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Research

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures functions as a single unit for research, gathering our eight language areas (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian, Japanese and Russian) and Translation Studies, working within and across these to enable interdisciplinary investigations. Four areas of particular strength characterise our research activities:

We welcome applications for postgraduate study in the School’s language and research focus areas, especially where there are potential links to relevant Durham Research Institutes and Centres or to our research groups.

Research groups

The School of Modern Languages hosts six interdisciplinary research groups.
Three students working together

Centres and institutes

Explore our research centres in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.
External shot of the front door leading into the institute of advanced study

Reframing European gastronomy Legacy through Innovation, Sustainability and Heritage (RELISH)

Find out more about this research partnership into culinary recipes and food culture. 

A group of people enjoying an open air city dining experience in Calcotada to celebrate the launch of RELISH

Inventing Futures

Find out more about work on the future-oriented consequences of past-oriented study. 

Image of a skyline with a shooting star in the horizon

Research News

Durham hosts exhibition marking 100 years of China’s Palace Museum

We’re hosting a new exhibition marking the centenary of China’s prestigious Palace Museum.
A group of people stand looking at the camera in front of a display board reading Journey of a Century

Durham Scholar to Explore Catalan Culinary Identity at UMass Amherst

Durham scholar Professor H. Rosi Song, PI of the RELISH project, will deliver a lecture titled “Writing Catalan Culinary Identity” on October 1, 2025, at the Student Union Ballroom, UMass Amherst.
Professor Song Public Lecture Poster 1 october 2025
Transformative Humanities

Transformative Humanities

Discover the Faculty of Arts and Humanities' new Transformative Humanities framework which brings together distinctive approaches to humanities research and education within the academy and across a wide range of partners and communities.

Visit the Transformative Humanities website