History and Portuguese

History and Portuguese is a degree that combines one of the most powerful analytical tools for understanding the human world with access to one of its most geographically extensive linguistic communities. History trains you to think about change and continuity over time, to handle complex and sometimes contradictory evidence, and to construct arguments about causation and meaning that are both rigorous and honest about their limitations. Portuguese opens the literatures and cultures of Portugal, Brazil, and the Lusophone world across Africa, a region of extraordinary diversity and historical significance whose relationship with colonialism, slavery, and post-colonial identity continues to shape the present.

At the University of Oxford you will study this four-year full-time programme under the tutorial system that defines Oxford's educational approach. The typical entry tariff of 184 points reflects the highly competitive nature of admission. You will develop your Portuguese to a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking, while also engaging deeply with the history of Portugal, Brazil, and the broader Lusophone world alongside the wider historical periods and themes that Oxford's history curriculum encompasses.

The interplay between the two subjects is genuine and enriching: understanding the history of the Portuguese empire and its legacy requires both historical method and linguistic access to the sources, and the history of Brazil and Lusophone Africa brings perspectives that broaden and challenge conventional historical narratives.

Graduates from this programme work in diplomacy, international law, journalism, international development, business with Lusophone markets, the cultural sector, and academic research. Oxford's reputation and networks are a significant advantage in many of these careers. The combination of historical analysis and Portuguese language competence is particularly valuable in careers that engage with Latin America, Portugal, or Lusophone Africa.

Postgraduate study in history, Portuguese, Latin American studies, or international relations is a natural route for graduates seeking to specialise or pursue research and academic careers.