Languages and Linguistics MA

This programme focuses on the core issues of linguistic theory and linguistic description and the detailed study of the linguistic structure of a particular language. The choice of language teaching available in a particular year is likely to range over the following: English, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian and Slavic amongst others.  

The MA in Languages and Linguistics consists of the following elements:

• one compulsory core course unit (15 credits) in either Introduction to Grammatical Theory or Phonetics and Phonology. An alternative to this course unit may be chosen if students can provide evidence of having covered comparable material in their undergraduate degree.
• compulsory course units in Research Methods I and II (2 x 15 credits)
• optional course units (75 credits altogether). These will normally include course units from one of the participating disciplines in SLLC: French, German, Italian, Middle Eastern Studies, or Spanish and Portuguese. One or two course units may take the form of Directed Reading course units, available after consultation with an appropriate member of staff and the Programme Director. One or two course units may also be taken as adapted Level-3 undergraduate course units in Linguistics and English and Language, which supplement the course units on offer at MA level.
• a dissertation (60 credits).

The MA in Languages and Linguistics aims to give students a grounding in breadth and depth in Linguistics and the value of linguistic theory for understanding a specific language or family of languages, by exploring the central features of linguistic theory: its history, objectives, principal theoretical frameworks, methodologies, contested areas and uncontested results. Students will gain experience of excellence in teaching and learning at an advanced level, in an environment where they will benefit from the fact that the School is also home to world-leading research in Linguistics. In-depth understanding of specific language(s) taught in the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures will be developed.

Please note, some modules may change for 2012 entry. For details of postgraduate course units currently on offer, please refer to the MA in Linguistics and English Language 2011-2012 Programme Handbook.