MSc English Language and Linguistics

Overview

Our MSc English Language and Linguistics gives you an excellent opportunity to study the complex workings of the English language and explore its central role in society. With the guidance of expert staff, you’ll explore how the English language works, how people use it, what people use it for, where it came from and how it changes.

You’ll learn to carry out independent research and engage with other researchers by writing, debating and delivering oral and written presentations. You’ll also play an active part in our regular Linguistics Reading Group meetings, which discuss articles on important and controversial linguistic topics.

The course also provides a grounding in theories and methods that are essential for a range of careers. You’ll graduate with an expert knowledge of contemporary linguistic theories and their application in a wider cultural context – including both generative and cognitive approaches to linguistic description, as well as the contexts in which these theories operate.

Course objectives

You’ll gain knowledge and understanding in specialist selected areas of study related to the English language, such as:

• Historical, social and regional varieties of English
• Language and cognition
• Language planning and multilingualism

You’ll be able to apply a variety of descriptive linguistic tools to language data and linguistic theories to selected specialist areas of study within English Language and Linguistics, according to your areas of interest.

You’ll plan and manage a research project under supervision. This involves independent research, including keeping track of relevant developments in your chosen field(s), and being able to set them in an appropriate context. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• structure and communicate ideas effectively
• gather, evaluate and organise information from multiple sources
• engage with other researchers by writing, debating, and delivering oral and written presentations

A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.