English Language and Linguistics (Taught)

Studying our Masters degree in English Language and Linguistics provides you with that invaluable insight into how humans communicate. You’ll explore how English evolves across time and place, the complex workings of the English language and its central role in society.
Develop specialist skills for linguistic analysis and research
Exploring linguistic structures is the main theoretical core of the MSc in English Language and Linguistics. You’ll study the key theoretical dimensions of linguistic analysis: phonology, morphology and syntax. Examples from both English and a wide range of other languages are used.
You’ll build up a knowledge of contemporary linguistic theories and their application in a wider cultural setting including:

• Cognitive - how our minds process and understand language;

• Historical - how languages develop over time;

• Social - how we use language to express ourselves and our identities in different communities.

You’ll graduate with a solid grounding in the concepts and techniques required for linguistic analysis and research. Tailor the course to your interests with our optional modules representing a wide range of linguistic specialisms such as:

• Historical, social and regional varieties of English

• Language and cognition

• Language policy and multilingualism

Enhance your academic and professional skills with a Linguistics dissertation
On this English language and Linguistics Masters degree you’ll plan and manage a research-based dissertation on a linguistic subject of your choice, in consultation with an expert supervisor. Previous dissertations include:

• Language and Climate Crisis

• The Language of Memes

• The Language and Semiotics of Milk Advertising

This is your opportunity to undertake independent research, from developing a clear thesis to designing your study and collecting original data. You'll build essential skills in critical thinking, organisation, and time management. All are highly valued in both PhD study and a wide range of careers.
Discuss contemporary linguistic themes
We have a Linguistics Reading Group, in which our English Language and Linguistic students play an active role. The group meet to discuss articles on important and controversial linguistic topics. Recently the group have read papers on:

• Ecolinguistics and Discourses of Oil Production

• Iconicity in Sensory Words

• Island as Sources of Linguistic Diversity

Comprehensive employability and skills programme
Our employability and skills programme helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.

Assessment is via module coursework and your dissertation. Each module is assessed by means of at least one assignment, some of which may involve practical research investigations. The most significant piece of work on the course will be a 15,000-word dissertation that you’ll write under supervision during the summer.