# MALinguistics

**Source**: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/ma-linguistics/
**Parent**: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/all?mode=taught

# MA Linguistics

Gain a thorough foundation and background in modern linguistics.

Year of entry: 2026 (September)

1. [Overview](#overview)
2. [Course content](#course-content)
3. [Fees and funding](#fees)
4. [Teaching and assessment](#teaching-assessment)
5. [Careers](#careers)
6. [Entry requirements](#entry)

Start date

September 2026\
[View semester dates](https://www.york.ac.uk/about/semester-dates/)

Length

1 year full-time,\
2 years part-time

School/department

[Department of Language and Linguistic Science](https://www.york.ac.uk/language/)

[Apply for this course](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DPMLINSLIN1&level=postgraduate)

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Linguistics is the scientific study of language.

The MA in Linguistics at York is perfect for those who want a strong, all-rounded grounding in linguistics and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. This course embraces the diversity of approaches to the study of language in our research. These are some of the questions we ask:

- How do languages organise sound systems?
- How is language structured and how does structure vary across languages?
- How is language used to convey meaning?
- How do social structures affect language?
- How is language acquired, processed and represented in the brain?
- How does language change over the course of a lifetime and when exposed to other languages?

You will harness your existing knowledge, applying it critically to linguistic analysis, while gaining transferable skills that can be applied to any field you choose to pursue.

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6YL-6ABuhw>

[World-leading research](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/performance/ref-2021-results/)

Ranked 1st in the UK for the quality of our research - according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

Innovative department

We're 5th in the UK for linguistics, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

[Vibrant facilities](https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/arts-humanities/facilities/)

As well as your department's facilities, you'll have access to the Grade II listed Heslington Hall, a hub with space for events and collaboration.

> I’ve found the staff in the Department to be brilliant. Support staff answer all your questions and lecturers deliver content with genuine enthusiasm that really adds to the experience. Lecturers will adapt their teaching to meet the needs of everyone.

Josh, MSc Linguistics. [Read Josh's blog post](https://blogs.york.ac.uk/student-voices/2025/01/08/msc-linguistics-career/).

## Course content

Our programme takes you on an exciting journey of discovery that begins with intensive training in linguistics. You'll take three modules per semester, plus write a dissertation. In semester one, you'll take core subjects and in semester two you can choose from a range of modules you want to specialise in. You will participate in research training seminars throughout the year. Together, with your course mates, you'll also present your work in our postgraduate summer conference.

By the end of your course, you'll be able to:

- Use current linguistic theories to analyse linguistic data
- Conduct and critically evaluate research in the field
- Communicate your work to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Understand the increasing relevance of ethical considerations in conducting research

These learning outcomes encompass a range of knowledge, skills, and competencies that will prepare you for further academic study, research, or professional careers in linguistics and related fields.

- [Modules](#modules)
- [Dissertation](#dissertation)

### Modules

#### Core modules

- [**Language Variation and Change**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00088M/latest)
- [**Syntax**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00089M/latest)
- [**Phonetics and Phonology**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00091M/latest)
- [**Directed Readings in Linguistics**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00133M/latest)

#### Option modules

You will choose two option modules:

- **[Phonological Development](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00024H/latest)**
- [**Neurolinguistics: Language and the Brain**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00083M/latest)
- **[Sociophonetics](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00044M/latest)**
- [**Advanced Topics in Language Variation and Change**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00057M/latest)
- [**Advanced Topics in Syntax**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00105M/latest)
- [**Semantics**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00095M/latest)
- [**Language Development and Age**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00114M/latest)
- [**Linguistic Computations: Real and Artificial Intelligence**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00093M/latest)
- [**Multimodality: Language and the Body**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00077M/latest)
- [**Quantitative Methods**](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00098M/latest)

**The full list of options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. For further information, please [get in touch](#next-steps).**

If you have covered substantial parts of the taught MA programme in your undergraduate degree, please talk to us about whether **our [MSc Linguistics](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/msc-linguistics/) programme would be more suitable for you.**

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

### Dissertation

- **[Dissertation](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/LAN00047M/latest)**

You'll prepare and write a research dissertation of 9,000 to 12,000 words over Semester 2 and the summer. Then, you'll be asked to submit a dissertation proposal in the middle of Semester 2, which will be reviewed by academic staff. You will then be allocated a dissertation supervisor and should expect around 5 hours of supervision. You'll submit your dissertation in September.

Topics have ranged from:

- A phonetic and acoustic analysis of English vowel realisations by a group of adult Hausa immigrants living in Britain
- Deaccenting in L2
- An investigation into Long Distance Scrambling: Minimalism, Case and Labelling
- Argument/adjunct asymmetries in wh-questions in Mandarin Chinese
- A Probabilistic Semantics for Causality in Counterfactuals
- Comparative study of written and spoken code-switches in Malaysia
- Claiming identity in interaction: A discursive analysis

[Recent MA dissertation topics](https://www.york.ac.uk/language/postgraduate/taught/recent-ma-diss/)

### Learning outcomes

Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.

Learning outcomes for this course

- Approach with confidence intricate, complex and unfamiliar linguistic phenomena, discern and analyse relevant patterns in linguistic data, and convey their significance effectively and with appropriate technical conventions.
- Select and deploy appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods acquired through the study of the nature and use of language to gain a holistic and multifaceted understanding of linguistic phenomena.
- Propose creative and principled solutions to linguistic problems, appealing to linguistic theory where appropriate, and contribute them effectively to written reports and presentations.
- Communicate clearly and effectively at an appropriate level for different audiences the nature and relevance of linguistic questions and controversies, the pivotal significance of language for human cognition, and the ways in which knowledge of language influences behaviour.
- Apply advanced reasoning and critical perspectives on linguistic and cultural diversity by synthesising and critically engaging with arguments from a variety of standpoints.
- Create detailed and persuasive, academically and ethically informed, project proposals at a professional level, and initiate, develop and complete a substantial independent research project.
- Manage their own development as researchers and professionals, demonstrating the ability to reflect on their own practice and on feedback received, and seeking assistance where appropriate.

