The degree is offered to students who would like specific training for postgraduate research in modern languages aiming ultimately at a PhD, or who wish to take a challenging end-stopped Master’s.

 

The Master of Research is a flexible programme that allows in-depth study under the supervision of experts in the field and provides excellent preparation for a student wishing to continue to doctoral study. The dissertation gives the student scope to explore an area of interest in depth and to develop advanced critical and analytical research skills. Students receive face-to-face supervision and specialist research training in small groups within a well-established research training programme. 

The course is underpinned by exceptional resources in the Senate House Library, a diverse range of seminars and conferences, and networks associated with the specialist centres within the Institute: the Research Centre for German & Austrian Exile Studies, the Centre for the Study of Contemporary Women’s Writing, the Centre for the Study of Cultural Memory, the Ingeborg Bachmann Centre for Austrian Literature and Culture, the Centre for Quebec and French-Canadian Studies and the Ernst Bloch Centre for German Thought.

The MRes is further supported by the digital resources of the PORT (postgraduate online research training) website, port.sas.ac.uk, part of which is tailored specifically to the needs of students and researchers in modern languages. It includes a variety of resources, ranging from introductory training manuals on conducting research in modern languages via language-specific materials to video clips advising on the preparation for the viva or for job interviews.

Upon graduating, students will receive a degree awarded by the University of London.

Bursaries are available to support two students wishing to pursue this course and write their dissertation on a German-related topic (Friends of Germanic Studies / Bithell).

In the first instance, please contact Dr Godela Weiss-Sussex or Professor Catherine Davies

‘The MRes in Modern Languages offered at the IMLR has been both enjoyable and challenging and the varied and flexible nature of the course provided a valuable insight into the wider academic community and further postgraduate research. The training and resources offered by the IMLR (and the surrounding area) were extremely beneficial and prepared me with the necessary skills in research, independent project planning and time management which are essential for my current doctoral project. Working closely with the IMLR's experienced team of supportive scholars has been an exciting and inspiring experience.’
(Previous student on the course)