phd linguistics newcastle university

PhD English Language and Applied Linguistics (Distance Learning)

Carry out your research with one of the UK’s leading English Language departments, renowned for its expertise in Corpus Research, Cognitive Linguistics and Psycholinguistics, and Discourse Analysis and Stylistics, from anywhere in the world. 

Our distance learning programme allows you to keep in contact with your supervisor via email and Skype, while remaining in your resident country. This is particularly beneficial if you are interested in relating your research to your current work. 

There are two distance learning PhD programmes in English Language and Applied Linguistics: a standard programme and a modular programme. Both programmes involve regular contact with a supervisor by email and/or Skype. There is no assessed taught component, but students follow online research training modules.

Distance PhD

The standard programme requires a traditional 80,000-word thesis. The work is examined at the end of the programme, as with other PhD programmes. Students identify and refine a thesis topic and research design in consultation with their supervisor and send drafts of the various chapters for comment as they work through the programme. As with all PhDs, progress is monitored throughout the registration period.

Distance Modular PhD

The modular programme requires three modules: two shorter research papers (Module 1 – 12,000 words, Module 2 – 20,000 words) and a final thesis of 50,000 words (Module 3). The work is examined in three phases, at the end of each module. The final product (in terms of total quantity and quality of work) is therefore similar to the standard PhD; however the modular option provides an incremental, continuously assessed route allowing students to progress through explicitly marked stages to a PhD. Students identify a topic they wish to work on and to which all their written work should be related; the nature of the assessment means however that the topic may not be as tightly focused as that in a traditional PhD.

Why Study this Course?

• World-leading research : The Department celebrated excellent results in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise: 34% of research at the University of Newcastle for English Language and Literature was top 4* rated ‘world-leading’. A further 53% was rated 3* ‘internationally excellent’. Additionally, the University of Newcastle was ranked 34th for the study of English Language and Literature in the 2019 QS World University Rankings. These rankings are compiled annually to help prospective students identify the leading universities worldwide in a particular subject.
• Distance learning experience : The Department has many years of experience in delivering high quality distance learning programmes at postgraduate level. Staff also have expertise in supervising doctoral research at a distance. Through the University library, you will have electronic access to a wide range of applied linguistic research journals and e-books.
• Exceptional student support : While the programmes are rigorous in their standards and expectations, they also provide excellent support and a high degree of flexibility. You will receive the same level of support and supervision as our on-campus students.

The postgraduate experience

The College of Arts and Law offers excellent support to its postgraduates, from libraries and research spaces, to careers support and funding opportunities.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Course Level:

Postgraduate, distance learning, doctoral research, how long it takes:, 4-6 years part-time, study mode:, course cost.

Price: US$ 22,500

Entry requirements

Department:.

• Course Structure
• Entry Requirements
• Fees and funding
• Learning and Assessment
• Employability

Content and assessment for the Modular PhD

Module 1 – Subject-focused work, to include some research training and preparation related to the subject, such as empirical work, literature searches, and research methodology.

The 12,000-word assessment may be divided into 3 x 4,000 papers or combinations amounting to the total (60 credits). Pass/Fail.

Module 2 – Structured research and writing on the research topic. It may be linked in a linear way to Module 1, or the connection may be looser.

The 20,000-word assessment may be divided into one or two papers amounting to the total (120 credits). Pass/Fail

Module 3 – The thesis (maximum 50,000 words – 360 credits). Pass/Fail

The assessed work from Modules 2 and 3 should be of publishable quality.

Each assessment (i.e. each module) is submitted and passed before the student can proceed to the next. One re-submission of each module is permitted. The external examiner is consulted when each module is completed. Like all PhD theses at Newcastle, a Modular PhD is examined in a viva voce examination which takes place after the submission of Module 3.

Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.

Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject  – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
• Language proficiency  – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
• Professional experience  – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
• Entrance exams  – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21

MSc:   Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950 Postgraduate Diploma:   Full-time   £6,660. Part-time £3,300

Tuition fees for International students 2020/21

MSc:  Full time £23,310 Postgraduate Diploma:  Full-time £15,540

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s   Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated    careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: English Language and Linguistics

Newcastle English Language and Linguistics postgraduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, particularly in relation to verbal and written communication. They also develop crucial skills in organisation, time management, analysis and interpretation of information.