## Fees and funding

### Annual tuition fees for 2026/27

| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |

Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.

**For courses which are longer than one year**, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.

- UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%).
- International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

### Fees information

**UK (home) or international fees?** The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. [Check your fee status](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/fees/status/).

Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.

- [Postgraduate taught fees and expenses](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/fees/)

### Funding information

Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.

If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a [10% Masters fee discount](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/funding/alumni-discount/).

#### Funding opportunities

- [UK government Masters loans](https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan)
- [Funding for UK students](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/funding/uk/)
- [Funding for international students](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/funding/international/)

#### Chevening Scholarships

We are pleased to work with Chevening Scholars to offer funding for our Masters programmes. [Chevening Scholarships](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/funding/international/chevening-scholarship/) provide one year of fully-funded postgraduate study in the UK for international (including EU) students. The scholarships are open to early and mid-career professionals who have the potential to become future leaders.

Find out more about [funding specific to Language and Linguistic Science](https://www.york.ac.uk/language-linguistic-science/study/postgraduate-taught/funding/).

### Living costs

You can use our [living costs guide](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-funding/living-costs/) to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

## Teaching and assessment

You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.

### Teaching format

The best way to learn linguistics is to do linguistics. This is why the course involves a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical training. We'll support your learning with weekly exercises, individual and group work as well as in-class practicals. Research training opportunities will abound through the year, on a variety of topics, ranging from technical software training in phonetic analysis to academic writing seminars. Research skills training will be embedded in your course and provided throughout the academic year.

All modules offer developmental (formative) assessments that don't contribute to your final mark. These provide a chance to practice your skills and gain useful feedback on your progress and understanding, before you take the final assessments. A member of staff will act as your supervisor throughout the degree, to help guide your studies and monitor progress. You'll be also be assigned a dissertation supervisor when you write your dissertation.

### Facilities

All of our modules have Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) websites where all crucial materials—reading lists, handouts, discussion boards—are accessible.

We have our own departmental e-Lab for the teaching and study time of our students. Here you will have access to a variety of resources, including specialist linguistics software, corpora of different varieties, and online language-learning materials.

### Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of Language and Linguistic Science on Campus West. Some of your contact hours will be in or close to Vanbrugh College, and all of your teaching will be on Campus West.

### About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's [easy to get around campus](https://www.york.ac.uk/about/transport-maps-parking/) - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.

### Assessment and feedback

A range of summative and formative assessment formats are used, including exercises, essays and exams. You'll also be offered exercises and assignments which do not contribute to your final grade that will give you useful feedback on your progression.

You will complete a research dissertation of up to 12,000 words. You'll also complete exercises and assignments which do not contribute to your final grade that will give you useful feedback on your progression.

> The support from the staff, especially those lecturers who I have had contact with, has been excellent. I have always been welcomed into their offices to talk about both academic and personal aspects. During the masters degree, I constantly asked myself a question: and now? what's next? Staff in the department have given me excellent advice and encouraged me to trust myself.

Eloi, MA Linguistics

## Careers and skills

On successful completion of the course, you'll have gained a solid and detailed grounding in your new field of study, along with the practical and technical skills to carry out original research in this field, guided by some of the world’s foremost experts.

You'll develop your confidence and critical skills, equipping you to exercise independent learning in your future career. Our MA provides excellent training for doctoral research. Graduates are also well-equipped to undertake careers in a range of sectors including marketing, publishing, education, government administration, and journalism.

Linguists are also in increasingly high demand in industry because of the development of ever improving automatic speech recognition, more sophisticated search engines and artificial intelligence based on large language models. This means new avenues of career development are added to the more traditional list of opportunities for linguists, including:

### Career opportunities

- linguist (in academia and industry)
- foreign languages teacher
- clinical and forensic linguist
- journalist
- teacher
- content developer
- data scientist

 

### Transferable skills

- The capacity to analyse data and evaluate competing interpretations of evidence
- Development of a hypothesis from the predictions of a theory or model
- The ability to design a research project and present data
- Reflective independent learning and time management
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Problem solving
- Intercultural awareness

### [Careers and employability](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/careers/)

Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we'll help you find your career advantage.

## Entry requirements

| Qualification | Typical offer |
| --- | --- |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent |
| Other international qualifications | [Equivalent qualifications from your country](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/your-country/) |

### English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| --- | --- |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |

For more information see our [postgraduate English language requirements](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/apply/international/english/).

#### If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our [pre-sessional English language courses](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/applying/international-pathway-college/pre-sessionals/). These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via [You@York](https://www.york.ac.uk/you-at-york/).

### Applying

You can apply and send all your documentation online. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start it, save it and finish it later.

- [How to apply](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/apply/)

[Apply for this course](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DPMLINSLIN1&level=postgraduate)

## Next steps

### Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

#### Postgraduate Administrator

[linguistics-pg-admissions@york.ac.uk](mailto:linguistics-pg-admissions@york.ac.uk)

### Department

[Department of Language and Linguistic Science](https://www.york.ac.uk/language/)

### Related courses

If you are new to the field or have only minimal prior background:

- [Applied Linguistics (MA)](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/ma-applied-linguistics/)

If you have considerable prior background:

- [Forensic Speech Science (MSc)](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/msc-forensic-speech-science/)
- [Linguistics (MSc)](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/msc-linguistics/)
- [Psycholinguistics (MSc)](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/msc-psycholinguistics/)

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