Linguistics - MA by Research

MA in Linguistics by Research is available as a 1-year full-time and 2-year part-time qualification.

Overview

The MA in Linguistics by Research is a research qualification open only to candidates who already have a sound grasp of linguistics and some specialised knowledge in the sub-field in which they intend to work. It should contain an original contribution to knowledge or understanding and should demonstrate mastery of the appropriate research methodology, literature and scholarly apparatus.

Programme

On this MA programme, you will complete research training with all other masters students in the department. Students also attend First-year doctoral seminar along with PhD students. This seminar will form the core of your training. It is a series of weekly meetings, running over three terms, at which beginning PhD students discuss the stages of research.

You will be assigned a supervisor who may also recommend that you attend certain taught Masters modules.

Assessment

Unlike the taught MA degrees, this degree does not involve assessed course work. Like the other research degrees it is examined by a specialist external examiner. The degree includes training in research methods, and such attendance at courses and production of written work as may be deemed necessary by the student’s supervisor.

You will be required to complete a dissertation of 20,000-25,000 words, which is submitted in September. The dissertation for this MA is longer than for the other programmes.

Normally you will not be required to present yourself for an oral examination, although you may be required to do so if requested by the examiners.