MA Linguistics

Programme Specification (PDF)

Aims of the MA programme in Linguistics

The MA in Linguistics aims to give students a thorough grounding in modern theoretical linguistics. It is suitable both for those with some prior knowledge of the subject and for appropriately motivated beginners. The former category includes students whose undergraduate degree included a minority of linguistic course units, or who have studied linguistics of a more traditional type elsewhere. The latter category includes good graduates who have encountered linguistics only indirectly, for instance through psychology, philosophy, the teaching of English as a foreign language, etc.

The MA in Linguistics is run alongside three more advanced MAs, specializing in phonology, pragmatics and syntax, respectively.

Content

The programme is designed to give students a basic understanding of the three core areas of linguistics: phonetics and phonology, syntax, and semantics and pragmatics. Building on this foundation, it is intended that students will be able to tailor the programme to meet their personal linguistic interests either by focusing on one particular area, or by diversifying into other branches. For example, a student could choose to study an option (such as language acquisition or the philosophy of language) only indirectly related to the core areas, and to write his or her dissertation on yet another area (for instance, computational linguistics). Alternatively, a student could choose to study an option taken from one of the core areas (such as intonation, advanced syntactic theory or issues in pragmatics), and to write his or her dissertation in a related area. As a consequence, students may spend as much as three fifths or as little as one fifth of their time working in one particular part of the discipline.

It is essential that every student reach in at least one area a level of theoretical sophistication that enables him or her to read and understand the current research literature, and in many cases to produce a dissertation which contributes to that literature. With this in mind, an integral part of the training involves exposing the students to current internationally recognised research in linguistics by members of staff.

A typical one year program is set out below. Possible option topics include: language acquisition, philosophy of language, computational linguistics, language and cognition, amongst many others.

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
Syntax for MA students I
Logic and Meaning A
Pragmatics
Phonological Theory A
Phonetics for MA students
Option
Syntax for MA students II
Semantic Theory

Phonological Theory B

Option
Dissertation

There is a weekly MA tutorial during terms 1 and 2. During term 3 and the summer the tutorials are replaced by individual supervision sessions.

As well as lectures and tutorials that take place within each component, the MA in Linguistics provides additional tutorial time at which integrational issues are discussed. The aim is to form links between the different disciplines, which are inevitably taught separately, and to lead the students to a broader understanding of the subject.

Assessment

The course is assessed through three exams (for syntax, phonetics & phonology and logica & pragmatics), a portfolio of coursework for the optional component and a dissertation. The exams take place in the summer term (May).

The subject of the dissertation must be approved by the course convenor by 1 May. The completed dissertation (two copies) must be submitted by 15 September. The length limit for the dissertation is 10,000 words.

Recent dissertation titles for the MA in Linguistics include:


For more dissertation topics for the MA in Linguistics, please click here.

Reading Suggestions

The following references are intended to give an insight into the areas that will be studied as part of the taught postgraduate courses in Linguistics. Some of them are also used as coursebooks.

General:
Smith, N.V. 1999. Noam Chomsky: Ideas and Ideals.
Phonetics:
Ladefoged, P. 2001. A Course in Phonetics.
Phonology:
Harris, J. 1994. English Sound Structure.
Pragmatics:
Sperber, D & D. Wilson. 1995 (2nd ed.). Relevance.
Syntax:
Haegeman, L. and J. Gueron. 1999. English Grammar.

Teaching staff

Michael Brody, Robyn Carston, John Harris, Dick Hudson, Ad Neeleman, Neil Smith, Hans van de Koot, Deirdre Wilson and Moira Yip.

Programme details

Length of the program:
the MA begins in late September and last one calendar year (12 months) full-time or two years part-time.

Entrance requirements:
The MA in Linguistics is a conversion programme, i.e. it is open to students who have not specialized in linguistics before. A student who wishes to read for a Master's degree in Linguistics is expected to have a UK first degree awarded with a first or upper second class Honours or to have an equivalent qualification. An applicant whose qualifications, although otherwise acceptable, are of a lower standard, may be admitted if he or she can show evidence of adequate background and experience in the field. Motivation will also be taken into consideration.

Qualification to be awarded:
MA in Linguistics

What our students say

"The instructors and administrators are incredibly accessible."

"The academic course has challenged me to think in new ways."

"When I complete my studies at UCL, I know I will be well equipped to enter the job market, or to continue my studies at a higher level."

"The quality of teaching and advice has provided me with the support I need, and the enthusiasm of the staff for their subject is truly infectious."

Scholarships

Please visit http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/financial-matters/scholarships/graduate/index.shtml for an overview of departmental and UCL scholarships and other sources of funding available.

The Department also provides bursaries to cover part of the tuition fees. You can find details on the UCL web site.

Applying

To apply for this MA please visit the UCL graduate application and admission page.

Getting more information

If you would like any further information about this programme, then please email us with your contact details at . Alternatively, you may write to us at the following address:

Graduate Admissions
Department of Phonetics & Linguistics
UCL
Gower Street
London WC1E 6 BT
UK