Many of our graduates enter roles for which their programme has prepared them, such as teaching and lecturing; others use their transferable skills in a wide range of occupations including journalism, marketing and events. Over the past 5 years, 83% of English Language and postgraduates were in work and/or further study within 6 months of graduating (DLHE 2012 – 2017).

• See all Countries
• United Kingdom
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Online Learning

Linguistics and English Language Integrated, PhD

Newcastle University, the United Kingdom

• Study options for Linguistics and English Language Integrated
• About Linguistics and English Language Integrated
• Entry requirements for Linguistics and English Language Integrated

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Other courses at newcastle university, study options for this course, about linguistics and english language integrated, phd - at newcastle university.

Our Linguistics and English Language Integrated PhD (IPhD) combines taught modules with original research. You will develop knowledge and expertise in linguistics and English language. You will also gain detailed knowledge and experience of research methods and research management.

The course is for those who haven't completed a programme that leads to PhD study. It will suit those with a background in linguistics, English Language or related disciplines.  You'll strengthen your knowledge base and research skills before embarking on writing a thesis . 

Studying for an IPhD at Newcastle University offers many  benefits  and  advantages , including:

• a track record in student satisfaction
• diverse staff expertise
• activities and events
• career development
• funding opportunities.

Year one forms the taught element of the course. You will study compulsory and optional modules and select a specialist pathway . You will then complete a 60 credit independent research project (15,000 words).

Years two, three and four  constitute the  research based element  of the course. You will write a  80,000 word thesis  under the guidance and direction of  two supervisors . 

We offer three pathways , with supervision in the following areas:

Language acquisition, development and evolution

• first language acquisition and development
• acquisition of second language morphosyntax and phonology
• evolutionary linguistics.

Language variation and change

• historical/diachronic linguistics
• variationist/comparative linguistics
• sociolinguistics
• grammaticalization
• dialect syntax
• corpus analysis
• linguistic typology.

Formal linguistics

• syntactic theory and comparative syntax
• phonological theory
• morphophonology and morphosyntax
• philosophy of language and linguistics
• architecture of the language faculty.

We are one of the largest centres for linguistic research in Europe . This gives you the opportunity to enrich your research. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of methodologies and diverse theoretical perspectives .

Our Centre for Research in Linguistics and Language Sciences (CRiLLS) offers training that complements the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Training Programme. Your training is organised by a postgraduate researcher and academic staff to ensure that your  training needs  are met. Sessions include:

• writing conference abstracts
• presenting at conferences
• preparing job applications and interviews
• practical workshops on specific software programs (eg statistical packages, corpus linguistic methodologies).

Prof Anders Holmberg won the University student-led award for Best Research Supervisor of the Year   in 2013 and 2015. 

Dr Heike Pichler and Dr William van der Wurff also made the shortlist for this award in 2015. 

Internationally renowned linguistic researchers are regularly invited to give  guest lectures , recent speakers include:

• Professor Ellen Bialystok, York University, Toronto
• Professor J K Chambers, University of Toronto
• Professor David Pesetsky, MIT
• Professor Elizabeth Closs Traugott, Stanford University.

You can join our Special Interest Groups  in linguistics, which usually meet every two to four weeks. Postgraduate researchers and academic staff gather to:

• share ideas
• develop new skills
• get feedback on their work
• deliver presentations
• attend practical sessions on linguistic software.

Current Special Interest Groups  include:

• language variation and change
• theoretical phonology
• corpus linguistics
• language and cognition.

Additionally, our Student Work in Progress meetings give you the opportunity to present your work to a student audience, giving you instant feedback and discussions around your research. 

Our recent graduates have gone into a variety of careers , including:

• university administration.

In year one you take compulsory and optional 12 week modules . Between mid-May and early September of year one, you will also work on a 15,000 word research project .

The course is delivered at our Newcastle city centre campus . During the research phase of the course you can request a temporary change in study location. This is to allow for fieldwork and data collection.

Work experience

You can gain valuable  experience  in  journal editing  and  conference organisation  through joining:

• the editorial team of the annually published Newcastle and Northumbria Working Papers in Linguistics
• the organising team of the annual Postgraduate Conference in Applied and Theoretical Linguistics.

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 Robinson Library, which has an extensive audio-visual collection.

See Programme information online for full details on How to Apply.

Notes about fees for this course

See our course fees and funding webpage - https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/5104f/#fees-and-funding

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree , or international equivalent, in any discipline although a background in linguistics, English language or related discipline.

