Master of Arts in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies

University of Alberta

Both thesis-based and course-based MA programs are offered. The thesis-based program is research focused, while the course-based program is focused on developing a variety of academic and professional skills.All students are required to declare a specialization at the time of admission.Students specializing in Applied Linguistics or Translation Studies will engage in research in a language other than English chosen from any of the languages in which the Department has sufficient current expertise.Students specializing in Media and Cultural Studies or Transnational and Comparative Literatures will engage in research in at least one language or culture other than or in addition to the English-speaking context chosen from any of the areas in which the Department has sufficient current expertise.Admitted MA students with a four-year undergraduate degree or the equivalent may request a change of program category to the PhD program on the recommendation of the department.Program RequirementsCourse-based MAStudents are required to complete a minimum of 24, including 18 in coursework and a 6 portfolio.Required courses18 in graduate-level courses in the area of specialization. Courses chosen will depend on the student’s background and must be approved by the Associate Chair (Graduate).PortfolioEach portfolio consists of a total of six modules tailored to the student’s professional goals.MLCS 795 - Portfolio IMLCS 796 - Portfolio IIThesis-based MAStudents are required to complete a minimum of 24 including 21 in coursework, a 3 portfolio and a thesis.Required courses18 in graduate-level courses in the area of specialization. Courses chosen will depend on the student’s background and must be approved by the Associate Chair (Graduate).MLCS 797 - Academic and Professional WritingPortfolioThe portfolio course consists of three modules tailored to the student’s professional goals. See The Portfolio on the Department website for further information.MLCS 795 - Portfolio IThesisRegistration in 900-level THES.Professional Development RequirementAll students in MLCS fulfill the FGSR Professional Development requirement through completion of the portfolio.Length of ProgramThe expected time to completion is eighteen months for the course-based MA and two years for the thesis-based MA.The maximum time to complete the course-based MA program is four years.The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MA program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is four years.

Faculty of Arts