Linguistics (Taught)

This master's in Linguistics is characterised by its flexibility. It equips you with the research skills necessary for independent study in linguistics.

The common subjects the course covers include:
theoretical and general linguistics
descriptive linguistics
applied linguistics
combinations of these specialisms

The course has two specialist pathways leading to different awards:
MA Linguistics: English Language
MA Linguistics: Language Acquisition

The pathways allow you to focus on your area of particular interest. This could range from:
lexical innovation
sociolinguistics
computational linguistics
child language acquisition
psycholinguistics

By the end of the master's in Linguistics, you'll understand and be able to engage with ideas at the forefront of linguistic research. You'll address linguistic questions and problems currently being debated.

Delivery:

During two 12-week semesters you will study six modules delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and field work. These are supplemented by academic events and invited international specialists. You work closely with your supervisor on a 15,000 –18,000-word dissertation.

The common subjects the course covers include theoretical and general linguistics, descriptive linguistics (whether focusing on English or on other languages), applied linguistics, and combinations of these specialisms. By choosing one of the pathways, you will be able to focus on your area of specific interest.

By the end of the course you will understand and engage with ideas at the forefront of linguistic research and address linguistic questions and problems currently being debated.

Facilities:

The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics is a lively and diverse community with over 700 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates.

We are based in the Percy Building where the majority of your seminars and tutorials will take place. Our purpose-built postgraduate suite includes several dedicated computer clusters, meeting rooms, a kitchen and lounge area.

Linguistics postgraduates also benefit from a dedicated space reserved for members of the Centre for Research in Linguistics and Language Sciences. This space provides a range of resources, including access to linguistics software (eg Childes, Clan, Elan, Praat), linguistic corpora (eg DECTE, ICE, ICAME), and specialised equipment such as the eye tracker.

You also have access to the award-winning Peter Robinson Library, which has an extensive audio-visual collection.

Pathway:

The Linguistics MA has two specialist pathways leading to different awards:
•MA Linguistics: English Language
•MA Linguistics: Language Acquisition

The pathways allow you to focus on your area of particular interest, which could range from lexical innovation, sociolinguistics, computational linguistics, child language acquisition, psycholinguistics, or topics relating to French, German and Spanish. Whichever pathway you choose, you gain:
•research skills necessary for independent study in linguistics and English language
•critical engagement with current work in the subject area
•confidence to address linguistic questions and participate in current theoretical debates
•advanced knowledge of a range of issues in the subject area
•mastery of the methods and skills required to obtain and interpret relevant research data.

All pathways involve selecting modules covering the two central linguistic disciplines of phonology and syntax.