International Students

Direct Entry : IELTS 7.0 overall (with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other sub-skills) 

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a  pre-sessional English course. 

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Language Course Requirements

• 6 week Pre-sessional entry :Not accepted         
• 10 week Pre-sessional entry : IELTS 6.5 overall (with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)   

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO London Centre.

Below are some suggested courses at other providers that you may also be interested in:

Philosophy and Modern Languages & Cultures BA

University of Sheffield

Computer Games Programming with Industrial Placement BSc (Hons)

University of Derby

Finance MSc

Cranfield School of Management

Business and Management (Business Analytics) PG Dip

University of Essex Online

Astrophysics and Cosmology MSc

University of Padua

Full-Time MBA MBA

Luxembourg School of Business

Sports Management BA

EU Business School Digital

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Executive Master

IFM Business School

Postgraduate pathways and pre-masters at other institutions

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course then consider one of these postgraduate preparation courses from another institution:

Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil: Structural)

Engineering Institute of Technology

Exercise Medicine (Oncology)

Edith Cowan University Online (ECU)

Project Management

RMIT Online

James Cook University Online (JCU)

Graduate Diploma of Mental Health

Southern Cross University Online

Graduate Diploma in Mental Health

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Graduate Diploma in Data Science

SIM E-Learning

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

There are 516 other courses listed from Newcastle University. A selection of these are displayed below:

Accounting and Finance BA (Hons)

Newcastle University

Accounting and Finance - London BSc (Hons)

Accounting and Mathematics BSc (Hons)

Accounting, Finance and Financial Analysis MSc

Accounting, Finance and Strategic Investment MSc

Advanced Architectural Design MSc

Advanced Computer Science MSc

Advanced International Business Management MSci, MSc

Related Information

See other universities in Newcastle

Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom

PhD and Research Masters

Why a phd or research masters in linguistics at newcastle.

The University of Newcastle's linguistics research strengths include:

• The Endangered Languages Documentation, Theory and Application (ELDTA) Research Program, which focuses on documenting, describing, and investigating indigenous languages of Australia and the Pacific region.
• Applied linguistics. Second language acquisition and bilingualism are key research areas at UON, and our Language and Inclusion Research Network is involved in furthering our understanding of the relationship between language competence and social integration.

World-class research

We are ranked in the top 100 in the world for linguistics by the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Our history of success in achieving competitive national and international grants enables us to offer PhD scholarships in endangered languages research.

UON's linguistics research projects lead Australian and international researchers in language documentation and its applications for indigenous communities across Australia and the Pacific.

PhD and Masters by Research students benefit from working with researchers who have extensive expertise in all aspects of endangered language research. This includes documentation, fieldwork and recording techniques; linguistic annotation tools; digital archiving; linguistic analysis and grammar writing; as well as the investigation of aspects of issues of wider scientific and socio-cultural significance in the endangered languages of our region.

What you can research

Research proposals are invited in the following areas:

• Language documentation and description
• Australian and Pacific descriptive language projects
• Second Language Acquisition
• Bilingualism
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Research methodologies

Most of the research we conduct in the field of applied linguistics is empirical and/or experimental in nature, and involves both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Find a supervisor

Before you apply, contact a supervisor for discussion on possible research projects. This will allow you to frame your proposal to align with established disciplines and areas of supervisor capacity.

• Associate Professor Mark Harvey : Language description and documentation, focussing on indigenous Australian languages; phonology; morphology; complex predicates.
• Dr Jean Harkins : Intercultural communication and semantics, focussing on indigenous Australian languages; second language acquisition.
• Dr Alan Libert : Turkic languages; artificial languages; adpositions; onomastics.
• Dr Catriona Malau : Language description and documentation; Oceanic languages of the Pacific, focussing on Vanuatu.
• Dr Christo Moskovsky : Second language acquisition; bilingualism.
• Dr Åshild Næss : Language description and documentation; Oceanic languages, focussing on languages of Temotu Province, Solomon Islands; typology, with a focus on transitivity and argument structure.
• Dr Bill Palmer : Language description and documentation; Oceanic languages of Pacific, focussing on Bougainville and Solomon Islands; syntax.

