Modern Languages and Cultural Studies

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies offers Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Our graduate programs produce specialists working in the specialization disciplines of Applied Linguistics, Media and Cultural Studies, Translation Studies and Transnational and Comparative Literatures.

Applied Linguistics

This specialization involves research in one of the following areas: second language acquisition and pedagogy, discourse studies, sociolinguistics, and multilingualism.

Media and Cultural Studies

This specialization involves the analysis of different media using theories of cultural studies. Areas of emphasis include: folklore studies, gender and sexuality studies, native studies, popular culture, game and design studies, and urban studies.

Translation Studies

This specialization involves research in one or more of the following: cultural translation, history of translation, literary translation, multilingual translation, translation theory and criticism.

Transnational and Comparative Literatures

This specialization involves the study of global literature, criticism, theory, and their intersections with language, art, and culture, either within a single language or across languages.

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies emphasizes multidisciplinary and cross-linguistic approaches, but also has the capacity to deliver individualized programs in specific fields and languages. All work and research in MLCS is based within a multilingual and global context.

For more information, see the Modern Languages and Cultural Studies website.

Master's Programs

Applicants are normally required to have completed a four-year baccalaureate degree, or its academic equivalent, from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.

An admission grade point average of 3 on most 4-point grading systems or B on most letter grading systems, based on your most recent two years of full time study (or equivalent) is required.

Doctoral Programs

Applicants are normally required to have completed a master's degree, or its academic equivalent, from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.

An admission grade point average of 3 on most 4-point grading systems or B on most letter grading systems, based on your most recent two years of full time study (or equivalent) is required.

Additional Requirements

Some departments have additional requirements, such as:

• Statement of research interests
• Previous work experience in the field
• Educational tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Miller Analogies Test

Contact the department directly to find out if there are any additional requirements.

Ensure that you have at least an hour to complete the online application. We recommend using the latest version of these browsers for the Graduate Application: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari.

The application requires digital copies (PDF - view instructions) of official documents. The documents are considered "unofficial" and will be used for the initial evaluation of the application.

Supporting documents may include the following:

• Application Requirements for Academic Documents (transcripts, degree certificates, marksheets)
• English Language Proficiency scores such as IELTS, Pearson, TOEFL, etc. (if applicable)
• Additional requirements might include:
  • CV, statement of intent, writing samples
  • GRE, GMAT, other test scores
  • References:
  • Will require the name of referees, title and email addresses.
  • An email with a secure link will only be sent to your referees after you submit and pay for your application.
  • Reference letters need to be in PDF and must be on your referees institution's or company's official letterhead or it will not be accepted.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that references and all required documents are received by the application deadline or the application will not be considered for admission.

A $135 CAD non-refundable application fee is required. Payments can be made using a valid credit card only. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discovery Card. Please note that the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is no longer able to waive this application fee for students from specific countries; all applicants are required to pay the non-refundable application fee.

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