Languages and Cultures

MA by Research

  • Entry year 2025
  • Duration Full time 1 year, Part time 2 years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • Access professional language facilities and software

  • Top 100 in the World for Modern Languages (QS World University Subject Rankings 2024)

  • World Top 50 for Arts & Humanities (THE World University Rankings 2024)

This MA programme is an excellent choice if you are keen to build on your love of languages and cultures and would enjoy the freedom to explore a research topic of your own choice. Our Department has expertise in language pedagogy, disability and health, environmental and social change, comparative literature and the arts, and translation. We welcome applications from students wishing to pursue research in these areas.

Find out more about our research specialisms.

The MA is an excellent pathway to doctoral research and facilitates the development of high-level skills in independent thinking, research, and communication, which are crucial qualities in many professions.

You will choose three taught modules from the range available in the School of Global Affairs and from related departments within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. All modules are taught in English with tuition predominantly in small groups. Tutors will advise you as to which modules might best prepare you for your dissertation work. For your dissertation, you will have individual supervision sessions with your supervisor(s).

In addition, you will be required to attend the module, Research Skills for Modern Linguists. This module is not assessed, and it covers a range of research skills specific to Modern Languages that are designed to support you in researching and writing your dissertation.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Languages

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Fees and funding

Location Full Time (per year) Part Time (per year)
Home £11,700 £5,850
International £24,700 £12,350

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.