St. John's University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced linguistic theory, applied approaches to language, and close study of literatures written in Romance languages. Core topics typically include historical and comparative Romance linguistics, syntax and morphology, phonetics and phonology, sociolinguistics, and research methods for language study. In the literature component you will encounter literary history and genres, critical theory, comparative literature, and specialised seminars on modern and classical texts in French, Spanish and Italian. Applied modules often cover translation studies, language pedagogy, corpus linguistics and digital humanities approaches to textual analysis.

Students follow a mix of taught seminars and language-specific classes, and choose electives to build either a linguistics-focused or a literature/translation-focused pathway. The programme normally culminates in an independent capstone project or a supervised master’s thesis that requires original research and close engagement with primary texts and theoretical frameworks.

Entry requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent, preferably with significant coursework in languages, linguistics, literature or a closely related discipline.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in relevant subjects. A first or upper-second class equivalence is typically expected where applicable.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests, language background and professional goals.
• Two academic or professional references that can speak to your suitability for graduate study in language and literature.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the relevant Romance language(s). Applicants whose first language is not English will normally be required to provide proof of English proficiency. Specific test scores or exemptions are defined by the university.
• Depending on background, some applicants may be asked to provide a short sample of written work in a relevant language or to attend an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of language-centred careers. Common destinations include secondary and higher education (often with additional teacher certification where required), translator and interpreter roles, publishing and editorial work, cultural heritage and museum positions, and communications or content roles in international organisations and NGOs. Skills developed in textual analysis, research design, data handling and multilingual communication also apply to language technology and localisation sectors, government and diplomatic services, and further academic research leading to doctoral study.

Why study at St. John's University

• St. John’s offers small, discussion-based seminars and close supervision for independent research, allowing personalised mentoring from faculty with expertise across Romance linguistics and literatures.
• The university’s location provides rich access to cultural institutions, archives and multilingual communities, supporting applied research, internships and community engagement projects.
• Students benefit from combined strengths in language study, teacher preparation and interdisciplinary centres, making it straightforward to tailor the programme toward pedagogy, translation or advanced research.
• Support services—career advising, research libraries and language labs—help graduates translate academic skills into professional opportunities in education, publishing, cultural institutions and language industries.