Modern Languages and Cultures The University of Manchester

Overview

The MA in Modern Languages and Cultures at The University of Manchester is structured to foster critical engagement and in-depth understanding of various languages and their cultural contexts. Students can choose from a selection of independent research units or attend taught seminars, facilitating a personalised educational experience. This programme not only prepares students for advanced research but also equips them with the skills necessary for careers in fields where language proficiency is essential.

Why Modern Languages and Cultures at The University of Manchester?

Participants in the programme will benefit from the University of Manchester's vibrant research culture and its extensive resources, including the University Language Centre and the John Rylands Research Institute. The course structure is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, providing flexibility in how they engage with the material and manage their studies.

Students will engage with a diverse array of subjects, which may include Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Latin American studies. This breadth of options allows for a comprehensive exploration of languages and their respective cultures. The curriculum is informed by contemporary theoretical and historical developments, ensuring that students are well-prepared to think critically about language as a category.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the MA in Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Manchester for the academic year beginning September 2026 are as follows:

• UK students (per annum): £15,000
• International students (per annum): £28,500

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme comprises core and optional units totalling 180 credits, including a dissertation worth 60 credits. Core units include:

• Research Training in Modern Languages
• Theories and Methods in Modern Languages

Students may also select from various optional units such as:

• Wild and Tamed: Nature in French Culture and Politics
• Exoticism & Orientalism in C19th France
• Culture, Gender and Resistance in Contemporary Japan and East Asia
• Popular Music and Identity
• Community, Memory, Identity: Reading Contemporary Arabic Literature

The dissertation will be developed through individual supervision meetings and is typically due in early September for full-time students.

Careers with Modern Languages and Cultures

Graduates of the MA in Modern Languages and Cultures have successfully transitioned into various professions, including marketing, journalism, publishing, business, politics, finance, and education. Many alumni have pursued further academic research, with some entering PhD programmes. The skills acquired during the course are highly transferable, making graduates well-suited for a range of careers where language and cultural expertise are valued.

With access to the university's dedicated Careers Service, students are supported in enhancing their employability through various opportunities and resources available during their studies and for two years post-graduation.