Nov 21, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2024-2025 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2024-2025

Master of Arts (Modern Languages and Cultural Studies)


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 Requirements


Course-based MA


Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 units, including 18 units in coursework and a 6-unit portfolio.

Required courses


  • 18 units 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).

Portfolio


Each portfolio consists of a total of six modules tailored to the student’s professional goals. See The Portfolio on the Department website for further information.

Thesis-based MA


Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 units including 21 units in coursework, a 3-unit portfolio and a thesis.

Required courses


  • 18 units 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).

Portfolio


The portfolio course consists of three modules tailored to the student’s professional goals. See The Portfolio on the Department website for further information.

Thesis


  • Registration in 900-level THES.

Professional Development Requirement


All students in MLCS fulfill the GPS Professional Development Requirement  through completion of the portfolio.

Length of Program


The 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 (see Time Limit for Completion of Graduate Programs ).

The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MA program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is four years.