Linguistics & Applied Linguistics

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



The course provides a flexible learning environment encouraging 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 in applying methods, approaches and indispensable transferable skills such as critical investigation, presentational skills and critical research skills.



What Will I Learn?

• 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.



Student Internships

Students receive training in how to source internships (including specific talks by Career & Skills Consultant from the UCD Careers Network) and have the option to do an internship in trimester 3.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

LING40370 Research Skills 1 Autumn 5

LING40460 Phonology (MA) Autumn 10

LING40470 Sociolinguistics (MA) Autumn 10

LING40360 Research Skills 2 Spring 5

LING40440 Corpus Linguistics (MA) Spring 10

LING40450 Syntax (MA) Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:

Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.

EDUC50190 Key Issues in Second Language Development Autumn 10

IS20140 Exploring Text with Python Autumn 5

IS40730 Quantitative Data Analysis Autumn 5

IS41720 Language Models and Methods Autumn 5

LING30060 First Language Acquisition Autumn 5

LING30190 Translation: Methods & Skills Autumn 5

LING30210 World Englishes Autumn 5

LING30220 Intercultural Communication Autumn 5

COMP20330 Functional Programming II Spring 5

EDUC50200 Experimental designs and psycholinguistic research methods Spring 10

LING20080 Meaning in Language Spring 5

LING20120 Second Language Teaching & Learning Spring 5

LING20130 Multilingualism Spring 5

LING30240 Language and Media Spring 5

LING30250 Forensic Phonetics Spring 5

POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:

Students must choose 1 module from the list below.

LING40240 MA Thesis Summer 30

LING40380 MA Internships Summer 30

LING40390 MA research papers Summer 30

• 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).[1]

• 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.[2]



[1] The School may decide to waive the requirement for an IELTS or equivalent test score (normally 6.5 in all four skills) if the candidate provides evidence of having completed one of their university degrees (BA, BSc, MA) through English or at an English-speaking university. Please submit evidence to support your claim that you have completed your entire degree through English along with all the other documents. The School will assess the evidence and let you know.



[2] 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)



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

Z360: 1 Year Full-Time

Z361: 2 years Part-Time.

Delivery: On Campus

Z360 MA in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



Z361 MA in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

International Study Opportunities

Students can avail of the option to complete their intership abrorad (subject to approval).



Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Linguistics interfaces with a range of areas. It can lead to careers in:

• Data management

• Data mining

• Language industries (e.g. localisation, language teaching, language technology, speech processing)

• Computer science (natural language processing, artificial intelligence)

• Cognitive science

• Education

• Speech and language therapy

• Publishing and media