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The Hispanic Studies Graduate Program features an engaging curriculum that explores the languages, literatures, and cultures of Latin America, Spain, and Spanish-speaking communities across the US and Canada. Our PhD program in Hispanic Studies delivers diverse graduate courses led by an expanding faculty renowned for cutting-edge research spanning Medieval Spanish literature to contemporary Latin American and Caribbean studies. Students gain rigorous academic preparation through research clusters, reading groups, and seminars, with opportunities to participate in or spearhead initiatives both within the department and through interdisciplinary collaborations with Green College, the Public Humanities Hub, and the Liu Institute for Global Issues.
Our program includes thorough Teaching Assistant preparation and professional development workshops covering grant applications, publishing strategies, conference participation, and more—equipping graduate students with versatile skills for societal impact. A recent career survey shows 70% of our PhD alumni have secured positions in academic institutions.
Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) must have completed one of the following requirements prior to admission: a master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution, with clear evidence of research ability or potential and a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76-79% at UBC) in all graduate courses; a bachelor's degree, with one year of study in a master's program with 12 credits of first-class average, of which, normally, 9 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first-class standing, and clear evidence of research ability or potential. Transfer directly into a doctoral program is normally accomplished after the first year of study and will not be permitted after the completion of the second year in a master's program; or in exceptional cases, applicants who hold an honours bachelor's degree with an overall average in the A grade range and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to a doctoral degree program on recommendation of the admitting graduate program and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version); or IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual component score less than 6.0; or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): minimum overall score of 85, with a final score of 3 in the speaking test.