Modern Languages, MA by Research

An MA by Research in Modern Languages enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests, without committing to a PhD. It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. Your project will take one year full-time or two years part-time. It is suitable if you want to undertake a first research degree as an isolated culmination of taught studies, or if you are considering further research in the form of a PhD. You will undertake original research, supervised by our experts, culminating in a thesis that makes an original contribution to our knowledge and understanding of modern languages and cultures. Modern Languages at Swansea encompasses Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German and Hispanic Studies with research strengths in written culture, European cinema, translation and interpreting. We also have language expertise in Italian, Catalan and Portuguese, but advanced knowledge of a language is not an entry requirement, depending on your choice of topic. Some comparative projects in both literature and film can be researched in English translation. We support the following research groups and centres, where many postgraduate research students are based: Centre on Digital Arts and Humanities (CODAH) Comparative Study of Portugal, Spain and the Americas (CEPSAM) Contemporary German Culture (CCGC) Gender in Culture and Society (GENCAS) You are closely supervised by two experienced academics with relevant expertise throughout the course of your project. This involves fortnightly meetings in your first term and meetings at regular agreed intervals beyond. You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in the field of modern languages, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the School of Culture and Communication Postgraduate conference.

You should hold or expect to achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in a related subject (e.g. Modern Languages, Media Studies, or English Literature) or hold relevant work experience.