Do I need to speak multiple languages to enrol in the MA Global Language Studies?

Not required, but at least one working second language is strongly recommended. The MA Global Language Studies centres comparative analysis rather than language acquisition itself; monolingual applicants with relevant analytical or policy experience are considered.

How is the MA Global Language Studies different from a translation Master's?

Translation Master's centre the craft of translation. The MA Global Language Studies centres the comparative and policy study of language in the world — language rights, multilingualism, global English. There is overlap in the linguistic foundations.

Can I take the MA Global Language Studies part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are available. Most working students complete the MA Global Language Studies in two years while maintaining a professional role.

Does the MA Global Language Studies cover language technology?

Yes. A dedicated module covers large language models, NLP and multilingual platforms from a language-studies perspective — how language technology shapes which languages are well-served, which are not, and what that means for policy.

What sort of dissertation will I write on the MA Global Language Studies?

A 12,000-to-15,000-word piece on a topic in global language studies. Past examples include comparative analyses of minority-language policy in Europe, studies of multilingual content provision by UK public bodies, and policy-analytic work on global English in higher education.

MA Global Language Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Global Language Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for graduates and senior practitioners who want a Master's-level credential in the comparative study of modern languages — multilingualism, language policy, the global English question, and the political economy of language in a connected world.

The course is built around University Council of Modern Languages standards and current Chartered Institute of Linguists professional practice. You will produce a 12,000-to-15,000-word dissertation on a topic in global language studies and graduate with the analytical grounding to work in language policy, multilingual content, international diplomacy or research-active language roles.

Key Features

UCML-aligned curriculum covering comparative modern languages at MA level.
Multilingualism module — code-switching, translanguaging, language contact.
Language policy seminars — minority languages, official languages, multilingual education.
Global English module — English as a global lingua franca, World Englishes, ELF research.
Industry-led masterclasses from language-policy professionals, multilingual content leads and international cultural-body practitioners.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation on a topic in global language studies.

What You Will Learn

The MA Global Language Studies is structured around the working questions a serious language-policy or multilingual-content professional needs to engage — who speaks what, where, why, with what political weight. You graduate able to read the comparative language-studies literature, design a piece of empirical or policy-analytic research, and write at the standard senior employers expect.

Comparative modern languages — the major language families and their contemporary status.
Multilingualism — code-switching, translanguaging, language contact, maintenance.
Language policy — minority languages, official languages, multilingual education.
Global English — English as a lingua franca, World Englishes, ELF research.
Translation studies at MA level — comparative, theoretical, applied.
Language and technology — large language models, NLP, multilingual platforms.
Language rights — UDHR Article 27, regional and minority languages framework.
Dissertation research methods — qualitative, comparative, policy-analytic.

Who This MA Is For

BA graduates in modern languages, linguistics or related disciplines moving into MA-level study.
Working language professionals, translators and multilingual-content leads seeking a senior credential.
Language policy professionals in cultural bodies, international organisations or government.
Career-changers from teaching, journalism or international relations moving into language-policy work.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the MA Global Language Studies move into senior language-policy, multilingual-content and area-analyst roles across cultural bodies, international organisations, technology firms and public service, or progress to doctoral study. Typical post-MA destinations include:

Languages Programme Coordinator (cultural body, local authority)
Language Policy Researcher (think tank, government department, NGO)
Bilingual Project Officer (charity, public body, international organisation)
Multilingual Content Strategist (publisher, technology firm, news organisation)
International Programme Manager (UNESCO-affiliated, cultural-relations body)
Senior Localisation Manager (technology firm)

The MA also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in modern languages, applied linguistics or language policy.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.