Linguistics

Course Overview

Language is complex, and linguistics attempts to describe and explain the full range of that complexity, especially speech sounds, the grammar of words and sentences, and how meaning relates to words, grammar and context.



The M.Phil. in Linguistics has been running for nearly 30 years, offering a leading programme you can tailor to your interests; flexible design shaped by your interests in Linguistics; small class size, taught by experts; and a wide choice of elective modules offered each year.



Is This Course For Me?

Our students — who are not expected to have any background in linguistics — have in some cases come from language professions such as translating, interpreting, teaching, speech and language therapy, and publishing, or directly from undergraduate degrees which include language-centred elements such as English, modern languages and literature, anthropology, classics, psychology, and sociology. In other cases, they have simply been people who are intrigued by language and wish to study it in a more systematic fashion. In general, the Linguistics programme is likely to appeal to students with a talent for careful, systematic argument, and who wish to understand the mysteries of language.



Course Structure

• This course can be taken full-time across one year or part-time across two years.

• Each term, full-time students take two core modules and one elective, for a total of four core modules and two electives across the year.

• Part-time students take one core module each term in their first year. In their second year, they take the remaining two core modules. They take one elective each year.

Students take four core modules: Describing Grammar. Describing Meaning; Describing the Sounds of Languages; and Experimental Analysis of Sound Systems.



Students then choose two electives from the following menu of electives modules: Corpus Linguistics; Computer Assisted Language Learning; Linguistic Pragmatics; Multilingualism; Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching; Speech and Language Technology in Education; and Technology, Language, and Communication.



In the final phase of the course, students prepare and write a 15,000-word dissertation

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a good honours degree (at least an upper second or equivalent; GPA of at least 3.2). Previous knowledge of applied linguistics is not a requirement. Normally only graduates with language teaching experience are admitted to the course in Applied Linguistics.



Applicants must provide a Personal Statement explaining their motivation in applying for their chosen course(s).



All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements.

Closing Date: 30th June 2025

1 Year Full Time

2 years Part Time

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Our alumni have followed career paths in various professions, with many opting to pursue research at a higher level. For some, Ph.D. research has led to an academic career.