Linguistics Newcastle University

The Linguistics MA allows you to study phonology and syntax alongside a pathway of your choice in English Language or Language Acquisition The course, characterised by its flexibility, equips you with the research skills necessary to undertake independent study in linguistics.

The common subjects the course covers include theoretical and general linguistics, descriptive linguistics, applied linguistics, and combinations of these specialisms. By choosing one of the pathways, you will be able to focus on your area of specific interest.

By the end of the course you will understand and engage with ideas at the forefront of linguistic research and address linguistic questions and problems currently being debated.

Delivery

During two 12-week semesters you will study six modules delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and field work. These are supplemented by academic events and invited international specialists. You work closely with your supervisor on a 15,000 –18,000-word dissertation.

Facilities

The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics is a lively and diverse community with over 700 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates.

We are based in the Percy Building where the majority of your seminars and tutorials will take place. Our purpose-built postgraduate suite includes several dedicated computer clusters, meeting rooms, a kitchen and lounge area.

Linguistics postgraduates also benefit from a dedicated space reserved for members of the Centre for Research in Linguistics and Language Sciences. This space provides a range of resources, including access to linguistics software (eg Childes, Clan, Elan, Praat), linguistic corpora (eg DECTE, ICE, ICAME), and specialised equipment such as the eye tracker.

You also have access to the award-winning Peter Robinson Library, which has an extensive audio-visual collection.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in:

• linguistics
• a language (studied on its own or with another subject)
• a discipline primarily involving the scientific study of human cognition or behaviour (eg cognitive science, psychology, anthropology, sociology)

We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and at least two years relevant professional experience.

International Students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 7 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry: IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

• 6 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)
• 10 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle Centre.