Program Overview

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Introduction to the English Linguistics MA

The English Linguistics MA is a postgraduate degree that explores the core areas of language, providing an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills while studying everything from corpus linguistics to syntax. Taught by esteemed UCL academics who are leading the direction of this field, students will also benefit from the insights of guest speakers and access to outstanding library facilities.

Entry Requirements

Applications are welcome from candidates who have at least a second-class Bachelor's degree in English Language or Literature from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Some prior knowledge of English language studies is expected for the programme.

English Language Requirements

The English language level for this course is Level 2. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. These courses will develop academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Equivalent Qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website. International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from a list of countries.

About the Degree

The MA introduces students to the core areas of the study of English Linguistics, including morphology, syntax, phonetics, phonology, pragmatics, and corpus linguistics. The programme develops students' critical thinking skills through interactive class discussions based on authentic linguistic data to explore how the English language works, facilitating students' growth as researchers.

Who This Course is For

The programme is of interest to those who wish to continue to a research degree in English language or linguistics, those who wish to become teachers or lecturers of English, or those intending to pursue a career in writing, publishing, editing, or communication.

What This Course Will Give You

The Department has exceptional resources for the study of English linguistics. Most of the staff teaching on the MA are based at the Survey of English Usage. Research at the Survey over many decades has resulted in several important publications and studies on the grammar, semantics, and vocabulary of present-day English. The Department also regularly hosts visiting seminar speakers from other institutions. The degree helps students develop their understanding of the English language from theoretical and practical perspectives through a combination of seminars, group activities, one-to-one tutorials, and special events.

Career Prospects

The programme provides an ideal foundation for those wishing to continue to a research degree in English language or linguistics; students who obtain good results in their MA examinations may be considered for the MPhil/PhD programme at UCL. Graduates may also become teachers or lecturers of English, or pursue a career in writing, translation, editing, publishing, or marketing and communications. In the Graduate Outcomes Survey, 88.9% of graduates were in either highly-skilled work or postgraduate-level study 15 months after graduation.

Employability

This degree will equip students with expert knowledge of a wide range of topics in English Linguistics. It will develop their awareness of how language choices can have an impact in professional and personal lives, and thus improve their communication skills. The programme also teaches students to carry out research projects independently, critically analyse data, and consult primary and secondary materials.

Networking Opportunities

The English Linguistics MA offers students a number of networking events during the academic year. The programme organises four research seminars every year, when academics from other universities are invited to talk about their current research. These seminars are followed by an informal opportunity for students to talk to the speaker. The literary section of UCL English offers a further range of seminars conducted by visiting speakers, staff members, and fellow graduate students.

Teaching and Learning

Modern English Grammar, English in Use, and Research Methodology are taught in weekly seminars over two terms. Optional modules are taught in weekly seminars over one term. Over the year, students write a number of essays, which are discussed in one-to-one tutorials. They also carry out a number of assignments, including presentations during the Spring Term. All students are required to attend the research seminars organised by the Survey of English Usage.

Modules

The English Linguistics MA offers two pathways for students to choose from:

• Pathway One: English Corpus Linguistics
• Pathway Two: English in Use Each pathway includes compulsory modules and optional modules. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, students will be awarded an MA in English Linguistics.

Fees and Funding

• UK students: ｣16,800 (full-time), ｣8,400 (part-time)
• International students: ｣35,400 (full-time), ｣17,700 (part-time) The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases, and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website.

Additional Costs

Additional costs may include expenses such as books, stationery, printing or photocopying, and conference registration fees. UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is ｣119.90.

Funding Your Studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.