Research

Research

Research

Interested in pursuing a Ph.D. with us?
If you are considering undertaking doctoral research in Spanish, we invite you to explore the opportunities available through our Postgraduate Research programme. Visit our Postgraduate Research page to learn more about the application process, research opportunities, and how to get started. 

Research in the discipline of Spanish encompasses a broad range of topics related to the language, literature, and cultures of Spain and Latin America. Key areas of research include:

Modern Spanish and Latin American Literature and Culture: Analysis of literary works, cultural movements, identity, gender, memory, migration, and contemporary social issues across the Spanish-speaking world. 
Spanish Linguistics: Study of the structure, evolution, and use of the Spanish language, including syntax, phonetics, sociolinguistics, dialectology, pragmatics, and language variation. 
Teaching and Learning of Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE): Research into language acquisition, teaching methodologies, curriculum design, assessment, technology-enhanced learning, and intercultural competence. 
Human Rights: Exploration of themes such as social justice, historical memory, migration, gender equality, political violence, and human rights as represented in Spanish-language literature, culture, and society. 
Sustainability: Investigation of environmental issues, climate change, ecocriticism, sustainable development, and the relationship between culture, literature, and ecological awareness in the Spanish-speaking world. 
Translation Studies: Research on translation theory and practice, literary translation, audiovisual translation, interpreting, intercultural communication, and the role of translation in facilitating cross-cultural understanding.
Specific research topics currently being investigated within the discipline include (updated in 2026):

Contemporary Crime Fiction in Spain and Latin America 
Ecocriticism and Poetry 
Murals and Representations of Revolution 
Representations of Torture and Police Violence 
Translation: 
Translating and Teaching Children’s Fiction through a Foreign Language
Translation of Humour in Audiovisual Media
Translation of Gendered Testimonial Texts and Feminism
These research topics reflect the interdisciplinary nature of Spanish Studies, bringing together expertise in literature, linguistics, translation, pedagogy, visual culture, environmental humanities, and human rights.

Principio del formulario

Final del formulario

Areas of interest/publications

To see the specific areas of interest of the member of the academic staff of the Discipline of Spanish or a list of their publications, see their individual profiles on the Staff page. 

Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide the overarching framework within which our research is situated. Positioning our research within this internationally recognized framework highlights its relevance beyond academic inquiry, demonstrating its potential to inform sustainable practices and contribute to broader societal and environmental goals.