The MA in Linguistic Anthropology is an advanced degree in Socio-cultural Anthropology with a particular emphasis on Linguistic Anthropology in which students are given a sophisticated introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of Anthropology, a block of modules that open up and explore the conceptual and methodological core of the discipline, and a series of specialized modules in Linguistic Anthropology. Students are also required to write a thesis in Linguistic Anthropology. The MA in Linguistic Anthropology is primarily a scholarly degree that aims to equip students for later doctoral research in this sub-field or for work in roles that demand academic social-scientific knowledge or the particular skills of trained ethnographic researchers.
The MA in Linguistic Anthropology is an advanced degree in Socio-cultural Anthropology with a particular emphasis on Linguistic Anthropology in which students are given a sophisticated introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of Anthropology, a block of modules that open up and explore the conceptual and methodological core of the discipline, and a series of specialized modules in Linguistic Anthropology. Students are also required to write a thesis in Linguistic Anthropology. The MA in Linguistic Anthropology is primarily a scholarly degree that aims to equip students for later doctoral research in this sub-field or for work in roles that demand academic social-scientific knowledge or the particular skills of trained ethnographic researchers.
The MA in Anthropology and Development is an advanced degree in socio-cultural anthropology with a particular emphasis on the Critical Anthropology of Development. During their studies students shall be provided with a sophisticated introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of socio-cultural anthropology, together with a block of modules that open up and explore the conceptual and methodological core of the discipline, and a series of specialised modules in the Critical Anthropology of Development. Students are also asked to write a thesis in the Anthropology of Development. This Masters programme is primarily a scholarly degree that aims to equip students for later doctoral research or for work in third sector roles that demand academic social-scientific knowledge or the particular skills of trained ethnographic researchers.
Students take a total of 90 credits over 1 year.
Compulsory Modules (70 credits)
AN651 Social Thought (10 credits)
AN653 Writing Cultures (10 credits)
AN649 Foundations of Anthropology & Development (5 credits)
AN652 Key Concepts in Anthropology (10 credits)
AN669 Topics in Anthropology & Development (5 credits)
AN634T Thesis (30 credits)
Optional Modules (subject to availability)
AN646 Foundations of Linguistic Anthropology (5 credits)
AN647 Foundations of Medical Anthropology (5 credits)
AN648 Foundations of Material Culture and Design (5 credits)
AN862 Ethnography Winter School (5 credits)
AN657 Ethnographic Ireland (5 credits)
AN630 Creole Culture (5 credits)
AN666 Topics in Linguistic Anthropology (5 credits)
AN667 Topics in Medical Anthropology (5 credits)
AN668 Topics in Material Culture & Design (5 credits)
PD606 Design Ethnography (7.5 credits)
GY621 Dublin Urban Laboratory (10 credits)
GY619 Public Engagement Research and Practice (10 credits)
GY627 Places, Landscapes, Mappings (10 credits)
Students complete an intensive course of four 6-week compulsory modules in anthropological theory (10 credits each) alongside four compulsory modules in Anthropology and Development (5 credits each), as well as two Saturday workshops. Students develop a proposal for a research project during the taught year in consultation with a member of the anthropology faculty, who will advise the student and mark the project. In the summer, students register for the 30-credit Thesis, which must be completed by early September.
An anthropology degree provides an excellent preparation for a wide variety of fields in both public and private sectors, and is an especially good foundation for an international career. Anthropology has become increasingly important as a job skill in the context of globalisation, where a deeper understanding of cultural difference is crucial, both locally and internationally. Our graduates go on to employment in a wide variety of careers in community work, education, the health professions, product design, international aid and development projects, NGO work, business and administration, and more.
The MA in Anthropology is an advanced degree in socio-cultural anthropology in which students are given a sophisticated introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline, a block of modules that open up and explore the conceptual and methodological core of the discipline, and a series of specialised modules that show the range of socio-cultural anthropology today. Students are also required to write a thesis. The MA in Anthropology is primarily a scholarly degree that aims to equip students for later doctoral research or for work in roles that demand academic social-scientific knowledge or the particular skills of trained ethnographic researchers.
In the autumn and spring semesters, students complete an intensive course of four 6-week compulsory modules in anthropological theory (10 credits each) alongside two professional development modules and two optional modules (5 credits each). The taught programme develops students’ core theoretical competence and combines this with the methodological tools necessary to successfully formulate an anthropological topic and carry out a research project. In the summer, students register for the 30-credit Thesis, which must be completed by early September.
Students take a total of 90 credits over 1 year.
Compulsory Modules (60 credits)
AN651 Social Thought (10 credits)
AN653 Writing Cultures (10 credits)
AN652 Key Concepts in Anthropology (10 credits)
AN634T Thesis (30 credits)
Optional Modules (subject to availability)
AN646 Foundations of Linguistic Anthropology (5 credits)
AN647 Foundations of Medical Anthropology (5 credits)
AN648 Foundations of Material Culture and Design (5 credits)
AN649 Foundations of Anthropology & Development (5 credits)
AN862 Ethnography Winter School (5 credits)
AN657 Ethnographic Ireland (5 credits)
AN630 Creole Culture (5 credits)
AN666 Topics in Linguistic Anthropology (5 credits)
AN667 Topics in Medical Anthropology (5 credits)
AN668 Topics in Material Culture & Design (5 credits)
AN669 Topics in Anthropology & Development (5 credits)
PD606 Design Ethnography (7.5 credits)
GY621 Dublin Urban Laboratory (10 credits)
GY619 Public Engagement Research and Practice (10 credits)
GY627 Places, Landscapes, Mappings (10 credits)
An anthropology degree provides an excellent preparation for a wide variety of fields in both public and private sectors, and is an especially good foundation for an international career. Anthropology has become increasingly important as a job skill in the context of globalisation, where a deeper understanding of cultural difference is crucial, both locally and internationally. Our graduates go on to employment in a wide variety of careers in community work, education, the health professions, product design, international aid and development projects, NGO work, business and administration, and more.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Anthropology is a one-year part-time course designed for students who would like to make a transition to studying anthropology but have no previous background in the subject, or for students who for various reasons are not able to enroll in the full MA programme. This Certificate can be applied to the MA in Anthropology, upon acceptance to that programme.
Students take a total of 40 credits over 1 year.
Compulsory Modules (30 credits)
AN651 Social Thought (10 credits)
AN653 Writing Cultures (10 credits)
AN652 Key Concepts in Anthropology (10 credits)
Optional Modules (subject to availability)
AN646 Foundations of Linguistic Anthropology (5 credits)
AN647 Foundations of Medical Anthropology (5 credits)
AN648 Foundations of Material Culture and Design (5 credits)
AN649 Foundations of Anthropology & Development (5 credits)
AN657 Ethnographic Ireland (5 credits)
AN630 Creole Culture (5 credits)
PD606 Design Ethnography (7.5 credits)
GY621 Dublin Urban Laboratory (10 credits)
GY619 Public Engagement Research and Practice (10 credits)
GY627 Places, Landscapes, Mappings (10 credits)
This course can serve as a foundation for further work to complete an MA in Anthropology & Development.
The PG Cert in Anthropology provides an excellent enhancement to existing careers in both public and private sectors. Anthropology has become increasingly important as a job skill in the context of globalisation, where a deeper understanding of cultural difference is crucial, both locally and internationally.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Anthropology & Development is a one-year part-time course designed for development and humanitarian aid professionals (and those who envisage such a career) who would like to add an anthropological perspective to their development expertise. The course provides a holistic and critical approach to culture, the inevitable context of all relief and development activity. This Certificate can be applied to the MA in Anthropology & Development, upon acceptance to that programme.
The course consists of four consecutive 6-week modules, offered on Tuesday evenings, plus two Saturday Workshops distributed over the course of the academic year (20 ECTS combined). The Saturday Workshops feature guest scholars who bring critical perspectives to development-related issues. PG Cert students are also welcome at our weekly Anthropology Department Seminar.
This course can enhance the career of development professionals by equipping them with a critical perspective informed by anthropology’s holistic approach. It is also suitable for those interested in pursuing NGO work in the voluntary/charity sector.
Students take a total of 40 credits over 1 year.
Compulsory Modules (30 credits)
AN651 Social Thought (10 credits)
AN653 Writing Cultures (10 credits)
AN652 Key Concepts in Anthropology (10 credits)
Optional Modules (subject to availability)
AN646 Foundations of Linguistic Anthropology (5 credits)
AN647 Foundations of Medical Anthropology (5 credits)
AN648 Foundations of Material Culture and Design (5 credits)
AN649 Foundations of Anthropology & Development (5 credits)
AN657 Ethnographic Ireland (5 credits)
AN630 Creole Culture (5 credits)
PD606 Design Ethnography (7.5 credits)
GY621 Dublin Urban Laboratory (10 credits)
GY619 Public Engagement Research and Practice (10 credits)
GY627 Places, Landscapes, Mappings (10 credits)
This course can serve as a foundation for further work to complete an MA in Anthropology & Development.
