Languages Cultures & Linguistics - Linguistics & Applied Linguistics

MA Linguistics & Applied Linguistics
Graduate Taught (level 9 NFQ, credits 90)

Course Overview
The MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics gives students a solid grounding in current research, approaches, methods and theories in core areas of linguistics and encourages their effective application to a wide range of language-based phenomena in areas such as language technology, translation, language learning and teaching, the psychology of language, language planning and development, and to Law.

The MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics does not focus on any specific language, but explores phenomena across a range of languages.

What will students learn?
The programme nurtures essential academic values such as systematic and empirically-based investigation, critical reflection, interdisciplinarity and enquiry-based learning. It provides a flexible learning environment and encourages students to identify and pursue their own research interests. Modules apply a range of teaching and learning approaches and are taught by experienced and easily approachable academic staff.

Students acquire fundamental skills in linguistic analysis and its effective application to a wide range of real life language-based phenomena and issues from around the world. It develops critical transferable skills such as academic communication, presentation skills, group learning and project design.

How will learning be facilitated?
Learning takes place through a variety of teaching and learning approaches. They include critical assessment of existing studies, methods and theories, hands-on group and individual project work, problem-based research approaches, group discussions, and oral presentations.

The program provides a flexible learning environment. It encourages students to identify and pursue their own research interests through a wide range of option modules, while at the same time acquiring in-depth subject knowledge and competence as well as indispensable transferrable skills.

Research
The modules in Trimesters 1 and 2 introduce students to a range of methods of data collection and analysis skills, referencing skills, research project development skills and ways to presenting research findings. The modules in Trimester 3 allow students to further deepen these skills in specific areas of student interest through an internship, a minor thesis or shorter research papers in several areas.

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

The MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics is open to graduates (BA or equivalent) from all disciplines who have an interest in Language. It is suitable for those with some prior knowledge of Linguistics as well as those with little or no prior knowledge of Linguistics.

Course Description
This programme provides a flexible learning environment in that it encourages students to identify and pursue their own research interests in relation to language through a wide range of option modules, while at the same time acquiring in-depth subject knowledge and competency as well as indispensable transferrable skills. These skills are acquired through module-based learning and significantly enhanced through work on a substantial independent research project, the minor MA thesis, during semester three.

NEW! Internship opportunities in Linguistics [this is a new alternative to the MA thesis module].

Vision & Values Statement
The MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics introduces students to current research approaches, methods and theories in core areas of linguistics as well as their effective application to a wide range of language-based phenomena. The program provides relevant qualifications for students who seek employment in a broad range of language related jobs or a professional career in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics and related fields.

The program nurtures core academic values such as the importance of systematic and empirically based investigation of language phenomena based on critical reflection of existing theories and approaches. It promotes the importance of a multi-method approach to exploring language phenomena and emphasizes the relevance of interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives.

The program develops students' academic communication skills, autonomous individual and group learning and research skills, and enhances pattern recognition and empirical study design skills through a variety of teaching and learning approaches. They include critical assessment of existing studies, methods and theories, hands-on group and individual project work, problem-based research approaches, group discussions and oral presentations.

The program provides a flexible learning environment in that it encourages students to identify and pursue their own research interests in relation to language through a wide range of option modules, while at the same time acquiring in-depth subject knowledge and competency as well as indispensable transferrable skills. Students have a choice in the third trimester of pursuing independent research (thesis or research papers) or doing an internship.

Stage 1 - Core
• Phonology
LING40050
• Sociolinguistics
LING40090
• Syntax
LING40110
• Corpus Linguistics
LING40320
• Research Skills 2
LING40360
• Research Skills 1
LING40370

Stage 1 – Option
• Human Language Technologies
COMP40020
• The English Language for TESOL
LANG40590
• Topics in Language and Law
LING30170
• Minority Languages
LING40220
• MA Thesis
LING40240
• Grad Language Impairment
LING40250
• Global English
LING40260
• Meaning
LING40300
• Intercultural Communication
LING40330
• Translation AL
LING40350
• MA Internships
LING40380
• MA research papers
LING40390
• The Psychology of Language
PSY20060
• Behavioural Neuroscience
PSY30050

No prior knowledge of Linguistics is required for admission to the MA programme. The MA is an ab initio degree, applicants who have already completed a BA in Linguistics are not eliglbe to apply.

Competence in a language other than English is not required but useful.

Applicants must have a BA or equivalent, having normally reached a 2H1 or better. Applications with a 2H2 average are considered on a case-by-case basis.

All students must normally supply references from two academic referees who are able to provide details about the applicant's academic abilities and motivations. Work references are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Students whose first language is not English and who did not complete their prior education through English (or Irish) must take an IELTS test to provide proof of their English language skills. Students are expected to reach a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.5 (particularly in writing and speaking).

Students who fall a bit short (0.5 in one band) of the required scores may consider attending a a 10 week and 7 week course in the Applied Language Center prior to the start of the MA programme.[1]

[1] Students joining the 10 week programme are required to have an IELTS of 5.5 with no component below 5.0 (or equivalent). Students joining the 7 week programme are required to have an IELTS of 6.0 with no component below 5.5.

Documents to be submitted:

Cover Letter
CV
Two academic references
Transcript (English translation) showing final grade
IELTS test results (for non- native speakers)

The following entry routes are available:

MA Linguistics & Applied Linguistics FT (Z360)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

*Please note that the part-time option is not available for non-EU students on a student visa.

MA Linguistics & Applied Linguistics FT (Z360): 1 Year - Full-Time
MA Linguistics & Applied Linguistics PT (Z361): 2 years, Part-Time.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunity
Linguistics interfaces with a range of areas. It can lead to careers in:

language teaching

data mining

localisation

computer science

cognitive science

education

speech and language therapy

speech processing

artificial intelligence

publishing and media