Comparative Philology and General Linguistics

Comparison of Philology and General Linguistics at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth exploration of the structures, histories, and functions of languages across the globe. This interdisciplinary programme is designed for students who are passionate about understanding language in its many forms, encompassing historical development, phonetics, syntax, semantics, and language typology. Students will engage with a diverse range of linguistic theories and methodologies, gaining both practical analytical skills and a broad theoretical perspective. The programme emphasizes rigorous linguistic analysis, encouraging students to compare languages and dialects, investigate language change over time, and explore the social and cultural contexts in which languages are used. Through a combination of coursework, seminars, and independent research, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of both comparative philology—the study of historical relationships between languages—and general linguistics, which investigates the universal principles underlying all human languages. The programme also offers opportunities to study specific language families, examine linguistic variation, and explore the interface between language and other fields such as anthropology, psychology, and computer science. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in academia, language research, publishing, and other fields requiring advanced linguistic expertise. The curriculum is supported by world-renowned faculty, access to extensive linguistic corpora, and the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects at one of the world’s leading universities. Whether your interest lies in the historical development of Indo-European languages, the structural complexities of tonal languages, or the social dynamics of language change, this programme provides a rigorous and enriching educational experience that prepares students for advanced study or professional careers in language-related fields.

The DPhil in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination. The thesis will be based on extensive original research and engagement with current scholarship. You are expected to submit your thesis three, or at most four, years from the date of admission. 

You will be supported by a supervisor or supervisors who will help you develop a programme of research and writing. You will also benefit from the advice and support of other members of the faculty and can draw on the expertise of scholars and colleagues throughout the faculty and University.

You are encouraged to attend and to contribute to the wide range of research seminars, conferences and workshops organized by the faculty. You will also have access to specialist training courses offered by the Advanced Core Training in Linguistics programme (ACTL), Bodleian Library, Language Centre and IT services.

Linguistics at Oxford is an interdisciplinary subject, with most areas of general linguistics as well as Indo-European, Romance and Slavic historical and comparative linguistics being represented by one or several members of staff.

Current research falls into seven main areas:

• linguistic theory (morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and their interfaces)
• Indo-European comparative philology (especially Greek, Italic/Latin, Indo-Iranian, Anatolian, Celtic, Slavic and Tocharian)
• phonetics and phonology (especially phonetics/phonology interface, speech perception, language comprehension)
• Romance philology (Research Centre on Romance Linguistics, especially diachronic morphology, syntax of Italo-Romance and phonetics of French)
• neurolinguistics/psycholinguistics
• sociolinguistics (language variation and change, language and gender)
• ancient grammatical thought in the Greco-Roman tradition.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a relevant subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

A master's degree in a relevant subject is also required. Applicants are expected to have a background in linguistics comparable to Oxford's MPhil degree in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology and to be predicted to achieve or to have achieved a very good result or a result close to distinction level in their master's degree. 

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Under exceptional circumstances substantial professional experience maybe considered a substitute.

Applicants should already have the knowledge and skills necessary to begin work on their chosen topic. This may include knowledge of the language to be studied, or for a computational thesis, relevant programming skills.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Up to four pages
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme

The Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Philology and General Linguistics at the University of Oxford offers students an in-depth exploration of language systems, historical development of languages, and linguistic theory. This interdisciplinary degree combines the study of various languages with insights into their structural features, historical relationships, and cultural contexts. Students engage with a broad range of languages, which may include classical languages such as Latin and Greek, as well as modern European and non-European languages, depending on the specific course offerings and student interests. The program is designed to develop analytical skills, enhance understanding of language change and diversity, and provide a solid foundation in linguistic methodology.

Throughout the course, students are introduced to phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, gaining a comprehensive overview of linguistic structures. Comparative aspects involve analyzing similarities and differences between languages, reconstructing ancestral languages, and understanding borrowing and language contact phenomena. The program emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical language skills, enabling students to apply linguistic analysis in real-world contexts.

Students also study the cultural, historical, and social factors that influence language development and variation. The curriculum often incorporates modules on historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on language. The department encourages research projects, seminars, and presentations that foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, language technology, translation and interpretation, publishing, and cultural heritage sectors. The program's focus on comparative and historical linguistics prepares students for advanced studies and research. The university's vibrant academic environment, qualified faculty members, and access to extensive linguistic resources contribute to an enriching educational experience. The program typically spans three to four years, culminating in a Bachelor's thesis that demonstrates original research and understanding of linguistic phenomena. Overall, the degree offers a rigorous and comprehensive grounding in the study of languages, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills, and fostering a nuanced understanding of human language in all its diversity.