General Linguistics and Comparative Philology

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the fundamental aspects of language, linguistics, and philology. This graduate program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the intricacies of language structure, history, and development across different cultures and time periods. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of linguistic theories and methodologies, enabling them to analyze language data critically and to appreciate the diversity and complexity of human languages.

The program provides a strong foundation in phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and morphology, alongside specialized training in comparative philology, which examines the historical relationships between languages and reconstructs ancient languages and linguistic features. Students will also study language change, linguistic typology, and the evolution of linguistic systems, gaining insights into how languages influence each other and evolve over time. The curriculum includes both coursework and a research thesis, allowing students to develop their own research interests under the supervision of leading experts in the field.

Students admitted to this program benefit from the Faculty’s world-class resources, including access to extensive linguistic and philological archives, as well as the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences focused on current research in linguistics and philology. The program is suitable for those considering further academic research, such as a doctoral degree, or pursuing careers in academia, publishing, language technology, or cultural heritage.

The MPhil in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology emphasizes a personalized learning experience, encouraging students to critically examine linguistic theories and engage actively with primary language data. The University of Oxford’s rich academic environment, combined with its collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, ensures that graduates will be well-equipped with the analytical skills and historical knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the study of language and its development across different regions and historical periods.

In addition to a compulsory paper in linguistic theory, you will specialise in general linguistics (B), Indo-European historical and comparative philology and linguistics (C) or in the linguistics of one or two selected languages (D).

A 25,000-word thesis is compulsory for all options.

Option B

Three exam papers are chosen from the following range of topics:

• Phonetics and Phonology
• Syntax
• Semantics
• Historical and Comparative Linguistics
• Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics 
• History and Structure of a Language
• Experimental Phonetics
• Sociolinguistics

You may also ask for one option in another subject in general linguistics; approval will be subject to the availability of proper instruction and provision for examination.

Option C

You will select two ancient Indo-European languages or language groups (eg Greek, Italic, Celtic, Anatolian, Indo-Iranian, Slavic etc). Three exam papers cover the comparative grammar, the historical grammar, and a number of set texts for linguistic commentary in the two languages or language groups.

Option D

You may select either ancient (eg Latin, Sanskrit, Akkadian) or modern languages (eg French, Italian, German, Japanese, Slavic languages). 

There will be three examination papers:

• (i) the history of one language, or of two historically related languages;
• (ii) the structure of the language or languages chosen; and
• (iiia) translation from, and/or linguistic comment on, texts in the language or languages chosen, or (iiib) a project on an aspect of the structure or history of the language, or family of related languages, studied.

Subject (iii) may be replaced with any of the modules listed under option B, except for the history and structure of a language.

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 example in modern languages, Classics, computer science, philosophy or mathematics.

While some applicants may have a background in linguistics or philology, few will have taken a full undergraduate course in these subjects. The backgrounds of entering students vary considerably, and the first-year curriculum is designed to bring every student to a general understanding of linguistic research, while not hindering progress in fields of special interest.

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.

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).

Students wishing to pursue option C should have studied at least one of their chosen ancient Indo-European languages to degree level (though they need not have studied the linguistics of the language before). Students wishing to pursue option D or paper B vi (History and structure of a language) should have a good grammatical knowledge of the language(s) they wish to pursue.

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

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:One to three pages
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme

The undergraduate degree program in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive introduction to the study of language from both theoretical and historical perspectives. The course encompasses an in-depth exploration of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics across various languages, enabling students to understand the fundamental structures that underpin human languages worldwide. Additionally, the curriculum integrates comparative analyses of different linguistic systems, fostering an understanding of language evolution, historical change, and language relationships through philological methods.

Students engage with core topics that include the historical development of languages, language families, and linguistic reconstruction. They are encouraged to develop proficiency in the study of multiple languages, often including classical languages such as Latin and Greek, alongside modern languages. This interdisciplinary approach helps in understanding not only the structural aspects of languages but also their cultural and historical contexts.

The program emphasizes analytical skills, encouraging students to examine language data critically, formulate hypotheses about language change, and apply linguistic theories. Coursework typically includes language analysis, research projects, and seminars led by experts in the field. Students also have opportunities to participate in research groups and attend lectures on cutting-edge topics in linguistics and philology.

Assessment methods often involve examinations, essays, and oral presentations. The program aims to prepare students for careers in academia, language technology, lexicography, translation, and cultural analysis, among other fields. Graduates of the course develop strong skills in analytical thinking, research, and cross-cultural understanding, which are highly valued in various professional contexts.

The program duration is usually three years for a BA degree, with options for specialization or combined courses that may extend the study period. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Oxford’s extensive resources, including specialized libraries, language labs, and archival collections, to enhance their learning experience. Overall, the General Linguistics and Comparative Philology course at Oxford provides a rigorous academic environment for exploring the complexity and diversity of human language, equipping students with a solid foundation for further study or professional pursuits in the linguistic sciences.