Course summary
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 the master's in Linguistics, 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. Delivery: During two 12-week semesters you will study six modules delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and field work. These are supplemented by academic events and invited international specialists. You work closely with your supervisor on a 15,000 –18,000-word dissertation. The common subjects the course covers include theoretical and general linguistics, descriptive linguistics (whether focusing on English or on other languages), applied linguistics, and combinations of these specialisms. By choosing one of the pathways, you will be able to focus on your area of specific interest. By the end of the course you will understand and engage with ideas at the forefront of linguistic research and address linguistic questions and problems currently being debated. Facilities: 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 Peter Robinson Library, which has an extensive audio-visual collection. Pathway: The Linguistics MA 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, which could range from lexical innovation, sociolinguistics, computational linguistics, child language acquisition, psycholinguistics, or topics relating to French, German and Spanish. Whichever pathway you choose, you gain: •research skills necessary for independent study in linguistics and English language •critical engagement 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.
Entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in: •linguistics •a language (studied on its own or with another subject) •a discipline primarily involving the scientific study of human cognition or behaviour (eg cognitive science, psychology, anthropology, sociology). We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and at least two years relevant professional experience. International Students: To study this course you need to meet our Band 7 English Language requirements: Direct Entry: IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in all 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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Newcastle University
King’s Gate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU