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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 26,070
Per year
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Linguistics | Communication Studies
Area of study
Social Sciences | Humanities
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 26,070
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-10-01-
2026-02-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Postgraduate Research

Study

  • Research areas
  • Course types
  • Find a supervisor
  • Fees & funding
  • How to apply
  • King's Doctoral College

Language, Discourse & Communication, option of joint PhD with HKU/NUS

Key information

  • Award: MPhil, PhD
  • Study mode: Full time, Part time
  • Campus: Waterloo Campus
  • Duration: 2-4 years FT, 6-7 years PT. There are two entry points for the programme each academic year in October and February

Overview

The Centre for Language, Discourse & Communication (LDC) welcomes applications for the MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication. The MPhil/PhD programme offers you the chance to undertake a piece of research that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to your field of study.


The Centre is housed in the School of Education, Communication & Society (ECS) at King’s College London and is a globally influential centre for language research with exceptional strengths in discourse studies and sociolinguistics. The over-arching research theme in the Centre is ‘Identities and Mobilities’, which reflects its core strength in research on (multingual) identities in a variety of everyday, institutional and mediated contexts.


Doctoral students are members of and supervised by academic staff in the LDC. We recommend that prospective students read through the LDC webpages to find their preferred area of research and potential supervisors.


Course Description

The MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication aims to foster your scholarly and career interests and to prepare you for the world of academic research.


The Centre offers extensive research training and supervision on a range of (socio)linguistic methods and frameworks, including: cognitive linguistics, conversation analysis, corpus-assisted discourse studies, discourse & sociolinguistic approaches to social media communication, identities-in-interaction, narrative analysis and small stories research. We are looking for outstanding candidates to join a supportive and dynamic research community.


We welcome proposals on topics within the following broad areas:


  • Discourse, interaction & identity
  • Health Communication
  • Language and mind
  • Language education
  • Language, ethnicity and social class
  • Social media and digital text

Head of group/division

  • Professor Alexandra Georgakopoulou-Nunes
  • Professor Beatrice Szczepek Reed

How to apply

1. Application Procedure

First identify a potential supervisor who will be able to support the application, by searching our Research Centre pages. You will need to complete a case for support, the specific nature of this will vary according to the supervisor.


After you have applied, your application will be considered carefully. Applicants may be invited for an interview (either in person or via phone/skype). We try to process all applications within six weeks of the receipt of a completed application form.


We strongly encourage you to apply well in advance of the time when you would like to begin your study. Starting an MPhil/PhD can involve a lot of organisation, arranging accommodation, financial support etc.


2. Personal Statement and Supporting Information

This requires a research proposal of 500 - 1,000 words covering the research questions, the research area, the potential fieldsite, the methodology, timescale of the project and an indication of the relevant literature. In addition a Personal Statement up to 500 words explaining your personal and/or professional interest in the research area and topic.


3. Course Intake

No set number.


4. Joint PhDs - Application advice

Applicants for the Joint PhD programme must contact the relevant departments at both universities before submitting an application in order to discuss the suitability of their topic for the joint programme and to locate potential supervisors. Applications should initially be submitted to the proposed home institution only, ie where the student will start and finish their programme. Students should note that acceptance onto the programme may take slightly longer than for single-institution PhDs because of the additional steps involved. Further details, including FAQs, can be found on the King’s Worldwide web pages.


Applicants who choose King’s as their home institution should apply through the online system, selecting the appropriate Joint PhD option from the drop-down list. In addition to the standard supporting documentation, applicants should submit a Travel Plan form indicating how they intend to divide their time between the two partner institutions. Students must spend a specified amount of time in each institution, details of which can be found in the ‘Notes’ section of the Travel Plan form.


It is recommended that students submit applications for the Joint PhD programme by the end of March to begin the following September.


5. Application Closing Date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.


The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.


  • February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
  • October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
  • February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status

Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above.


Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

  • Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year
  • Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

  • Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
  • Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

  • Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year
  • Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

  • Full time tuition fees: £28,000 per year
  • Part time tuition fees: £14,000 per year

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.


Study environment

Base campus

  • Waterloo Campus

The School is located on the Waterloo Campus right in the heart of London, next to London's South Bank Centre which includes the British Film Institute (BFI), Hayward Gallery, and the National Theatre. The Waterloo campus is home to the Franklin Wilkins library, with the Strand campus and the Maughan Library only a short walk away across the river.


The School offers a supportive, lively and outward-looking intellectual environment. There are plenty of opportunities for informal interaction and designated study rooms for doctoral students. As part of the Faculty of Public Policy and Social Sciences, students also have the opportunity to build ties across the social sciences and humanities, as well as active cross-institutional links.


Postgraduate training

Our extensive research training for MPhil/PhD students consists of an initial foundation training programme which covers different approaches, assumptions and philosophies and introduces a range of tools, techniques and methods used in empirical work.


You will be allocated two supervisors who will work with you throughout your studies. The LDC prides itself in a supportive and vibrant research culture which always includes, and is often led by, PhD students.


Regular events include:


  • The LDC Doctoral Lab, in which research students present and debate their work with staff and peers;
  • The Language and Popular Culture Lab, where Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD students select artistic and media events for linguistic analysis;
  • The Micro Discourse Analysis data sessions, where staff and PhD students working on interactional data bring data extracts for joint analysis;
  • The Communication Lab, where staff and students working on communication research present and discuss their work;
  • The Media and Culture workshops organized by King’s students as part the LISS DTP.

In addition, there are regular seminar series in Corpus Linguistics, ‘Language, Mind & Society’, and the Language Teaching Forum. LDC also organizes a range of regular collaborative research events with other institutions, such as the Cross-London Sociolinguistics Seminar.


