Linguistics (by research) MA
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time; two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
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73% of NTU’s research in English Language and Literature was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent - REF2021. -
This course will provide you with a solid foundation for progressing to study for a PhD.
This course gives you the opportunity to pursue research in the field of linguistics. It comprises independent research, and a course designed to develop knowledge of key research skills and practices.
You will join a thriving postgraduate community of researchers in Linguistics, and a unique student support structure with a dedicated team of tutors and supervisors. Linguistics has a proud record of excellence in research. Our colleagues are leading authorities in their respective research specialisms. They contribute actively to the School’s research ethos, produce journal articles and books, and present at national and international conferences.
What you’ll study
This course offers a broad range of degree topics, aligned with the specialist areas in which our academic team publish research.
Research in the following topics could be supervised:
- clinical Linguistics;
- language, gender and sexuality;
- media discourse;
- sociolinguistics;
- discourse analysis;
- pragmatics;
- language and identity;
- forensic linguistics;
- corpus linguistics; and
- computer-mediated communication.
Recent dissertation topics have included:
- analysis of political speeches;
- theories around bilingualism; and
- language variation in the East Midlands.
This course is divided into modules, which are worth a number of credit points and are separately taught and assessed. To get your degree you have to pass all modules to collect 180 credit points.
- Philosophical Approaches to Research (40 credit points): This module will assist you in acquiring the skills, knowledge and understanding required for accomplished research in the Humanities, via an exploration of the philosophical foundations of the Humanities as a general academic discipline. It encourages you to be philosophically aware of the grounds of both the theory and practice of academic research, to consider the issue of reflexivity in relation to your research and to appreciate how your research might be approached from a variety of disciplines within the School. While this module draws on a range of disciplinary areas the assessment is directly relevant to the field of Linguistics.
- Dissertation and Research Preparation (140 credit points): The dissertation is a 20,000 word piece of independent research, which is the cornerstone of the MA in Linguistics. It provides the core research project which draws together students’ understanding and skills from other elements of the course.
Further information on what you'll study
Professor Natalie Braber, Professor in Linguistics gives us an insight into her subject, research and what makes Linguistics at NTU so special
"There’s a question that’s been doing the rounds recently: ‘what are arts and humanities degrees good for?’ Well, try living in a world that doesn’t have them; a world that doesn’t have people asking the kinds of questions we ask. Try and do anything without language, whether you’re listening, speaking, engaging or convincing. It’s almost impossible — and that’s why linguistics matters so much." Read more...
How you’re taught
Assessment
The majority of the marks awarded for this course are for the dissertation. You will have an individual supervisor allocated when offered a place on the course. Dissertation tutorials will take place between you and your nominated supervisor. The supervisor will offer advice on developing appropriate study methods and provide feedback on drafts of the dissertation. You will also be encouraged to publish your work and present at conferences.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Further information
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2014, 80% of our Modern Languages and Linguistics research was rated as world-leading or of international excellence.
Careers and employability
At NTU we believe in providing education and research that are directly relevant and beneficial to your career. We place particular emphasis on helping students to develop transferable skills that are useful in all walks of life, such as problem-solving, analysis and confident communication. We also seek to provide an atmosphere that encourages initiative, innovation and entrepreneurship, alongside academic excellence.
This course provides excellent preparation for undertaking a PhD, and gives you the freedom and support to shape your own work in the area of linguistics.
This course does not currently offer placements however students benefit from extensive contacts in the field of linguistics offered by our academic team.
Contacts include experts in the fields of clinical linguistics, social linguistics, forensic linguistics, media discourse, gender and sexuality and languages.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From helping to shape international policy, to preserving our heritage, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
Find out more: ntu.ac.uk/research
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- You will need a UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent.
- You will also need to write a 300-word outline of your proposed research area.
- Please email us before applying if you need any advice.
Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need the equivalent to:
- You will need a UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent.
- You will also need to write a 300-word outline of your proposed research area.
- Please email us before applying if you need any advice.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for September 2024:
Course | Full-time Home (UK) tuition | Part-time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Linguistics (by research) | £8,600 | £4,300 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Scholarships are available for students who have been offered a place on this course for September 2024
Home (UK) students funding
- Dr Pauline Polkey Postgraduate Bursary - apply
- UK Postgraduate Masters Scholarship - apply
- The Research Pathway Scholarship – School of Arts and Humanities - apply
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Tuition fees for September 2024:
Course | Full time International and EU tuition | Part time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Linguistics (by research) | £17,500 | £8,750 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Ready to join us?
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.