MA and PhD Programs in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies
- interdisciplinary and transcultural focus
- collaborative, student-centred programs
- dual emphasis on academic and professional development
Modern Languages and Cultural Studies offers MA and PhD degree programs in four major areas, or streams: Applied Linguistics, Media and Cultural Studies, Translation Studies, and Transnational and Comparative Literatures. Bringing with them individual experiences in the study of diverse cultures and languages, students develop and explore research questions in a creative, dynamic, and international learning environment that emphasizes both academic and professional training. The programs feature interdisciplinary and transcultural seminars, a student-designed professional development portfolio, and colloquia that support collaboration and accelerated time to degree completion. Uniquely equipped with skills in cultural communication and a commitment to global diversity, our graduates pursue careers in government, business, and academia as passionate educators, innovative researchers, and inspired leaders.
Admissions
Deadlines
Applications for September 2018 open online in October 1, 2017 and will remain open until January 15, 2018. We do not offer rolling admission, and consider all applications in one batch after the application deadline has passed.
Application Procedure
All applications are processed online through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Paper applications will not be accepted.
You will be required to upload unofficial supporting documents electronically and to pay a $100CDN application fee before your application can be considered.
Entrance Requirements
- GPA (grade point average): at least 3.3 on a 4.0 grading scale, based on your most recent two years of full time study (or equivalent) or the last 60 credits, from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta.
- Academic background: For an MA program, an undergraduate degree in a related field or the equivalent from a recognized institution. For a PhD program, an MA degree or the equivalent, related to the area of specialization.
- English Language Proficiency: Where applicable, the minimum acceptable scores are 600 (paper-based) or 100 overall (internet-based) on the TOEFL; an overall band score of 7.0 on the IELTS. If you have completed a different exam, please contact the Graduate Advisor (mlcsgrad@ualberta.ca) Students who have completed a degree at an English language institution are not required to prove English Language Proficiency.
- Language other than English: All graduate students are required to have at least one language other than English.
Application Requirements
To be complete, an online application must contain the following documentation:
- Completed online application and $100CDN non-refundable admission fee.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Original transcripts - please ensure you scan both the front and back of each transcript sheet.
- Certified English translation of transcripts, if applicable.
- Three references - the online portal will contact your referees electronically. They should not submit letters by mail or email. For the best letters, ask a professor who knows you and your work well. If you are applying to a PhD program, you should provide a reference from your MA supervisor. To help your referees write a good letter, provide them your Statement of Purpose, your CV, and plenty of time.
- Statement of Purpose (MA-course) and Research Proposal (MA-thesis and PhD):
- All applicants: the statement of purpose is your opportunity to explain why you want to complete this program and how it relates to your goals. Your statement should be 1-2 pages describing your academic background, your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies at the University of Alberta specifically, and any details you think are pertinent to your application. For MA course-based students, you should include a general idea of your research interests.
- MA-Thesis and PhD applicants: the research proposal must be well considered and detailed. This is your opportunity to show the Admissions Committee how you will fit in our program and why your research is important. Your proposal should be 4-5 pages, including a review of the background literature, general information about the methodology and goals, and a bibliography.
- English Language Proficiency scores, if applicable
- Two academic writing samples - you must include at least one sample written in English, and one in the language of specialization. If necessary, you can submit two in English. They should demonstrate your writing and scholarly abilities, and there is no length limit.
*Please note: you are not required to identify a potential supervisor at the time of admission. Students do not select a supervisor until the end of their first year of study.
Tuition and Funding
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are regulated by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. For detailed information concerning tuition for domestic and international studies, please see their general overview and also the detailed breakdown. This website will also give you a general sense of the cost of living in Edmonton, which can be high.
Funding and Scholarships
The Admissions Committee will consider funding possibilities at the time of admission. If you are made an offer of admission, you will be told at that time whether you will be made an offer of funding. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer funding for all students. The primary source of funding for students in this department is teaching assistantships in our undergraduate language courses, and limited research assistantships.
Information about potential scholarships can be found on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website. The department does not offer its own entrance scholarships.
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.ualberta.ca/modern-languages-and-cultural-studies/graduate-program-information