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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.
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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. 

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Research News

Professor Catherine Dousteyssier-Khoze to deliver Wheeler Distinguished Annual Lecture at the University of Bristol

The French section in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures (MLAC) at Durham University is delighted to announce that Professor Catherine Dousteyssier-Khoze (MLAC, Durham University) will deliver one of this year’s Wheeler Distinguished Annual Lectures, hosted in Bristol on Wednesday 4 March 2026.
Wheeler Distinguished Annual Lecture

Landmark book on the transformative power of art in health research

An agenda-setting volume of essays on the contribution that art can make to our understanding of health and illness has been published, co-edited by Dr Fiona Johnstone from our Institute for Medical Humanities and School of Modern Languages and Cultures.
Cover of
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