Our Social Anthropology group forms an international centre of excellence for postgraduate training, recognised as one of the premier research departments in the UK.
Applied research includes policy-related work on asylum seekers, non-governmental organisations, sustainable development and participatory rights. Our regional expertise is not confined to Scotland and the UK but includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and North and South America.
Particular research strengths include:
The PhD programme combines work on your thesis project, usually based on long-term fieldwork, with systematic training in anthropological and social research skills. Research training is also available in the form of our MSc by Research.
The Graduate School provides a suite of ESRC-recognised research training courses for social science students across the University. We are developing an exciting package of flexible web-based training courses in line with the increased emphasis on ongoing training throughout the course of doctoral studies.
Find out more about scholarships and funding opportunities:
All M.A. students are expected to develop field research skills through participation in the department’s ongoing research programs. There is no formal language requirement for the M.A. degree. However, students will consult with their advisors regarding the development of pertinent linguistic or computer skills that may be necessary for their thesis research and analysis.
Thirty credit hours, including 6 credit hours of thesis, are required for the thesis option; no more than 12 of these hours may be taken at the 6000 level. Students pursuing this option are required to present a thesis proposal, approved by a faculty member, to the graduate advisor.
Thirty-six credit hours are required for the non-thesis option; no more than 15 of these hours may be taken at the 6000 level. Students who select this option must complete the specified 24 hours of coursework plus an additional 12 credit hours of courses selected in consultation with the graduate advisor.
Core Courses (6 hours)
Methods Courses (6 hours)
Topical and Regional Courses (12 hours)
Selected from available 6000- and 7000-level courses. At least 6 hours must be taken at the 7000-level.
Tutorials/Independent Research
Specialized training and information not provided in regularly scheduled courses. With consent of advisor, tutorials may be taken in lieu of topical and regional courses.
Thesis (6 hours)
The thesis is expected to involve field research.
Non-Thesis (12 Hours)
If completing non-thesis track, student takes 12 additional credits from graduate level Anthropology courses and/or supporting graduate programs, rather than 6 hours of thesis.
The English Language MA gives you the opportunity to investigate language in its social and cultural contexts.
You will examine theoretical and analytical frameworks that explore issues of language variation, language contact, language and identity; analyse the role of language in social relationships and practices; and look at how linguistic theory can be applied to the analysis of literature and culture.
The programme equips you with high-level research skills that you can apply in your dissertation, which allows you to address an issue of particular interest with the knowledge you have gathered throughout the course.
The programme is designed for both full-time and part-time students, with a flexible framework that can fit in with your professional and personal commitments. Modules are taught across the two semesters, usually in nine sessions per semester.
In addition, you are expected to work independently and engage with reading and research in your subject area. You will be offered support through tutorial supervision and the university's online virtual learning environment.
The English Language MA covers semantics, pragmatics (minimalism and contextualism), the philosophy of language, grammar, language variation and attitudes, language and identity (class, age, gender, ethnicity, social networks), language in interaction (politeness, speech accommodation, cross-cultural communication), feminist theory and linguistic theory, and ethnocentrism/racial prejudices in colonial discourse.
You approach these topics by: examining theoretical and analytical frameworks that explore issues of language variation; analysing the role of language in social relationships and practices; and examining how linguistic theory can be applied to the analysis of literature and culture.
Modules
One from:
The English Language MA prepares you for careers in linguistics, linguistic anthropology, forensic linguistics, speech therapy, sign language, journalism, writing, English language teaching, politics and sociology.
The Linguistics MA advances your knowledge of critical theory in theoretical linguistics and the philosophy of language, specifically with regard to the syntax/semantics interface, the semantics/pragmatics interface and grammar.
The MRes is designed for students who already have some background in linguistics and intend to progress to PhD study. It is designed as an enhanced route of entry to a PhD programme, giving you an opportunity to develop research skills early in order to be fully prepared for your doctorate.
The programme is designed for both full-time and part-time students, with a flexible framework that can fit in with your professional and personal commitments. Modules are taught across the two semesters, usually in nine sessions per semester.
