Languages and Cultures (research route) MA

The MA Languages and Cultures is a research-focused programme which enables students to pursue specialist Masters-level research into the cultures associated with the following language areas: East Asian; French; German; Italian; Middle Eastern; Russian and Eastern European; Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American. `Cultures' is understood in the broadest sense: students may wish to specialize in historical, literary, religious, or artistic aspects of relevant countries from the pre-modern period to the present day. Applicants may choose to specialize in any area covered by the unparalleled breadth of research expertise available among academic staff within the School of Language, Linguistics and Cultures. The programme provides intensive training in research, and in related high-level transferable skills, in preparation for PhD studies at research universities. It is also aimed at students who will be heavily involved in research-based activities outside academia (e.g. as analysts in the commercial and finance industry, or as policy analysts in government departments or city councils).

Taught component (60 credits), including compulsory research skills and methods and other optional MA units

• Individually supervised research essays (2 x 15 credits)
• 30,000-word dissertation (90 credits)

The MA Languages and Cultures allows students to specialize from the outset, and is oriented towards developing and demonstrating research skills through substantial written projects and associated practical exercises, supported by individual academic supervision. This provides tailor-made preparation for a future PhD, but it also offers considerable advantages as a stand-alone degree. MA Languages and Cultures offers a high-quality exit point for students who may not wish to continue in academia but who are interested in pursuing a research career in an industry or the public sector.

Academic entry qualification overview:

The normal requirement for admission to the MA is an Upper Second class Honours degree, or higher, or its overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject, usually the language(s) to be studied.

English language:

Students whose first language is not English must submit either:

• an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher overall, with a score of 7.0 in the writing component
• a TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (internet-based test) or higher overall, with a score of 5.5 in the TWE component (or 25 in the writing component for internet-based test)
• a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 70 or higher overall, with a score of 70 in the writing component.

NB: All students must provide evidence of having achieved a minimum of an overall IELTS score of 6.0; an overall TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 80 (internet-based test); or an overall PTE score of 55.

Applications will not be considered complete without a copy of one of the above.

Other international entry requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

Other entry requirements: Applicants must submit a short statement (maximum one side A4) indicating their intended area of academic specialisation for the MA, including a potential research area for their dissertation and evidence of preparatory study at undergraduate level.

School of Arts, Languages and Cultures

See: About us

Telephone: +44 (0)161 306 1259

Email: MASALC@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/languages/courses/postgraduatetaught/course/?code=08810