Students are encouraged to participate in the training provided by the King's Doctoral College and the London Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Training Partnership (LISS-DTP) supported by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council.


Entry requirements

UK requirements

  • Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree and a Masters degree with at least a high Merit in a subject appropriate to the research area. Applicants should provide evidence of capacity to work at distinction level, and a piece of independently produced academic work (e.g. a Master’s essay/dissertation or published or unpublished paper) that has been assessed by the supervisor and admissions tutor as showing potential for doctoral level work. An approved professional qualification and extensive practical experience in the relevant field may be taken into account when evaluating an application. Those applying for the joint degree are encouraged to contact an academic at King's to develop research links with the partner institution.

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a country to view the equivalent international qualifications.


English language requirements

  • English language band: B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.


Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.


For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.


Program Outline


MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication


Degree Overview:


Overview:

The MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program at King's College London offers students the opportunity to pursue a research project that culminates in a publication-worthy contribution to their chosen field. The program is housed within the Centre for Language, Discourse & Communication (LDC), a globally influential center for research in language and communication with particular strengths in discourse studies and sociolinguistics.


Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the necessary scholarly skills and research expertise to conduct high-quality research in their chosen area of interest. It also fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate research effectively.


Description:

The program is designed to provide students with a supportive and stimulating research environment. Students receive extensive research training and supervision on a variety of (socio)linguistic methods and frameworks, including cognitive linguistics, conversation analysis, corpus-assisted discourse studies, discourse & sociolinguistic approaches to social media communication, identities-in-interaction, narrative analysis, and small stories research. The LDC embraces a vibrant research culture and actively involves PhD students in seminars, workshops, and research events. This collaborative environment allows students to share ideas, receive feedback, and gain valuable experience in presenting their research to peers and academics.


Outline:


Content:

The MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program covers a broad range of topics within the field of language and communication. Students can tailor their research to focus on specific areas of interest, such as:

  • Discourse, interaction & identity
  • Health Communication
  • Language and mind
  • Language education
  • Language, ethnicity, and social class
  • Social media and digital text

Structure:

The program is designed to be flexible and accommodate students with different backgrounds and interests. Students can choose to pursue the program full-time or part-time, and they can enter the program in either October or February. The program is structured around a research project that students develop in consultation with their supervisors. The project typically involves a combination of literature review, data collection and analysis, and writing. Instead, students focus on their individual research projects and attend research seminars and workshops relevant to their area of interest.


Individual Modules:

There are no individual modules in the MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program. Instead, students focus on their individual research projects.


Assessment:


Assessment Methods:

The MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student performance. These methods may include:

  • Thesis: The main assessment component is the doctoral thesis, which is a substantial piece of original research.
  • Oral Examination: Students are required to defend their thesis in an oral examination.
  • Progress Reports: Students are required to submit regular progress reports to their supervisors.
  • Presentations: Students are expected to present their research at conferences and other events.

Assessment Criteria:

The assessment criteria for the MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program are based on the following:

  • Originality and significance of the research
  • Quality of the research design and methodology
  • Analysis and interpretation of the data
  • Clarity and coherence of the writing
  • Presentation and communication skills

Teaching:


Teaching Methods:

The MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program utilizes various teaching methods, including:

  • Individual supervision: Students receive regular one-on-one supervision from their academic supervisors.
  • Research seminars and workshops: Students attend seminars and workshops on various topics related to language and communication research.
  • Guest lectures: The program invites leading scholars in the field to give guest lectures on their work.
  • Conferences and events: Students are encouraged to attend conferences and other events to present their research and network with other scholars.

Faculty:

The LDC boasts a team of experienced and internationally recognized researchers who supervise students in the MPhil/PhD program. These faculty members have expertise in various areas of language and communication, including:

  • Professor Alexandra Georgakopoulou-Nunes: Discourse Analysis & Sociolinguistics
  • Professor Beatrice Szczepek Reed: Language and Social Interaction

Careers:


Career Paths:

The MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program prepares students for a variety of careers in academia, research, and other sectors. Potential career paths include:

  • Academic researcher
  • University lecturer
  • Research scientist
  • Policy analyst
  • Consultant

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various sectors. Their research skills, analytical abilities, and communication expertise make them highly sought-after candidates for positions in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and private companies.


Career Outcomes:

The LDC has a strong track record of placing its graduates in successful careers. Recent graduates have secured positions at prestigious universities, research institutions, and government agencies worldwide.


Other:


Fees:

The tuition fees for the MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program vary depending on the student's fee status and whether they are studying full-time or part-time.


Entry Requirements:

The entry requirements for the MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program include a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree and a Masters degree with at least a high Merit in a subject appropriate to the research area.


How to Apply:

To apply for the MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program, students should submit an online application form and provide the required supporting documents.


Application Deadlines:

The application deadlines for the MPhil/PhD in Language, Discourse & Communication program vary depending on the program start date.


Study Environment:

The LDC is located on the Waterloo Campus, which is situated in the heart of London. The campus is home to various facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and research centers. The LDC also offers a supportive and vibrant intellectual environment with plenty of opportunities for informal interaction and collaboration among students.


Study Abroad Opportunities:

The LDC encourages students to participate in study abroad opportunities. Students can spend time at partner institutions around the world to gain new perspectives and broaden their research horizons.


UK Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year Part time tuition fees: £12,180 per year UK Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year

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Total programs
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Average ranking globally
#60
Average ranking in the country
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Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • A piece of independently produced academic work (e.g., Master's essay/dissertation or published/unpublished paper) showing potential for doctoral level work.
  • EU Home Students
  • Language Proficiency Requirements must also be met (see below).

Equivalent International Qualifications:

Students from numerous countries are eligible for this program. However, specific qualifications for each country vary.


Language Proficiency Requirements:

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