(Full time / Part time) 2023 start
Linguistics MA
Overview
This course will give you an in-depth theoretical and methodological grounding in linguistics and phonetics – analysing how language and speech sounds are structured and used.
Core modules will introduce you to key aspects of the discipline, such as syntax, phonetics and phonology. You’ll also develop your knowledge of a broad range of theoretical and empirical research methods. You’ll then choose from optional modules to suit your interests or career plans, such as language acquisition or sociolinguistics.
Spanning the arts and sciences, linguistics is a challenging and rewarding discipline that allows you to gain a real understanding of human communication as well as a wide range of transferable skills. Taught by experts in top-class facilities and supported by the Language at Leeds research network, this programme will give you a good foundation in the subject informed by the very latest research.
Specialist resources
Leeds is a fantastic place to study linguistics and phonetics. Our tutors and research students are active members of the wider Language at Leeds network which brings together researchers from across the University. You’ll be able to enhance your learning with an array of research events throughout the year.
Postgraduates also have access to our extensive facilities, including the Human Communications Suite complete with a recording studio and lab space for psycholinguistics experiments. You can make use of our phonetics lab and the Language Zone, a state-of-the-art space where you can use a range of language-based teaching materials whenever you want.
This programme is suitable for people who will have studied a little linguistics during their first degree. If you have a substantial background in linguistics or phonetics, you may prefer to study for an MA by Research.
This programme is also available to study part-time over 24 months.
Course content
Core modules will allow you to develop your knowledge of key aspects of linguistics and phonetics. You’ll study introductory modules in syntax and phonetics and phonology in Semester One, which you’ll build on in more advanced modules in the following semester. You’ll also take core modules to develop your academic and research skills in linguistics.
In addition, you’ll expand your understanding of areas that suit your interests when you choose from optional modules on topics such as pragmatics, sociolinguistics and language acquisition. By the end of the programme, you’ll be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve gained when you complete an independently researched dissertation on a linguistics topic of your choice.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll take fewer modules in each year so you can study over a longer period.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation (Linguistics and Phonetics) 30 credits
- Foundations of Phonetics and Phonology 15 credits
- Foundations of Syntax 15 credits
- Topics in Phonetics and Phonology 15 credits
- Topics in Syntax 15 credits
- Academic Skills in Linguistics 15 credits
- Research Methods in Linguistics 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Technology Enhanced Language Learning 30 credits
- The Practice of Supporting Language Teacher Learning 15 credits
- Introducing a Task-Based Curriculum in Classrooms and Systems 15 credits
- Teaching Academic English 15 credits
- Corpus Linguistics in the Classroom 15 credits
- Current Issues in Second Language Teacher Education 30 credits
- Materials Development for TESOL 15 credits
- Teaching Languages to Young Learners 30 credits
- Languages in Contact 30 credits
- Second Language Acquisition 30 credits
- Approaches to Linguistics and Language Acquisition 30 credits
- Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis 30 credits
- Rhetoric and Public Speaking 15 credits
- Managing Business Across Cultures 15 credits
- International Organisations: Context, Theory and Practice 15 credits
Learning and teaching
We use diverse teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from our tutors’ expertise. They include seminars, lectures, online learning, tutorials and practicals. Independent study is also a vital element of the course. You’re also encouraged to sit in on classes in modules that you’re not taking, giving you a great opportunity to gain a broad base of knowledge in linguistics and phonetics.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, assessment methods will vary. However, they usually include coursework, essays and practicals, while core linguistics modules also include exams.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in a relevant subject such as languages, English, education, psychology, speech therapy, including at least one linguistics module, passed with a good grade. Relevant professional experience will also be considered. Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with the discipline of linguistics and the aims of the course in their supporting statement.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Applications will not be considered until required documents (see below) have been submitted.
We recommend that you provide evidence of English language proficiency at the point of application, however, it is not a requirement to do so. Applicants must meet the English language requirement, submit their application and submit all required supporting documents by the course deadline: 24 August (International applicants) or 31 August (Home applicants). Applicants applying for funding/scholarships are advised to apply at least eight weeks ahead of any deadline.
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you'll need
You must upload the following documents before we will assess your application:
- Official degree certificate(s) and transcript of marks or enrolment certificate and partial transcript of marks
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Personal Statement
Visit the course catalogue page and select modules to learn about them in detail before you compose your statement. This should be approximately 500 words and must (A) explain why you want to study the course; (B) outline your background and previous study in this area in relation to the course content and particular modules; (C) demonstrate an understanding of the modules, which you would opt to study and why; (D) explain how the course will benefit you in your future career; and (E) explain why you are interested in the specific programme offered at Leeds, mentioning in particular why our theoretical focus will be relevant for you.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Fees
- UK: £11,250 (total)
- International: £22,750 (total)
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
This course will give you a sophisticated understanding of human communication, as well as valuable transferable skills in areas such as use of quantitative and qualitative data, research, interpretation, oral and written communication and analysis which are highly attractive to employers in a wide range of industries.
Graduates have pursued diverse careers as a result, in areas such as lexicography, journalism, editing, advertising, language education and even artificial intelligence. Many also pursue PhD level study and continue with research into linguistics, or further training in disciplines such as speech and language therapy.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.