Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in Foreign Languages

The Master of Arts in Foreign Languages at Pwani University is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. It provides advanced training in foreign language studies, focusing on French, German, and Arabic, preparing graduates for careers in education, translation, diplomacy, and international communication.

The programme combines linguistic theory with practical language proficiency, covering advanced grammar, oral and written expression, translation and interpretation, sociolinguistics, and the cultural contexts of foreign languages. Students develop high-level competence in at least one foreign language whilst gaining broader understanding of language acquisition and applied linguistics.

Core areas of study include research methods in language studies, contexts and acquisition of languages, oral and written expression, translation and interpretation, and the sociolinguistics of francophone and other language communities. Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as literary texts, didactics of foreign language teaching, phonetics and phonology, and French for specific purposes.

The programme structure follows a four-semester format, with coursework in the first year and research and thesis writing in the second year. Students engage in research seminars, proposal development, field research, and thesis completion under faculty supervision.

Delivery modes include full-time study at the Main Campus, with evening and weekend options at the Mombasa campus for part-time students. The programme accommodates working professionals including teachers, translators, and diplomatic staff seeking to enhance their language qualifications.

Graduates are prepared for roles as language teachers, translators and interpreters, diplomatic service officers, international organisation staff, and cultural affairs specialists. The programme's accreditation by the Commission for University Education ensures recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region.

Skills Required

Advanced French Language Proficiency
Translation and Interpretation
Sociolinguistics
Foreign Language Pedagogy
Research Methods in Linguistics
Phonetics and Phonology
Cross-Cultural Communication
French for Specific Purposes
Textual Linguistics
Language Acquisition Theory

Key Subjects

Advanced French Grammar
Oral and Written Expression
Translation and Interpretation
Sociolinguistics and Francophone Studies
Research Methods in Language Studies
Phonetics and Phonology
Foreign Language Pedagogy
Textual Linguistics
French for Specific Purposes
Language Acquisition Theory

Certifications

DALF C2 (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française)
International Federation of Translators Certification

Specializations

French Language and Francophone Studies

Focuses on advanced French language proficiency, francophone literature, culture, and the sociolinguistics of French-speaking communities in Africa and globally.

Translation and Interpretation

Covers translation theory and practice, interpretation techniques, and professional skills for conference, court, and literary translation in multiple languages.

Foreign Language Education

Focuses on the didactics of teaching foreign languages, including methodology, curriculum design, assessment, and technology-enhanced language learning.

Sociolinguistics and Language Policy

Examines the social dimensions of language use, language policy, multilingualism, and the role of foreign languages in East African contexts.

Applied Linguistics

Covers linguistic theory applied to practical contexts, including language acquisition, discourse analysis, and computational linguistics.

German Language Studies

Focuses on advanced German language proficiency, German culture, and the role of German in East African trade and diplomatic relations.

Arabic Language Studies

Examines Arabic language proficiency, Arabic culture and civilisation, and the historical and contemporary significance of Arabic in East Africa.

Literary Texts and Cultural Studies

Explores literary texts in foreign languages, cultural theory, and the intersection of language, literature, and identity in francophone and other traditions.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 249,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Evening, Weekend
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced French Grammar
Oral and Written Expression
Translation and Interpretation
Sociolinguistics and Francophone Studies
Research Methods in Language Studies
Phonetics and Phonology
Foreign Language Pedagogy
Textual Linguistics
French for Specific Purposes
Language Acquisition Theory

Modules

11 in the programme

General Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original research in language studies and linguistics.
Contexts and Acquisition of Languages
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the social, cognitive, and linguistic contexts of language acquisition, including second language acquisition theory and bilingualism.
Oral Expression
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops advanced oral proficiency through structured conversation practice, debate, presentation, and public speaking in the target language.
Advanced French Grammar
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers advanced grammatical structures, syntactic analysis, and the systematic study of French grammar at postgraduate level.
Research Methodology in Language Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Focuses on research methods specific to language and linguistics research, including corpus linguistics, discourse analysis, and experimental methods.
Written Expression
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Develops advanced written proficiency through academic writing, essay composition, creative writing, and professional documentation in the target language.
Translation and Interpretation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Covers translation theory and practice, interpretation techniques, and professional skills for conference, court, and literary translation.
Sociolinguistics and Francophone Movement
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Examines the social dimensions of language use in francophone communities, including language policy, multilingualism, and the francophone movement in Africa.
Didactics of Foreign Language Teaching
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Covers methodologies for teaching foreign languages, including curriculum design, assessment techniques, and technology-enhanced language learning.
Phonetics and Phonology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines the sound systems of the target language, including articulatory phonetics, phonological theory, and pronunciation pedagogy.
Master's Thesis
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research thesis involving field research, data collection and analysis, and scholarly writing on a foreign languages topic.

