MA Linguistics
SOAS University of London
Key Information
Campus location
London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 3 Year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 11,980 / per year *
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Request Info
* full-time fees: UK £11,980; Overseas £23,400. Part-time 2 years fees: UK £5,990/year; Overseas £11,700/year. Part-time 3 years fees: UK £3,955/year; Overseas £7,725/year
Introduction
Mode of Attendance: Full-time or part-time
Modern linguistics is the scientific study of all aspects of the world’s languages from their sound systems and grammatical structure through to the interaction of language with culture, the study of meaning in language, and the use of language in modern technology. Linguists try to establish what types of structures are shared by different languages and the extent to which language may differ from each other.
MA Linguistics at SOAS is a modular programme which combines the intensive study of the core areas of formal linguistics - phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics - with a choice of options in different areas of the discipline. The programme is run on a modular basis to suit the needs of the following four categories of students:
- Those with a degree in linguistics who wish to pursue more regional and language-based study;
- Those with a degree in linguistics who wish to pursue more research-oriented topics before proceeding to a research degree;
- Those with little or no previous training in linguistics who wish to acquire a knowledge of the discipline;
- Those with little or no previous training in linguistics who wish to take the degree as a conversion course before; proceeding to a research degree.
The programme can be taken full time over one calendar year or part-time over two or three years (daytime only.) The taught part of the programme consists of core lectures which introduce basic concepts, theory and methodology; and additional seminars which extend the core material into other areas. A 10,000-word dissertation written over the summer offers students the opportunity to develop original research in an area of special interest.
MA Linguistics is for students who would like to acquire general postgraduate-level training in formal linguistics (perhaps as preparation for further training or research).
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Structure
Students on the MA Linguistics take 180 credits, 60 of which are a dissertation and a 120 from taught modules. Students should follow the programme structure set out below.
Students also attend the Research Foundations Seminar. Students may choose 30 credits from the list of approved language open options.
Dissertation
All students MUST take the dissertation module
- Dissertation in Linguistics
Taught content for students without a background in Linguistics
Core Modules
- Introduction to the Study of Language
- Research methods in linguistics 1
Guided Options
- Students will take modules to the value of 60 credits from the list below.
and either
- Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from the list below.
or
- Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from the postgraduate open options list.
Taught content for students with a background in Linguistics
Core Module
Students with a background in linguistics will take the following module:
- Research methods in linguistics 1
Guided Options
Students will take modules to the value of 90 credits from the list below.
and
Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from the postgraduate open options list.
List A
- Historical Linguistics (Masters)
- Language, Society and Communication (Masters)
- Linguistic Typology (Masters)
- Research methods in linguistics 2
- Translating Cultures 1
- Translation Technology
- Working with language consultants
- Language Planning and Policy
- Language support and revitalisation
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session.
Career Opportunities
Employment
An MA in Linguistics from SOAS equips students with essential skills such as competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Postgraduate students gain linguistic and cultural expertise enabling them to continue in the field of research or to seek professional and management careers.
MA Linguistics graduates leave SOAS with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek, including written and oral communication skills; attention to detail; analytical and problem-solving skills; and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources. A postgraduate degree is a valuable experience that provides students with a body of work and a diverse range of skills that they can use to market themselves with when they graduate.
English Language Requirements
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