BA Sociology and Portuguese

The BA Sociology and Portuguese program at the University of Manchester offers students the unique opportunity to study two dynamic fields—sociology and the Portuguese language and culture—within one comprehensive degree. Sociology allows students to explore societal structures, human behavior, and cultural dynamics, while Portuguese provides linguistic proficiency and an in-depth understanding of Portuguese-speaking countries. This interdisciplinary program equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills, which are highly applicable in global contexts. Graduates leave the program with strong communication abilities, cultural awareness, and social insights, making them versatile candidates for various careers both within and beyond the social sciences.

Curriculum: The BA Sociology and Portuguese curriculum is designed to give students a well-rounded education in both subjects. In the first year, students begin with core modules in sociology that introduce them to the foundations of sociological theory and methods, while concurrently building their proficiency in Portuguese through language classes. The second year dives deeper into specialized sociological topics such as social inequality, globalisation, and social theory, alongside advanced language and cultural studies, which include literature, history, and contemporary Portuguese society. In the final year, students choose from a range of sociology modules that explore complex societal issues such as crime, social movements, and globalization, while further advancing their Portuguese language skills. Additionally, students can take a research project or dissertation, which offers the opportunity to specialize in a sociological issue with a global or Portuguese-speaking context.

Research Focus: The BA Sociology and Portuguese program at the University of Manchester is designed to encourage independent research and critical thinking. In sociology, the research focus includes studying social change, inequality, and cultural dynamics. Faculty members are involved in cutting-edge research across a range of sociological disciplines, from globalization and urban studies to criminology and gender studies. For the Portuguese aspect of the degree, the research focuses on the literature, culture, history, and contemporary issues within Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Portugal, and parts of Africa. The research also delves into the global diaspora of Portuguese speakers and the socio-political relationships between these nations. Students benefit from the opportunity to engage with this vibrant field, contributing to ongoing academic discussions and research projects.

Industry Engagement: The University of Manchester’s BA Sociology and Portuguese program promotes industry engagement through various means, such as internships, study abroad programs, and partnerships with local organizations. Students have the opportunity to apply their sociological knowledge in real-world settings, gaining practical experience in sectors such as social research, public policy, and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the program provides numerous opportunities to immerse students in Portuguese-speaking environments through language exchange programs and international placements. Industry partnerships in Brazil, Portugal, and other Lusophone countries provide students with direct exposure to socio-cultural dynamics, enhancing their academic learning with practical insights.

Global Perspective: The BA Sociology and Portuguese program at the University of Manchester provides a truly global perspective by combining sociology, which is concerned with the study of society on a broad scale, with the study of Portuguese-speaking countries around the world. The program enables students to understand not only the sociological dynamics within these regions but also the global interconnections that influence social, political, and cultural issues. Students gain an international perspective through learning about the historical and contemporary roles of Portuguese-speaking countries in the global economy, politics, and culture. Moreover, students’ language proficiency in Portuguese equips them to communicate effectively with speakers worldwide, making the program an excellent choice for students interested in global issues, international development, and cross-cultural studies.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 70.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.

Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.

Undergraduate Scholarships: The university also offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students applying to programs such as law, business, engineering, and the humanities. These scholarships are based on academic achievement and help ease the burden of tuition fees. Some specific subject areas may have unique scholarships based on the department's needs and goals.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.

Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.

Graduates of the BA Sociology and Portuguese program from the University of Manchester are equipped with a diverse set of skills, making them highly employable across various sectors. The combination of sociological knowledge and language proficiency opens up numerous career pathways both in the UK and internationally.

Social Researcher: With a solid foundation in sociological theory and research methods, graduates can work in social research roles. These positions may involve conducting surveys, analyzing data, and evaluating social policies for government bodies, think tanks, or research organizations.

International Development and NGOs: The global perspective gained from studying Portuguese-speaking countries combined with sociological knowledge makes graduates well-suited for roles in international development. They can work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international bodies focused on global social issues, such as poverty reduction, education, and human rights.

Translation and Interpretation: With advanced language skills in Portuguese, graduates can pursue careers in translation, interpretation, or linguistics. They can work in diverse sectors such as media, international business, and diplomatic services.

Public Policy Analyst: Understanding social issues and their impact on society prepares graduates to analyze public policies at local, national, or international levels. They can work for government agencies, public sector organizations, or political think tanks, advising on policy reforms and societal interventions.

Teaching and Education: Graduates may choose to teach sociology or Portuguese language and culture. They can work as secondary school teachers or pursue further education to teach at the university level. Additionally, teaching English as a second language (ESL) in Portuguese-speaking countries is another viable career option.

Corporate Sector Roles: Many graduates choose to apply their sociological insights and language skills in the corporate world. They can work in areas such as human resources, corporate communications, or public relations, where understanding human behavior and effective communication across cultures is crucial.

Social Work and Counseling: The sociological background equips graduates with a deep understanding of social issues, making them well-suited for careers in social work or counseling. They can work in various settings, including schools, healthcare institutions, and community organizations.

Journalism and Media: Graduates can enter journalism or media, using their understanding of social issues to write or report on current affairs, particularly those affecting Portuguese-speaking populations. They can also work as content creators or media analysts, producing articles, documentaries, or reports on social topics.

International Relations and Diplomacy: With expertise in Portuguese and sociological insight into global cultures and societies, graduates can work in international relations, foreign service, or diplomacy. These roles involve managing international relationships, negotiating agreements, and working on cross-border initiatives.

Graduate Study: Many graduates pursue further studies in sociology, international relations, or language-related disciplines. A Master's or PhD can lead to academic careers or advanced research roles in institutions worldwide.