In addition, you are expected to work independently and engage with reading and research in your subject area. You will be offered support through tutorial supervision and the university's online virtual learning environment.
The Linguistics MA covers semantics, pragmatics (minimalism and contextualism), the philosophy of language, grammar, language variation and attitudes, language and identity (class, age, gender, ethnicity, social networks), language in interaction (politeness, speech accommodation, cross-cultural communication), feminist theory and linguistic theory, and ethnocentrism/racial prejudices in colonial discourse.
You approach these topics by: analysing and evaluating different approaches to studying the structure of the English language; engaging with theoretical frameworks which attempt to account for meaning in language; and examining the relationship between the philosophy of language and linguistics on one hand, and the influence of philosophical theories on the analysis of language on the other.
One from:
The Linguistics MA prepares you for careers in linguistics, linguistic anthropology, forensic linguistics, speech therapy, sign language, journalism, writing, English language teaching, politics and sociology.
The Philosophy of Language MA is designed for students with a particular interest in philosophy and ways in which its principles and teachings can be applied to the study of language.
The study of language has given rise to a number of distinctive philosophical problems that became central to Western philosophy in the nineteenth century and that have dominated research and discussion in the twentieth century.
Our philosophy modules give you a thorough grounding in philosophical insights, as you engage in critical reflection on the relationship between sociopolitical context and philosophical debate. You explore the history of philosophy from the Enlightenment to the twentieth century, examining the variety of critical and analytical traditions that have emerged from those foundations.
Philosophy of language modules examine the influence of philosophical theories on the analysis of language, focusing on the critical analysis of the relationship between the philosophy of language and linguistics.
The programme is designed for both full-time and part-time students, with a flexible framework that can fit in with your professional and personal commitments. Modules are taught across the two semesters, usually in nine sessions per semester.
In addition, you are expected to work independently and engage with reading and research in your subject area. You will be offered support through tutorial supervision and the university's online virtual learning environment.
The Philosophy of Language MA covers semantics, pragmatics (minimalism and contextualism), the philosophy of language, grammar, language variation and attitudes, language and identity (class, age, gender, ethnicity, social networks), language in interaction (politeness, speech accommodation, cross-cultural communication), feminist theory and linguistic theory, and ethnocentrism/racial prejudices in colonial discourse.
You approach these topics by: analysing and evaluating aspects of philosophy that have had significant influence on the general understanding of what language is and how its use interacts with, and exploits, context; engaging with philosophical frameworks starting with Frege, through to Russell and Wittgenstein, which attempt to account for meaning in language; and evaluating philosophical foundations of critical theory that have contributed to debates on the understanding of history, politics and the nature of meaning.
Modules
One from:
The Philosophy of Language MA prepares you for careers in linguistics, linguistic anthropology, forensic linguistics, speech therapy, sign language, journalism, writing, English language teaching, politics and sociology.
All M.A. students are expected to develop field research skills through participation in the department’s ongoing research programs. There is no formal language requirement for the M.A. degree. However, students will consult with their advisors regarding the development of pertinent linguistic or computer skills that may be necessary for their thesis research and analysis.
Thirty credit hours, including 6 credit hours of thesis, are required for the thesis option; no more than 12 of these hours may be taken at the 6000 level. Students pursuing this option are required to present a thesis proposal, approved by a faculty member, to the graduate advisor.
Thirty-six credit hours are required for the non-thesis option; no more than 15 of these hours may be taken at the 6000 level. Students who select this option must complete the specified 24 hours of coursework plus an additional 12 credit hours of courses selected in consultation with the graduate advisor.
Core Courses (6 hours)
Methods Courses (9 hours)
Topical and Regional Courses (9 hours)
Selected from available 6000- and 7000-level courses.
Tutorials/Independent Research
Specialized training and information not provided in regularly scheduled courses. With consent of advisor, tutorials may be taken in lieu of topical and regional courses.
Thesis (6 hours)
The thesis is expected to involve field and/or laboratory research.
Non Thesis (12 Hours)
If completing non-thesis track, student takes 12 additional credits from graduate level Anthropology courses and/or supporting graduate programs, rather than 6 hours of thesis.
Kent's MA in Applied Linguistics with TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) provides teachers with advanced knowledge of linguistics and language pedagogy, informed by research and scholarship, to enhance, develop and inform an understanding of language learning and classroom practice.
