Program Overview

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Overview

The Sociolinguistics (Research) MA, PGDip course explores the 20th-century history of linguistics and the philosophy of linguistics. This course is designed to prepare students for doctoral study and combines a mixture of generic research training modules with more specialized modules covering research training and specific linguistic knowledge.

What You'll Learn

Students will gain a working knowledge of the methodology and skills in quantitative and qualitative research in language and linguistic studies. The course includes modules on:

• Information Skills
• Quantitative Analysis
• The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge
• Language and Society
• Lexical Innovation
• The Social History of English
• Research Methods in Language and Linguistics
• MA Sociolinguistics Dissertation

How You'll Learn

Assessment methods include:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Report
• Written exercise Students will also have access to support from academic staff, personal tutors, and research supervisors, as well as the University Student Services Team.

Your Development

The course provides opportunities for students to acquire a wide range of methodologies and exposure to diverse theoretical perspectives to enrich their own research. Students will have access to specialized practical workshops on statistical packages and software used in corpus linguistic methodologies.

Your Future

The Careers Service at Newcastle University is one of the largest and best in the country, and the university has strong links with employers. The course is designed to prepare students for doctoral study and a career in research.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked:

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 200 for Linguistics - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Facilities

The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics is a lively and diverse community with over 700 undergraduates and 150 postgraduates. The school is based in the Percy Building, which has a purpose-built postgraduate suite with dedicated computer clusters, meeting rooms, a kitchen, and a lounge. Linguistics researchers also have access to the LingLab, which provides access to linguistics and experimental software.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):

• PGDip Full time: £7,600 (Home), £17,250 (International)
• PGDip Part time: £3,800 (Home)
• MA Full time: £11,400 (Home), £25,900 (International)
• MA Part time: £5,700 (Home) The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for 2026 entry are:

• A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in linguistics, a language, or a discipline primarily involving the scientific study of human cognition or behaviour.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other qualifications.
• Admissions policy: The university's admissions policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.

How to Apply

The course is only available to ESRC applicants applying for a 4.5 (Master's plus PhD) funded route. The university is unable to accept applications from independent candidates. Programme codes:

• PGDip Full time: 3439F
• PGDip Part time: 3439P
• MA Full time: 4117F
• MA Part time: 4117P

Open Days and Events

The university regularly hosts open days and events, including overseas events. Students can visit the university in person or virtually to learn more about the course and the university.