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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

MLAC alumna Sophia Smith-Galer explores the future of languages in new book

MLAC alumna Sophia Smith-Galer celebrates the publication of How to Kill a Language, a Sunday Times Book of the Week, following her journey from Durham student journalist and performer to award-winning reporter and author.
Sophia Smith-Galer

Professor Marcela Cazzoli champions the future of modern languages through widening access and international collaboration

Professor Marcela Cazzoli, Professor of Hispanic Studies and Director of the MA in TESOL and Applied Linguistics, has recently published a thought provoking article in Wonkhe on the future of modern languages through widening access and inclusion. She has also visited China Pharmaceutical University in Nanjing to strengthen international partnerships, promote postgraduate study opportunities at Durham, and explore future collaboration in teaching and research.
Marcella Cazzoli Keynote in China
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