Latin America cooperation, major cooperation mechanisms (e.g., the China–CELAC Forum, bilateral and multilateral cooperation), trade and investment relations, and new trends under the Belt and Road Initiative. Through case studies and policy analysis, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the strategic implications and future outlook of China-Latin America relations, while strengthening their capacities for critical analysis and policy-oriented research.
Studies on National Conditions of Latin American Countries and Regions (3 Credits)
This course focuses on historical development, political systems, economic structures, sociocultural dynamics, and regional integration in Latin America. It examines governance characteristics and development models of major countries and analyzes challenges and opportunities in the context of globalization. The course aims to cultivate comprehensive regional understanding and provide theoretical and empirical support for comparative research and diplomatic practice.
Elective courses
Special Topics on Latin American Societies (3 Credits)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of social structures and transformations in Latin America, covering topics such as income inequality, class mobility, ethnic and indigenous issues, urbanization processes, education, and social policy. The course emphasizes the integration of theories and empirical research, fostering students’ analytical skills in examining social issues in Latin America.
Special Topics on Latin American Cultures (3 Credits)
This course focuses on cultural diversity and identity construction in Latin America, examining the evolution of literature, art, religion, language, film, and popular culture. It emphasizes the interactions among culture, society, politics, and history, helping students understand the role of culture in Latin American social development and cross-cultural exchange.
Special Topics on Latin American History (3 Credits)
This course systematically reviews the historical development of Latin America from the colonial period to the present, examining independence movements, nation-building processes, political changes, social movements, and modernization. It aims to help students understand the profound impact of history on contemporary political systems and social structures in Latin America.
Special Topics on Latin American Studies I (3 Credits)
This course focuses on in-depth research on specific Latin American countries or sub-regions (such as the Southern Cone, the Andean region, Central America, and the Caribbean), analyzing their political and economic development, foreign policy, and social transformations. Students are required to select a specific country or topic and complete a research report.
Special Topics in Latin American Studies II (3 Credits)
This course is an extension of Special Topics in Latin American Studies I, further strengthening students’ theoretical and empirical research on specific countries or topics. The course encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from political science, economics, sociology, and cultural studies for comprehensive analysis.
Studies on the Foreign Relations of Latin American Countries (3 Credits)
This course examines the historical development and current state of the foreign relations of Latin American countries, with particular emphasis on their diplomatic interactions with the United States, the European Union, Asia, and Africa. It also discusses Latin America’s role in multilateral organizations, as well as emerging trends in Global South cooperation and diplomatic autonomy.
Special Topics on China–Latin America Relations I (3 Credits)
This course explores key issues in China–Latin America relations from economic and political perspectives, including trade structures, investment patterns, energy and infrastructure cooperation, and policy coordination mechanisms. Students will analyze specific case studies to assess the achievements and challenges of China–Latin America cooperation.
Special Topics on China–Latin America Relations II (3 Credits)
Building upon Special Topics on China–Latin America Relations I, this course places greater emphasis on soft power issues such as cultural, educational, and technological exchanges, and explores the strategic significance of people-to-people interactions in China–Latin America relations. The course encourages students to analyze emerging trends in bilateral engagement between China and Latin America from a cross-cultural perspective.
Artificial Intelligence and Social Science Analysis (3 Credits)
This course integrates artificial intelligence technologies with social science methodologies, examining how tools such as big data, machine learning, and natural language processing can be applied to analyze social phenomena, public opinion trends, and policy impacts in Latin America. The course promotes interdisciplinary practice and enhances students’ capacity for innovation in data-driven research.
Innovative Applications of AI in Latin American Language and Cultural Studies (3 Credits)
This course explores applications of artificial intelligence in the fields of Latin American linguistics and cultural studies, including corpus construction, text analysis, digital humanities, and cultural heritage preservation. It aims to cultivate students’ ability to employ AI tools in innovative research on language and culture.
Other Compulsory Courses
Academic Research Project (6 credits)
This course aims to develop students’ academic research capabilities and to provide opportunities for face-to-face exchanges with scholars in academic disciplines related to Latin American studies. During the study period, students are required to complete the academic activities and academic publications stipulated by the University. Research topics may include, but are not limited to, Latin American social studies, Latin American historical and cultural studies, Latin American language policy studies, and China–Latin America relations.
Dissertation
Dissertation (12 credits)
The doctoral dissertation must be completed within 24 months. If written in Chinese, it shall contain no fewer than 80,000 words; if written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, it shall contain no fewer than 60,000 words. The dissertation topics may include but are not limited to: Latin American social studies, Latin American history and cultural studies, Latin American policy studies, and China–Latin America relations. The dissertation must incorporate qualitative and quantitative research methods and demonstrate substantial theoretical and practical significance.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete 42 credits. In the first academic year, students are required to complete the three compulsory courses listed in Table 1 and five elective courses selected from Table 2. Course delivery methods include lectures on advanced theoretical developments, seminar discussions, and guided readings. Upon completion of each course, students must either pass an examination or submit a research paper. Final grades for each course shall be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of class participation, examination results, and research papers. 2. Prior to submitting the doctoral dissertation, students are required to complete the Academic Research Project listed in Table 3 and submit one academic activity report in accordance with the Faculty’s requirements. 3. After completing the required courses, students must prepare a dissertation proposal and pass the proposal defense. Only after passing the proposal defense may students proceed to formal dissertation writing in accordance with the dissertation stage and writing procedures established by UIC. The standard duration for dissertation writing is 24 months. 4. Students are required to publish at least one academic paper in a university- or Faculty-recognized academic journal and present at least once at an international academic conference relevant to their field of study. The published paper must be related to the doctoral dissertation and must comply with the University’s Guidelines on Postgraduate Academic Publications. 5. The doctoral dissertation must pass both the review process and the oral defense. With the approval of the Faculty and the supervisor, the dissertation may be written in Chinese, English, Spanish, or Portuguese. If written in Chinese, it must contain no fewer than 80,000 words; if written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, it must contain no fewer than 60,000 words.
Learning Time
1. In general, the duration for taking all courses is 12 months and the writing time for dissertation is 24 months. 2. In general, classes will be arranged from Monday to Saturday, day and night time.
Qualifications of Graduation
Upon approval from the Senate of the University, a Doctoral Degree will be conferred on a student when he or she has: 1. Completed and met all requirements prescribed in the study plan of his/her program within the specific study period, with a cumulative average GPA (excluding dissertation) of no less than 2.50; 2. Abided by the regulations of the University; 3. Cleared all fees and charges and returned all University properties and equipment borrowed. Note: All course outlines and study plans are subject to the official publication in the Macao SAR Government Gazette.
