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Linguistics at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This programme gives you the intellectual and practical skills you need to engage in linguistics research, either by itself, or as part of cross-disciplinary research. We offer a strong focus on theoretical understanding, drawing on the expertise of the department which is particularly strong in theory development. Additionally, you will acquire the necessary empirical skills to complement your theoretical understanding. Key research areas This programme will help you gain intellectual and practical skills to engage in linguistics research, either for its own sake, or as part of cross-disciplinary research. This highly flexible MSc draws on the University of Edinburgh’s unparalleled research expertise in Linguistics. Linguistics and English Language at Edinburgh has access to a wide breadth of research themes, with the greatest theoretical depth that you will find anywhere. This programme gives you the flexibility to choose courses and research topics to suit your academic interests and goals. The department has multiple overlapping research groups, covering everything from meaning and grammar to language evolution. This programme is unique in allowing you freedom to draw on these resources. Linguistics & English Language at Edinburgh is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). What will I learn? The key aims of the programme are to:

  • provide integrated specialist knowledge in core areas of linguistics
  • establish a foundation for advanced research in those areas
  • provide a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of research in theoretical and descriptive linguistics
  • develop analytical skills in an interdisciplinary context
Graduates from our programme will understand how to:
  • analyse key data in core areas of linguistics
  • theorise such data
  • use empirical methods to test their theories
You can also take advantage of the interdisciplinary department and draw on teaching and research both elsewhere in the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences and within other relevant Schools. Is this MSc for me? This programme is best suited to applicants whose academic background is in:
  • linguistics
  • philology/historical linguistics
  • cognitive science
  • psychology
It may also be suitable for applicants from other academic backgrounds looking for a conversion course that will provide an intensive foundation in linguistics. This programme is not suitable for applicants wishing to pursue study in the areas of speech technology, translation studies or teaching English as a foreign language. It provides an excellent preparation for further research and knowledge as an Linguistics specialist, whether you choose to pursue this further in academic research or in a professional career. Reputation, relevance and employability Edinburgh has a proud and distinguished place in the teaching of Linguistics and you will be taught by world-leading experts. Our Linguistics and English Language department is home to academics leading research into a wide range of topics. You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, having the opportunity to select option courses and attend research seminars across different disciplines. Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals. Our programme has an excellent reputation amongst employers and further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training and we have a high academic job placement record.

Modules

See our website for detailed programme information.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on our website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

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

Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.
Linguistics at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS