Overview
The study of language is fundamental to the research environment across the School of Arts, English and
Languages, where various linguistic approaches are taken to varieties of English, French, Spanish, Irish,
Arabic and more.
You'll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from diverse backgrounds; we supervise students undertaking research in key sub-disciplines of linguistics, including: sociolinguistics, language acquisition, change and policy; language used in new media, narrative, literature, rhetoric and translation; and advancing knowledge of languages across the levels of phonetics and phonology, lexicology, morphology-syntax and pragmatics.
As part of a lively community of over 200 full-time and part-time research students you'll have the opportunity to develop your research potential in a vibrant research community that prioritises the cross-fertilisation of ideas and innovation in the advancement of knowledge.
Linguistics highlights
Opportunities to attend Professionalising the PhD sessions, designed to help you maximise your research experience, and to organise or participate in Common Grounds, the annual postgraduate conference.
Internationally Renowned Experts
•This unique programme is delivered by leading international academic experts in specialist fields including phonetics and phonology, syntax and morphology, sociolinguistics and (critical) discourse analysis.
Key Facts
Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School and there are many resources available including:
•Opportunities to attend Professionalising the PhD sessions, designed to help you maximise your research experience, and to organise or participate in Common Grounds, the annual postgraduate conference.
•Access to the Queen's University Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme, including professional training and certification in Project Management.
Learning Outcomes
A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought. It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student's written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.
Course structure
There is no specific course content as such. You are expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor. Over the course of study you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School, or sessions on 'Professionalising the Phd', organised by our School's academics.
To complete with a doctoral qualification you will be required to submit a thesis of approx. 80,000 words and you will be required to attend a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner to defend your thesis.
A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year should it be required. The PhD is open to both full and part time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy. Full time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue in some depth an area of academic interest. The part time research degree is an exciting option for those who are seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.
If you meet the Entry Requirements, the next step is to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from one of our academic staff. Therefore, your research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.