Modern Languages MRes

Program Overview

Modern Languages MRes

Overview

This course provides 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.

Course Structure

• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Location: Exton Park, Chester
• UK Fees: £5,006 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Fees: £15,084 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Course Content

Research into Cultural Identities

• Module Aims:
  • 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.
  • Develop understanding of the current political, linguistic, and cultural dynamics of contemporary societies and of the historical factors that have influenced them.
  • Develop critical awareness of current theory and opinion on culture and identity, with particular regard to evaluating critically current research and advanced scholarship.
  • Further develop effective vocational skills in written discussion and debate.

Research Dissertation

• Module Aims:
  • Enable students to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
  • Familiarise students with the range of sources/texts/material available for the study of their selected dissertation topic.
  • Encourage students to analyse, evaluate, and draw conclusions from those sources.
  • Consolidate written skills and transferable skills of self-direction and discipline.
  • Foster originality in the application of academic knowledge.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: 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.
• International/EU Students: 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 English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: 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.

Facilities

• Modern Learning Resources and Library: 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.
• 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.
• Student Services: Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.
• 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

• Home Students: £5,006 per year full-time (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,084 per year full-time (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: 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.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

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: 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.