How to apply

for graduate study

Associate Professor Bill Palmer

• [email protected]
• Research profile

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

Are you visiting our site from South Asia ? Head to our dedicated page with all the information you need to study at the University of Newcastle. Close

您是否在中国访问我们的网址？ 前往 专属页面 ，查询你在纽卡斯尔大学学习所需的所有信息。 Close

Our cookies

We use cookies for three reasons: to give you the best experience on PGS, to make sure the PGS ads you see on other sites are relevant , and to measure website usage. Some of these cookies are necessary to help the site work properly and can’t be switched off. Cookies also support us to provide our services for free, and by click on “Accept” below, you are agreeing to our use of cookies .You can manage your preferences now or at any time.

Privacy overview

We use cookies, which are small text files placed on your computer, to allow the site to work for you, improve your user experience, to provide us with information about how our site is used, and to deliver personalised ads which help fund our work and deliver our service to you for free.

The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience.

You can accept all, or else manage cookies individually. However, blocking some types of cookies may affect your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

You can change your cookies preference at any time by visiting our Cookies Notice page. Please remember to clear your browsing data and cookies when you change your cookies preferences. This will remove all cookies previously placed on your browser.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, or how to clear your browser cookies data see our Cookies Notice

Manage consent preferences

Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems.

They are essential for you to browse the website and use its features.

You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. We can’t identify you from these cookies.

Functional cookies

These help us personalise our sites for you by remembering your preferences and settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers, whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then these services may not function properly.

Performance cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and see where our traffic comes from, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are popular and see how visitors move around the site. The cookies cannot directly identify any individual users.

If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to improve its performance for you.

Marketing cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by social media services or our advertising partners. Social media cookies enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They can track your browser across other sites and build up a profile of your interests. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to see or use the content sharing tools.

Advertising cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but work by uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads, but they won’t be tailored to your interests.

Translating and Interpreting MPhil, PhD

Newcastle university, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Interpreting Translation

Course type

In today's globalised world, translating and interpreting has an ever-growing role. Our main research purpose is to find out more about how it works - from professional, language and cultural perspectives. We invite research proposals in fields such as linguistics and literature, culture, identity and professional studies, psychology and philosophy.

We can offer support for projects involving English plus the following languages:

As a PhD student you will have the opportunity to teach undergraduates as part of your training and to supplement your income.

You can attend regular research seminars and contribute to the annual Faculty postgraduate conference. The School also hosts regular research seminars in which leading international researchers present their research. We offer financial support for attendance at national and international conferences.

Our Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate School provides training in professional skills and research methods, supports personal development, and hosts postgraduate events.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

A 2:1 honours degree and usually a good master's degree in a subject related to one of the discipline areas covered by the School of Modern Languages. You are required to attend an interview, which may be conducted via Skype if necessary.

Newcastle University is a world-leading university renowned for the quality of its teaching and research. The university is recognised internationally for its contributions to global problem solving in innovative and creative ways. Newcastle University is a prestigious founding member of the Russell Group association of research-intensive universities in the UK. The university enjoys an outstanding reputation as an institution at which... more

