Modern Languages MRes

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Course Summary

This course will provide graduates with the opportunity to develop an independent, substantial piece of scholarly research in a field of Modern Languages and Language Area Studies. Students will be informed by, and contribute to, academic debates about the methods, approaches and practices that underpin the discipline. 

We provide a supportive environment for the design and production of your research dissertation. The MRes in Modern Languages comprises two key elements: a double core module focusing on research methodology (40 credits) and an extended dissertation (140 credits). The Research Dissertation module is divided into three stages, during which you will work closely with your dissertation supervisor exploring, firstly, the existing literature on your topic; secondly, planning your research project; and finally, writing up your dissertation. 

You will choose the topic of your dissertation in consultation with your supervisor and it will reflect your own research interests and the Department's research specialisms. 

The Department offers supervision in a range of Modern Languages and Area Studies topics. We have particular strengths in postcolonial, political, literary and cultural studies in Europe and the francophone, Hispanic, German and Chinese-speaking worlds. 

Why you’ll Love it

Learn From Research Active Staff

More than half of the research our departments produce is world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the REF (2021). Our portfolio contains work that is at the forefront of its subject discipline and research, which brings about changes to policy, practice and services that benefit the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of our region and the wider community.

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Personal Academic Tutors

Your PAT provides you with academic advice and guidance, and whilst your PAT is primarily concerned with your academic progression, you should feel free to consult them at any time about any personal issues you may have. If your PAT cannot help you directly, they will always suggest other sources of support, advice and guidance that may be available to you.

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Careers and Employability Advice and Guidance

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team will work with you to help you make the most of your time during your studies and to inspire you to reach your potential. We provide a variety of employability-enhancing experiences, through the curriculum, employer contact and tailored group sessions, as well as individual information, advice and guidance.

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What you’llStudy

Alongside the Research Dissertation on an individual topic chosen by you, you will take, along with all students preparing postgraduate dissertations, one double core module: Research into Cultural Identities. This is designed to introduce you to the skills required to undertake Modern Languages and Area Studies research at Master’s level.

Module content:

This module provides students with the combined skills and background knowledge to successfully complete M level programmes in Languages and Cultures. An initial induction period will ensure students acquire the requisite IT and study skills and will introduce diverse resources including archive and on-line materials which students are encouraged to critically evaluate and analyse. The module provides the critical tools necessary for the research and preparation of essays and presentations throughout the M level programmes as students work towards their dissertations. These research skills are applied to central themes, namely the construction, development and representation of cultural identities. Drawing on cultural theory, the module reflects on issues of migration and physical and political changes that have shaped contemporary cultures. A brief survey of the main historical influences and movements relating to developments in European, Chinese, francophone and hispanophone cultures is followed by a more in depth exploration of 20th and 21st century themes such as migration, multiculturalism and globalisation, investigating the tension between national, cultural and diasporic identities.


Module aims:

  1. To enhance students’ research skills and scholarship in terms of location of appropriate sources, critical and analytical use of these sources and the application of recognised scholarly conventions in their presentation.
  2. To develop understanding of the current political, linguistic and cultural dynamics of contemporary societies and of the historical factors that have influenced them.
  3. To develop critical awareness of current theory and opinion on culture and identity, with particular regard to evaluating critically current research and advanced scholarship.
  4. To further develop effective vocational skills in written discussion and debate.

Module content:

Each student will research and write a dissertation of up to 28,000 words. The topic and title is negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement. The research dissertation is based upon guided but largely independent research and upon substantial use of a range of primary and secondary sources. Preparation towards the dissertation will include a literature review and dissertation plan.

Module aims:

  1. To enable students to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
  2. To familiarise students with the range of sources/texts/material available for the study of their selected dissertation topic.
  3. To encourage students to analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from those sources.
  4. To consolidate written skills and transferable skills of self-direction and discipline.
  5. To foster originality in the application of academic knowledge.

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Brenda Garvey

Senior Lecturer
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How you'll Learn

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Seminar-based, plus online sessions and individual tutorials

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Essays, literature reviews, oral presentations and Research Dissertation

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This course is designed around in-person study

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There may be some online learning activities

Beyond the Classroom

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career. 

Entry Requirements

2:1 honours degree

A good honours degree (usually a 2:1) or an equivalent qualification is required in any relevant discipline. Applicants will be required to produce a 300 to 500-word synopsis of the proposed research topic, and attend an interview with the Programme Leader and the proposed supervisor. 

2:1 honours degree

A good honours degree (usually a 2:1) or an equivalent qualification is required in any relevant discipline. Applicants will be required to produce a 300 to 500-word synopsis of the proposed research topic, and attend an interview with the Programme Leader and the proposed supervisor. 

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

TBCper year full time (2025/26)

The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes in the academic year 2025/26 is TBC 

£15,084per year full time (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2025/26 are £15,084.

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Laboratory) in the academic year 2025/26 are £19,133.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .

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