Specialisations

French Language and Francophone Studies
Focuses on advanced French language proficiency, francophone literature, culture, and the sociolinguistics of French-speaking communities in Africa and globally.
Translation and Interpretation
Covers translation theory and practice, interpretation techniques, and professional skills for conference, court, and literary translation in multiple languages.
Foreign Language Education
Focuses on the didactics of teaching foreign languages, including methodology, curriculum design, assessment, and technology-enhanced language learning.
Sociolinguistics and Language Policy
Examines the social dimensions of language use, language policy, multilingualism, and the role of foreign languages in East African contexts.
Applied Linguistics
Covers linguistic theory applied to practical contexts, including language acquisition, discourse analysis, and computational linguistics.
German Language Studies
Focuses on advanced German language proficiency, German culture, and the role of German in East African trade and diplomatic relations.
Arabic Language Studies
Examines Arabic language proficiency, Arabic culture and civilisation, and the historical and contemporary significance of Arabic in East Africa.
Literary Texts and Cultural Studies
Explores literary texts in foreign languages, cultural theory, and the intersection of language, literature, and identity in francophone and other traditions.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending language seminars covering advanced grammar, oral expression, or translation techniques. Students engage in practical language exercises including conversation practice, translation workshops, and phonetic drills. Research-focused students attend research methodology seminars, present proposals, and work on literature reviews for their thesis. The programme includes independent study, library research, and opportunities for cultural engagement through language clubs and events organised by partner cultural institutions.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for multilingual professionals in Kenya's diplomatic, international organisation, and business sectors, with interpreters earning up to KES 30,000 per day.
Affordable public university fees at KES 145,000 per year, competitive compared to private language institutions.
Flexible study modes including full-time and part-time evening/weekend options at Main Campus and Mombasa campus.
Kenya hosts the UN Office at Nairobi and numerous diplomatic missions, providing unique opportunities for language professionals.

Against it

Only one institution in Kenya offers this exact programme, limiting choice and geographic accessibility.
Detailed curriculum information is not publicly available on the Pwani University website, requiring prospective students to contact the department.
Foreign language careers are concentrated in Nairobi and major urban centres with international organisations and diplomatic missions.
The programme requires significant independent language practice beyond classroom hours to achieve professional-level proficiency.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public145k to 221k

145k at Pwani University221k at University of Nairobi

Private138k to 250k

138k at KCA University250k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 220.5K, Pwani 145K, Daystar 249.8K verified. KCA unverified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, Pwani University postgraduate bursaries for demonstrated financial need, and the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme for academically talented Africans.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
Pwani University Postgraduate Bursary
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Pwani University Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Postgraduate students demonstrating financial need at Pwani University.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Academically talented young Africans facing economic, social, or institutional barriers.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Holders of a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant field may be considered. The University Senate recognises equivalent qualifications from accredited institutions.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, oral presentations, translation exercises, and language proficiency assessments conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering all module content, including written papers, oral examinations, and practical translation exercises.
Master's Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis involving field research, data collection and analysis, and scholarly writing, assessed through submission and oral defence.
Research Seminars
Coursework20% of the mark
Participation in research seminars including proposal presentations, literature reviews, and peer feedback sessions.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Pwani University.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
International Federation of Translators
Professional certification
Global federation of translators and interpreters associations. Certification recommended for professional translation practice.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Foreign Language Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 160,000
Teaches foreign languages at secondary schools, universities, and language institutes. Average salary approximately KES 107,000 per month for those with a master's degree.
Translator and Interpreter
High demandKsh 72,000 to Ksh 212,000
Provides translation and interpretation services for international organisations, diplomatic missions, and conferences. Average salary approximately KES 138,000 per month, with conference interpreters earning up to KES 30,000 per day.
Diplomatic Service Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 300,000
Works in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions, requiring multilingual skills for international relations and protocol duties.
Corporate Language Instructor
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provides language training to corporate employees, expatriates, and business professionals. Average salary approximately KES 105,000 per month.
International Organisation Staff
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 250,000
Works in multilingual roles at the UN, EAC, and other international organisations based in Nairobi, requiring proficiency in multiple official languages.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches foreign languages and linguistics at universities, contributing to research and scholarship in language studies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue roles as language teachers, translators and interpreters, diplomatic service officers, and international organisation staff, with growing demand for multilingual professionals in Kenya's diplomatic and business sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SDL Trados Studio
SoftwarePrimary
Professional translation software used by translators for computer-assisted translation, terminology management, and project management.
AntConc
SoftwarePrimary
Corpus analysis toolkit for concordancing, collocation analysis, and corpus-based language research.
Microsoft Word
Software
Primary tool for academic writing, thesis preparation, and professional document creation.
Google Scholar
Platform
Academic search engine for finding scholarly literature on linguistics, language acquisition, and translation studies.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Foreign languages have limited career prospects in Kenya.
There is a huge deficit of interpreters in French, German, Spanish, and Chinese in East Africa, with Kenyans earning up to KES 30,000 per day for interpretation services at international events.
A master's in foreign languages is only useful for teaching.
Graduates pursue diverse careers including translation, interpretation, diplomatic service, international organisation roles, corporate language training, and cultural consultancy.
You need to be fluent before enrolling in the programme.
The programme builds on undergraduate language foundations, with courses designed to develop advanced proficiency through structured instruction and practice.
Foreign language skills are becoming less relevant with AI translation.
While AI tools assist with basic translation, professional interpretation, cultural nuance, literary translation, and diplomatic communication require human expertise that AI cannot replicate.
The programme only covers French.
The programme covers multiple foreign languages including French, German, and Arabic, with elective options allowing specialisation in different language areas.
Foreign language graduates can only work in Nairobi.
Opportunities exist across Kenya and the East African region, including Mombasa's tourism sector, international organisations in Arusha, and diplomatic missions in various cities.