The programme is offered by the Department of English Language & Linguistics, and benefits from staff expertise in areas of linguistics that inform classroom practice (such as syntax, morphology, semantics, pragmatics and phonetics), raising awareness of these fields and applying them to TESOL. Students gain an understanding of the theory, methodology and interdisciplinary nature of TESOL, as well as a firm foundation in linguistics.
Practical teaching opportunities are a feature of the programme, including teaching to peer groups and international students. There is also the opportunity to observe language classes.
Students begin by studying eight modules across the Autumn and Spring terms, before writing a 12,000-word dissertation or teaching portfolio over the summer, supervised by an expert in the department.
The programme is an ideal for teachers aiming to improve their understanding and abilities in communicating across the barriers of language and those who wish to build an international dialogue.
Visit the website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/secl/ell/postgraduate/taught-applied-linguistics-for-tesol.html
English Language and Linguistics (ELL), founded in 2010, is the newest department of the School of European Culture and Languages (SECL). ELL is a dynamic and growing department with a vibrant research culture. We specialise in experimental and theoretical linguistics. In particular, our interests focus on quantitative and experimental research in speech and language processing, variation and acquisition, but also cover formal areas such as syntax, as well as literary stylistics. In addition to English and its varieties, our staff work in French, German, Greek, Romani, Korean, Spanish and Russian.
Staff and postgraduates are members of the Centre for Language and Linguistic Studies (CLLS), a research centre that seeks to promote interdisciplinary linguistic research. We also have links with research networks outside Kent, and are involved with national and international academic associations including the Linguistics Association of Great Britain, the British Association of Academic Phoneticians, the Linguistic Society of America, the Association for French Language Studies and the Poetics and Linguistics Association.
The programme starts with two core linguistics modules (Sounds and Structure), the choice between two modules (Meaning or Research Skills) and a module on language awareness for teachers (Language Awareness and Analysis for TESOL) so that you have a firm grasp of the linguistic bases of language teaching.
In the spring term the focus is on how languages are learned (Second Language Acquisition), how you can improve classroom technique (Methods and Practice of TESOL), plan for your students' needs (Course and Syllabus Design for TESOL) and the option between two modules (Materials Evaluation and Development for TESOL or one of the linguistics modules offered that term).
Students can choose to do either a Research Dissertation or a Teaching Portfolio in the summer term. The dissertation will be an opportunity to plan and develop a piece of empirical research which can be of direct relevance to your current or planned teaching situation. The teaching portfolio functions both as the culmination of the year's work on the program and as preparation for students' professional development as language teachers.
Modules are typically assessed by a 3-4,000-word essay, but assessment patterns can include practical/experimental work, report and proposal writing, critiques, problem solving and seminar presentations. You also complete a 12-15,000-word research dissertation on a topic agreed with your supervisor.
- Provide TESOL practitioners with advanced knowledge of linguistics related to language pedagogy, informed by research and scholarship, which will enhance, develop and inform their understanding of language learning and classroom practice.
- To produce graduates who will contribute locally, nationally and internationally to the TESOL community.
- To prepare students to be more effective in the TESOL classroom.
- To provide students with teaching and training which is informed by research, scholarship, practice and experience.
Alongside our research centre below, we also have links with research networks outside Kent, and are involved with national and international academic associations including the Linguistics Association of Great Britain, the British Association of Academic Phoneticians, the Linguistic Society of America, the Association for French Language Studies and the Poetics and Linguistics Association.
- Linguistics Lab
The newly established Linguistics Lab is currently housed in Rutherford College and has facilities for research in acoustics, sociophonetics and speech and language processing. English Language and Linguistics (ELL) members also have access to the School of European Culture and Language (SECL) recording studio and multimedia labs which can be used both for research and teaching.
- Centre for Language and Linguistics
English Language and Linguistics is the main contributor to the Centre for Language and Linguistics. Founded in 2007, the Centre promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in linguistic research and teaching. Membership embraces not just the members of English Language and Linguistics but also other SECL members with an interest in the study of language, as well as researchers in philosophy, computing, psychology and anthropology, reflecting the many and varied routes by which individuals come to a love of language and an interest in the various disciplines and subdisciplines of linguistics.
Postgraduate work in English Language and Linguistics prepares you for a range of careers where an in-depth understanding of how language functions is essential. These include speech and language theory, audiology, teaching, publishing, advertising, journalism, public relations, company training, broadcasting, forensic and computational work, and the civil or diplomatic services.
Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/
