MA in Language and Linguistics
What makes the MA in Language and Linguistics (formerly MA in Language Studies) unique is the flexibility of its structure and the range of taught modules on offer. You take one core module and a dissertation relating to any area of language or linguistics that we teach. We offer pathways in Corpus Linguistics, Literacy Studies, Sociolinguistics, Stylistics, and Theoretical and Descriptive Linguistics in order to focus choices. However, you do not have to stick to a pathway if you prefer a general approach. We also offer an extended dissertation option.
The individual modules on this programme are updated from year to year and are taught by leading figures such as Mark Sebba (bilingualism), Elena Semino (stylistics) and Ruth Wodak (critical discourse analysis).
Aims
- To identify issues suitable for linguistic and applied linguistic research, and familiarise students with key work in the area.
- To demonstrate key concepts and findings in a range of linguistic disciplines.
- To develop methodological and analytical expertise in linguistics or applied linguistic procedures.
- To promote critical thinking in all of the above. (Note: The term ‘applied linguistics’ is here understood in the broad sense of linguistic theories and frameworks being applied to a wide range of data and contexts.)
Structure
You will follow one core module - Research Methods in Linguistics and English Language - which offers an overview of how to go about studying and researching language. You are then free to choose any five of the other modules on offer in the Department and write your dissertation in any area. However, it is possible to select modules to specialise in one of the following areas:
- Corpus Linguistics
- Literacy Studies
- Sociolinguistics
- Stylistics
- Theoretical and Descriptive Linguisticss
There are no restrictions on your choices, but you will be encouraged to put together a coherent programme of courses. Such a programme can be designed in consultation with your Director of Studies at the beginning of your studies. The MA in Language and Linguistics can be taken full-time, but there is also a part-time study possibility if you can come to the university for one full term (or more) in each of two successive years. Under this kind of arrangement, you can take half of your modules in the first term of the first year, and the other half in the second term of the second year. You will then write up your dissertation by the end of the second year.
Key Facts
Director of Studies: Julia Gillen
Programme length: full-time (12 months), part-time (24 months)
Audience: people with a special interest in language and linguistics, who wish to construct their own programme of studies according to their particular interests
Entry requirements:
- Academic: upper-second class degree or higher
- English language level (for applicants whose native language is not English): minimum IELTS 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in Reading and Writing) / paper-based TOEFL 580 / CBT 237 / or equivalent
Assessment: Coursework and dissertation
Deadline for applications: 30th June
Enquiries: Marjorie Wood
What our Students Say
Sean Austin (United Kingdom)
My experience as a Masters student on the MA in Language Studies at Lancaster was fantastic. I had a fairly clear idea about what I wanted to research but lacked the knowledge and skills to do it. The courses I enrolled on equipped me with the background knowledge I needed, and both of my supervisors were huge sources of support in my dissertation. I knew I could always email them to check my understanding of things and we had regular meetings in which they guided me and gave me the confidence to plan and carry out my research.
Yi-Ling Tan
The MA in Language Studies programme was rigorously taught and offered me the opportunity to read many diverse and stimulating modules, ranging from Stylistics to Second Language Learning. In addition, working on the dissertation under the patient guidance of my supervisor was a tremendous and wonderful learning experience, in which I not only delved deep into my area of research but also grew in strength and confidence as a person.