Applied Linguistics & Intercultural Studies - Research

The PhD in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies offers research opportunities for students with specific interest in the field of Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies. The research profiles of staff members are very varied, covering applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, corpus linguistics, bi- and multilingualism, second language pedagogy, intercultural studies, intercultural competence and the role of English in a globalised world. Research in related areas is also welcome, including language-specific research in applied linguistics and intercultural studies in (or through) German, Spanish or French.



The student, in consultation with his/her supervisor, will devise a research plan. It is advised that students also avail of the opportunity to take Generic/Transferrable Skills modules (GST11, GST13, GST15 or other) and/or Subject-specific/Advanced Specialist modules (any of the ALIS84X modules, e.g. ALIS840, ALIS841 or ALIS842).

MA in Chinese Studies, MA in French, MA in German, MA in Spanish, MA in Applied Linguistics (with at least a II.2 degree respectively), or equivalent.



Students who do not hold an MA or equivalent qualification (only admitted in exceptional cases) may be required to take modules from the SMLLC MA programme. Students may, in consultation with their supervisor and the Head of School, take additional MA modules.



Minimum English language requirements:



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

Commences September (or other agreed time)

The PhD in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies equips its students for entry into a number of career paths, as well as providing existing practitioners and professionals with an opportunity for continuous professional development. These include: teaching at various levels (particularly university), school management, the business world, politics, publishing and marketing, the media, public relations, journalism, materials development, adult education and support, and indeed further study to postdoc level.