MA English Language and Linguistics

Our new English Language and Linguistics Masters programme offers a solid grounding in key areas of linguistics and is designed for those who want to further their study of a wide range of areas of linguistics at a higher level. Northumbria's MA English Language and Linguistics builds on the broad range of research expertise in the English department and will give you the chance to explore a wide range of linguistic specialisms. During the course, you will explore key concepts and theories involved in the study of language as well as examining theories which lie behind the analysis of linguistic structure, acquisition and use, and its interfaces with other disciplines. You will also gain an in-depth knowledge of the conceptual and analytical tools necessary to conduct informed and responsible enquiry at postgraduate level in Linguistics Topics you could choose to study include world Englishes, sociolinguistics, language acquisition, psycholinguistics, language variation and change, the evolution of language, and forensic linguistics. As well as offering you the chance to improve your knowledge and understanding of the structure of language, our MA English Language and Linguistics will help you to develop skills for professional employment and further research at doctoral level.

Employability is embedded into the programme at all stages, in the form of encouraging life-long learning, critical skills and attitudes, presentation skills, and reflective and evaluative abilities. Upon completion of the programme, you will be self-motivating, show initiative and personal responsibility, be capable of making decisions in complex situations, and possess a thirst for independent learning. In addition to these personal skills, as a graduate you will have demonstrated a critical awareness of the current research and scholarship within your discipline, facilitating your ability to interpret knowledge in a variety of professional fields. Our MA programmes build on existing undergraduate skills, distinguished by the level of intensity, complexity, and density of study. You will have demonstrated your advanced communication skills, media literacy, time management, ethical and professional understanding, as well as highly developed research and inquiry skills. From the start of the programme, you are encouraged to access to the central university Careers and Employment Service, and to use this service regularly to seek advice on areas such as career guidance both during and after your course. This Masters programme will prepare you for a wide range of careers, including journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing, communications and communication technology, artificial intelligence projects, as well as helping you to develop as a field linguist or academic. There are also careers in which linguistics is applied, such as teaching, speech therapy and forensics. More generally the programme enhances the employability of graduates in areas in which a sensitivity to language and communication are valued. There are also considerable opportunities for you to advance your studies further, and, should you wish to do, we are are eager to offer advice on writing PhD proposals and funding applications during your studies.

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Linguistics, English Language or a relevant related discipline.
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no component to be under 6.0