Conference Interpreting MA

Full time | 12 months | 16-SEP-24

Translation and Interpreting MA

• Current Students
• News & Press
• Research Excellence
• Teaching & Student Experience
• Graduate Employability
• UK Rankings
• World Rankings
• Single Topic Rankings
• Research Excellence Framework
• Higher Education Awards
• Ageing and Health
• Cities and Place
• Culture and Creative Arts
• Social Justice
• Discover Festival
• Engagement and Place Awards 2024
• Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Faculty of Medical Sciences
• Central and South Asia
• Latin America
• Middle East and North Africa
• North America
• Small Island Developing States
• South East Asia and Oceania
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Transparency
• Office for Students Transparency Data
• Access & Participation
• Support for our Community
• UN Sustainable Development Goals
• https://www.ncl.ac.uk/who-we-are/equality/race-equality/black-history-month/
• Faith, Religion & Belief
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
• Let Us Know
• Workplace Adjustments
• Useful Resources
• Equality Analysis
• Social Justice Stories
• Voluntary & Community Groups
• Santander Universities
• Regional Partnerships
• Widening Participation
• Newcastle Helix
• Art on Campus
• History of Newcastle University
• Education Strategy
• Find a Degree
• Subject Areas
• Step-by-Step Guide for UK Students
• Step-by-Step Guide for International and EU Students
• Applying through UCAS
• A and AS Levels
• Application Decisions
• Access Schemes and Pathway Programmes
• Policies and Procedures
• Applicants with Disabilities
• Mature Applicants
• Deferred Entry
• Undergraduate Application Advice
• Subject Scholarships
• Sports Scholarships
• Opportunity Scholarships
• VC's Excellence Scholarships
• VC's Global Scholarships
• VC's International Scholarships
• International Foundation Scholarships
• St Nicholas’ Educational Trust Scholarship
• NU Sanctuary Scholarships
• Undergraduate Norway Scholarship
• International Family Discounts
• VC’s EU Scholarships – Undergraduate
• VC's Excellence Scholarships - Europe
• VC's Business Excellence Scholarships - Europe
• Additional Costs
• Student Loans
• International Student Finance
• Undergraduate Open Days
• Sign up and Discover
• School and College Outreach
• Information for Parents and Supporters
• Why Choose Newcastle?
• Your Study Options
• Qualifications Explained
• Postgraduate Research Programmes
• Search for Funding
• Guide to Funding
• Postgraduate Tuition Fees
• Application Help
• Advice & Resources
• Your Offer Guide
• Postgraduate Open Days
• Doctoral College
• Distance Learning
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Study Support
• Campus Tours
• Life in Newcastle
• Get Involved
• Cost of Living
• Health & Wellbeing
• Mature Students
• Childcare Support
• Care Leavers
• Asylum Seekers
• Teaching & Learning
• Student Blog - Belong
• Types of Rooms
• Accessibility and Individual Requirements
• Castle Leazes
• Bedrooms we offer
• Accommodation Guides
• New Student Guarantee
• Advanced Booking
• Submit an Application
• Part Year Student Accommodation
• What Happens Next?
• Safety and Security
• Returning Next Year
• Extending Your Stay
• Room Changes
• Parking & Bicycle Storage
• Post and Parcels
• Guest Visitors and Going Away
• Energy & Recycling
• ResLife Find a Flatmate
• Your ResLife Team
• Student Support
• Payment Methods
• Payment Schedules
• Managed Partnerships
• Rent Adjustments
• Student Village Receptions
• Your Accommodation Team
• Report a Fault
• Feedback and Complaints
• Internet Connection
• Work Placements
• About the Careers Service
• Careers Service News
• Careers Service Events
• Work for Yourself
• Career Planning
• Careers Modules
• Making Applications
• Interviews, Tests & Assessment Centres
• Internships, Placements & Shadowing
• Finding Jobs
• Handling Job Offers
• Researching Employers
• Making Contacts
• Further Study
• Awards, Competitions & Project Funding
• Volunteering
• Boost Your CV
• Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)
• Getting Here
• Self-Guided Campus Tours
• Undergraduate Offer Holder Days
• Postgraduate Schools & Supervisors
• Tier 4 Visa from Inside UK
• Tier 4 Visa from Outside UK
• Short-Term Visa from Outside UK
• International Study Blog
• Our Pathway Courses
• English Language Courses
• Fees, Costs and Scholarships
• INTO Newcastle University
• Student Exchange and Study Abroad
• Request a Prospectus
• Chat to a Student
• Your Academic Experience
• Research Impact
• Research Strengths
• Centres of Research Excellence
• Research Culture Action Plan
• Working Together on Research Culture
• Policy Notes
• Global Partnerships
• Let's Work Together
• Sustainable Water
• Food Security
• Sustainable Livelihoods
• Global Impact
• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
• Code of Good Practice in Research
• University Research Committee
• Animal Research Policy
• Declaration on Openness on Animal Research
• Animal Procedures
• Helping Human Health
• Animal Research News
• Ethics at Newcastle
• Research Data and Open Access
• Research Strategy & Development
• Policy and Information Team
• Grants & Contracts (HaSS and SAgE)
• NJRO (inc Grants & Contracts FMS)
• Research Funding Development
• Biomedical Facilities
• Chemistry Facilities
• Clinical Facilities
• Engineering Facilities
• Marine & Agricultural Facilities
• More Facilities
• Facilities A to Z
• Research Funding
• Research News
• Case Studies
• CPD Courses
• Collaborative Research
• Company Creation
• Consultancy
• Corporate Partnerships
• DA Power Engineering
• DA MSc Digital Technology Solutions
• DA Executive Education Snr. Leader Apprenticeships
• Facilities and Equipment
• Intensive Industrial Innovation Programme
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• Technology Transfer and Licensing
• Clinical Trials & Research
• Working with Newcastle
• Tender Opportunities
• Submitting an Invoice
• Sustainable Procurement
• Code of Conduct & Terms and Conditions
• Health & Social Challenges
• Creative Collaborations
• Connect with alumni
• Develop your career
• Discover lifelong learning opportunities
• Support future generations

Linguistics MA

Study phonology and syntax alongside a pathway of your choice in English Language or Language Acquisition in this Linguistics MA.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2024

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 this Linguistics Master's, 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.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

What you'll learn.

