This degree will give you an in-depth theoretical and methodological grounding in linguistics and phonetics - analysing how language and speech sounds are structured and used.
Core modules will introduce you to key aspects of the discipline, such as syntax, phonetics and phonology. You'll also develop your knowledge of a broad range of theoretical and empirical research methods. You'll then choose from optional modules to suit your interests or career plans, such as language acquisition or sociolinguistics.
Spanning the arts and sciences, linguistics is a challenging and rewarding discipline that allows you to gain a real understanding of human communication as well as a wide range of transferable skills. Taught by experts in top-class facilities and supported by the Language at Leeds research network, this programme will give you a good foundation in the subject informed by the very latest research.
Specialist resources
Leeds is a fantastic place to study linguistics and phonetics. Our tutors and research students are active members of the wider Language at Leeds network which brings together researchers from across the University. You'll be able to enhance your learning with an array of research events throughout the year.
Postgraduates also have access to our extensive facilities, including the Human Communications Suite complete with a recording studio and lab space for psycholinguistics experiments. You can make use of our phonetics lab and the Language Zone, a state-of-the-art space where you can use a range of language-based teaching materials whenever you want.
This programme is suitable for people who have no prior knowledge of linguistics, or those who may have studied some during their first degree. However, if you do have a substantial background in linguistics or phonetics, you may prefer to study for an MA by Research.
This programme is also available to study part-time over 24 months.
Course content
Core modules will allow you to develop your knowledge of key aspects of linguistics and phonetics. You'll study introductory modules in syntax and phonetics and phonology in Semester One, which you'll build on in more advanced modules in the following semester. You'll also take core modules to develop your academic and research skills in linguistics.
In addition, you'll expand your understanding of areas that suit your interests when you choose from optional modules on topics such as pragmatics, sociolinguistics and language acquisition. By the end of the programme, you'll be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you've gained when you complete an independently researched dissertation on a linguistics topic of your choice.
If you choose to study part-time, you'll take fewer modules in each year so you can study over a longer period.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation (Linguistics and Phonetics) 30 credits
- Foundations of Phonetics and Phonology 15 credits
- Foundations of Syntax 15 credits
- Topics in Phonetics and Phonology 15 credits
- Topics in Syntax 15 credits
- Academic Skills in Linguistics 15 credits
- Research Methods in Linguistics 15 credits
Optional modules
- Languages in Contact 30 credits
- Pragmatics 30 credits
- Second Language Acquisition 30 credits
- Approaches to Linguistics and Language Acquisition 30 credits
For more information on typical modules, read Linguistics MA Full Time in the course catalogue
For more information on typical modules, read Linguistics MA Part Time in the course catalogue
Learning and teaching
We use diverse teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from our tutors' expertise. They include seminars, lectures, online learning, tutorials and practicals. Independent study is also a vital element of the course. You're also encouraged to sit in on classes in modules that you're not taking, giving you a great opportunity to gain a broad base of knowledge in linguistics and phonetics.
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, assessment methods will vary. However, they usually include coursework , essays and practicals, while core linguistics modules also include exams.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons). We would normally expect you to have a degree in a relevant subject such as languages, English, education, psychology, sociology, speech therapy or others. Professional experience will also be considered.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies admissions team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:
- don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
- want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.
Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).
How to apply
Application deadlines
UK/EU students: 4 September 2018
International students: 28 August 2018
It can take between four and six weeks to assess an application, so we advise you to apply as early as possible. Application deadlines for many scholarships are also much earlier than the application deadline, and you may need to leave time for arrangements such as visa applications or moving to Leeds.
- Apply (Full time)
- Apply (Part time)
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you'll need
- Transcripts of your degree and other relevant qualifications, or a partial transcript if you're still studying
- We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application
- Evidence of your English language qualifications if English isn't your first language
- A personal statement of around 500 words explaining why you want to study Linguistics, how it will benefit your career and why you want to study the programme at Leeds in particular.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Fees
UK/EU: £7,250 (total)
International: £17,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
This programme will give you a sophisticated understanding of human communication, as well as valuable transferable skills in areas such as use of quantitative and qualitative data, research, interpretation, oral and written communication and analysis which are highly attractive to employers in a wide range of industries.
Graduates have pursued diverse careers as a result, in areas such as lexicography, journalism, editing, advertising, language education an even artificial intelligence. Many also pursue PhD level study and continue with research into linguistics, or further training in disciplines such as speech and language therapy.Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
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