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.

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].

Programme Outcomes
• Students will be able to critically analyse secondary sources, primary empirical data and existing research methods.
• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and the ability to systematically apply ethical standards in Human Subject research.
• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the scientific principles, processes and approaches that underpin linguistic reasoning, analysis and research.
• Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to use electronic research tools commonly used in linguistics.
• Students will be able to design coherent studies on a wide range of language-based phenomena, systematically analyze such phenomena and coherently communicate the findings.
• Students will be able to systematically apply language-based theories, approaches and research methods to a wide range of related contexts such as language learning, language documentation, language awareness, language technology, language planning
• Students will be able to •demonstrate the ability to apply key transferable skills – presentation, information gathering and assessment, group-work and academic writing skills.

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.

Students take modules in core areas of linguistics such as Syntax, Phonology, Sociolinguistics and Corpus Linguistics. A further two or three elective modules are selected from a list that includes (but is not limited to) Global English, Minority Languages, Intercultural Communication, Language and Law, Second Language Acquisition, Translation, Language Impairment, Human Language Technologies and a selection of post-graduate modules on TESOL. Other options may be made available upon request.

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 eligible 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 five-week pre-sessional Academic English course in the Applied Language Center prior to the start of the MA programme.[1]

[1] In order to be admitted to the programme, students have to reach a C overall and no band below C- for the final assessment of the course.

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)
Deadline: Rolling *

MA Linguistics & Applied Linguistics PT (Z361)
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.

How are applications processed?
Applications must be made online. Once the complete application has been received, it is reviewed by the international office and/or the School. Applications are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed on a rolling basis generally until early August.

Non-EU students should try to apply as early as possible – between January and March, and ideally no later than early May – as most of the scholarship competitions take place between February and April and the issuing of visas may take up to three months, particularly during the summer when there is usually a high volume of applications. For details, please contact the UCD international office.

For any technical and administrative help with the application, please contact slclgraduates@ucd.ie.

For any additional information about academic issues relating to the programme, please contact bettinamigge@ucd.ie.

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