Whichever pathway you choose, you gain:

• research skills necessary for independent study in linguistics and English language
• the skills to critically engage 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.

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions .

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Compulsory modules

• Research Methods in Language and Linguistics  (20 credits)
• MA Linguistics Dissertation   (60 credits)

Optional modules

You'll take one of the following 20 credit modules/module combinations:

• Generative Syntax  (20 credits)
• Syntactic Analysis  AND  Phonetics and Phonology   (20 credits in total)
• Issues in Phonological Theory 1  (20 credits)
• Minimalist Syntax: Data and Theory Building  (20 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Phonology  (20 credits)
• Melody in Language  (20 credits)
• Advanced Pragmatic Theory  (20 credits)

You'll take 40 credits from the following  modules:

• Language and Society  (20 credits)
• The Social History of English  (20 credits)
• Lexical Innovation  (20 credits) 
• Metropolitan Sociolinguistics  (20 credits)
• English Historical Semantics  (20 credits)

You must also take 40 credits from the following list of additional modules:

• Issues in Phonological Theory I  (20 credits)
• Lexical Innovation  (20 credits)
• Topics in Multilingualism  (20 credits)
• Foundations in Second Language Acquisition  (20 credits)

With the DPD’s permission, students can take relevant postgraduate modules, up to a maximum of 40 credits, offered by other Schools. Students must seek permission from the other School prior to registering on the module. Students are expected to select modules having a credit value of not less than 50 and more than 70 in any one semester.

• MA Linguistics Dissertation  (60 credits)

You will take 40 credits from the following modules

• Advanced Topics in Child Language Acquisition  (20 credits)
• Learning and Learnability  (20 credits)
• Origins and Evolution of Language  (20 credits)

With the DPD’s permission, students can take relevant postgraduate modules, up to a maximum of 40 credits, offered by other Schools. Students must seek permission from the other School prior to registering on the module. Students are expected to select modules having a credit value of not less than 50 and more than 70 in any one semester. 

• Information Skills  (10 credits)
• Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences  (20 credits)
• The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge  (10 credits)

How you'll learn

Core teaching on this Linguistics MA will be through:

• interactive lectures

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Dissertation
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Research paper
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your future

The Linguistics MA equips students with the skills required for a wide range of careers, in areas such as: 

• education  
• information technology 
• lexicography 
• language planning 
• media and journalism 
• publishing 
• speech and language therapy  
• translation and interpretation 
• advertising, branding and marketing 
• heritage management 
• management and research 

Further study

Our MA in Linguistics programme provides an excellent foundation for doctoral research. 

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

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

We are based in the Percy Building. Our purpose-built postgraduate suite has dedicated computer clusters, meeting rooms, a kitchen and a lounge.

Linguistics researchers also have access to the LingLab . This space provides access to linguistics and experimental software, such as:

• ELAN and CLAN

There is also a range of specialised equipment available for loan or use, including professional-quality recording equipment:

• a portable eye tracker
• a portable ultrasound machine
• a portable electroglottograph
• ultrasound tongue imaging
• multiple sound booths

Finally, the lab also has access to several linguistic corpora, including:

• ICE-GB Corpus of English
• ICE-GB Great Britain Sound Files
• BYU Corpora

We have two postgraduate research student study rooms. The larger room was recently upgraded with more workstations and a soft seating area. We have a Resource Centre and two on-site clinics:

• Tavistock North East Aphasia Centre
• Children's Speech and Language Therapy Clinic

The School also houses the Language Resource Centre . It has an extensive range of language learning facilities and resources, including:

• access to 24 satellite television channels from around the world
• listen and record facilities for speaking practice
• interactive language learning software
• an international film collection of over 800 titles

The award-winning Philip Robinson Library has an extensive audio-visual collection.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year).

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

• campus tours
• on-campus open days
• virtual open days

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Scott Burdon Learning and Teaching Assistant School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 3177 Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Social media

Get involved with the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics social media.

• What You'll Learn
• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events