Taught Programmes
As a major concentration of high-quality research and teaching in language-based disciplines, we foster a vibrant postgraduate community. We offer a wide range of master's programmes and research opportunities, united by a common interest: the study of languages and their application in linguistics, literature, translation and cultural studies, including screen studies, critical theory, historical, political, and social studies. Our critical mass of staff in numerous areas, our long tradition of interdisciplinary research and teaching, and our healthy expansion make SLLC an ideal place to take a higher degree.
Students whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in the writing component or an TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (internet-based test) or higher overall, with a minimum score of 5.5 in the TWE component (or 25 in the writing component of the internet-based test) or a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 70 or higher overall, with a minimum score of 70 in the writing component.
Our taught master's programmes cover a range of areas, and are often very flexible:
- Conference Interpreting
- Intercultural Communication - a new programme starting September 2012
- Languages and Cultures (research route)
- Latin American and Caribbean Studies
- Linguistics and English Language
- Translation and Interpreting Studies
Conference Interpreting
Run by the Centre for Translation and Intercultural Studies (CTIS), the MA in Conference Interpreting (MACINT) combines the intensive reflective study of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting with course units in Professional Development, supported by state-of-the-art interpreting equipment. MACINT offers two student profiles: AB (one language from Arabic, French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, with English, interpreting in both directions) and ACC (two languages from Arabic, French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish into English). MACINT students benefit from the close collaboration between Manchester and a number of international organizations, with places for students to shadow staff interpreters and work in dummy booths. All interpreting trainers are practising conference interpreters in language combinations that reflect market demands.
Further Information on MACINT: http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/ctis/ma/macint/
Intercultural Communication
Across the globe, contact and exchange between cultures is greater than ever. Catering for the needs of a wide range of professionals who work or aspire to work in a multicultural or multilingual environment, this MA programme focuses on understanding and negotiating cultural difference through communication. Above all, the MA is designed to enhance students' awareness of cultural diversity in a range of settings, including international and pan-national organisations, multinational companies, media agencies, cultural institutions, the tourism industry, educational establishments, trade associations, pressure groups, NGOs, etc. The programme includes a specialism in Intercultural Education. It also allows international students to develop their advanced English language proficiency while enhancing their ability to function comfortably and effectively in intercultural situations.
Languages and Cultures (research-route)
The MA Languages and Cultures is a research-focused programme which enables students to pursue specialist Masters-level research into the cultures associated with the following language areas: East Asian; French; German; Italian; Middle Eastern; Russian and Eastern European; Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American. `Cultures' is understood in the broadest sense: students may wish to specialize in historical, literary, religious, or artistic aspects of relevant countries from the pre-modern period to the present day. Applicants may choose to specialize in any area covered by the unparalleled breadth of research expertise available among academic staff within the School of Language, Linguistics and Cultures. The programme provides intensive training in research, and in related high-level transferable skills, in preparation for PhD studies at research universities. It is also aimed at students who will be heavily involved in research-based activities outside academia (e.g. as analysts in the commercial and finance industry, or as policy analysts in government departments or city councils).
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Brazil is now recognised as a leading economic power. The ALBA alliance is attracting interest as a potential alternative trading bloc. Through the migration of people, cultures and ideas, salsa music is enjoyed in Londonand Cape Town, New Yorkand Havana. Many of Latin America’s 'megacities' – Rio, Buenos Aires, São Pauloand Mexico City– confront the challenges of rapid urbanisation. Throughout their history and to this day, Latin America and the Caribbean have been at the forefront of social, economic, cultural and political change and experiment. Through the MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, students become specialists in this varied region, learning with internationally-recognised academics affiliated with the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies to gain the multidisciplinary perspectives needed to understand this region. Selecting among a diverse range of optional course units, students study the current debates in the area of Latin American and Caribbean Studies, such as transculturation and globalization, the meanings and limits of culture and issues of identity, such as mestizaje, gender, race and ethnicity, and have the opportunity to develop both country-specific and regional expertise.
Linguistics and English Language
A suite of programmes offering the widest range of teaching and research expertise in all aspects of theoretical and descriptive linguistics and in all areas in the study of the English language. We provide an exceptionally large and flexible choice of course units, so that students can construct a truly personalized programme suited to individual interests and needs. This includes the possibility of having one-to-one supervision in tailor-made Directed Reading course units.
Translation and Interpreting Studies
Run by the Centre for Translation and Intercultural Studies (CTIS), the MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies (MATIS) is one of the longest-running and most comprehensive postgraduate degrees in translation and interpreting offered by a UK institution. MATIS offers specialist units in audiovisual, literary, scientific, commercial and institutional translation, for English and any other language. In addition, students can choose options in consecutive or public service interpreting in the following language combinations: English with Arabic, French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish. In 2009, MATIS became an inaugural member of the European Master's in Translation (EMT) Network. Students enrolled in EMT MA programmes acquire competences which allow them to compete successfully for translation jobs in international institutions or in the freelance sector and to work in the rapidly evolving field of multilingual and multimedia communication, including the use of translation technologies.
Further information on MATIS: http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/ctis/ma/matis/