The MPhil in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at the University of Cambridge offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles underlying human language, combining rigorous theoretical analysis with practical applications. This postgraduate program is designed for students with a strong background in linguistics or related disciplines who wish to deepen their understanding of language structure, usage, and cognition. Over the course of one academic year, students engage with a wide range of topics including phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, as well as language acquisition, psycholinguistics, language processing, and computational linguistics. The programme emphasizes both the scientific investigation of language and its real-world applications, preparing students for research careers or further academic study, such as a PhD. The curriculum includes taught modules, research supervision, and independent study, encouraging critical thinking and original research. Students have the opportunity to work with leading experts in the field, participate in seminars and workshops, and contribute to ongoing research projects. The program also provides training in research methodology and academic writing, equipping students with essential skills for scholarly communication. Cambridge's vibrant academic community, extensive library resources, and collaborative environment foster a stimulating setting for studying linguistics. Graduates of the MPhil in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics pursue careers in academia, linguistics research, language technology, education, and language consultancy. The program reflects Cambridge’s commitment to excellence in research and education, and offers a comprehensive pathway into the diverse and evolving field of linguistics.

The MPhil programme is structured progressively to form a bridge between undergraduate study and possible further research. Its balance changes through the year so that in the first two months (Michaelmas Term - October to December) there is instruction through lectures, whilst by the last three months students are carrying out independent research full-time.

All students are required to follow a course in 'Research Methods' and a statistics course to acquire skills needed for research and 'transferable' skills. Beyond that, each student will follow his or her own 'Study Plan', which allows the individual interests, needs, and strengths of the student to be met. At the start of the course the student, with advice if needed from the Director of the MPhil and subject specialists, draws up a Study Plan for the Michaelmas and Lent Terms (October to March) which is approved by the Department. This will include the selection of a minimum of four introductory taught courses to be followed in Michaelmas, and participation in a minimum of two research seminars in Lent Term. Usually the Lent Term seminars chosen build on courses which have been followed in Michaelmas.

Three assessment essays written during the Michaelmas term and one assessment essay written over the Christmas vacation will be based on the Michaelmas taught courses. One of the Lent research seminars will normally relate to the thesis, and another is assessed by an oral presentation (which provides an opportunity to develop communication skills). By default, the Course Director will initially act as supervisor, but once a thesis topic has been chosen in Lent Term, a subject specialist will be appointed. From Easter until June, students can concentrate full time on the thesis.

The course structure allows great flexibility in combining areas and approaches. It provides for tailored combinations of work in any of the areas of theoretical, applied, and descriptive linguistics, ranging for instance from formal semantics to experimental phonetics and phonology, from language acquisition to computational linguistics, and from Welsh syntax to the history of linguistics in France. A piece of work may have as its focus the development of an argument in linguistic theory, the description of some aspect of a language or its use, the psycholinguistic testing of alternative linguistic analyses, the application of linguistic theory to the history of a language or languages, the acoustic description of sound systems, and so on. The various pieces of work may relate to any language or combination of languages subject to adequate advice and facilities being available for the topic in question. Some students may wish to specialise and opt for a pathway relating to a particular language or language family.

The thesis demands independent study under the guidance of the supervisor and will involve a substantial piece of original research. A proposed title and summary for the 20,000 word thesis, formulated in discussion with the supervisor, must be submitted in mid-February, and this will be subject to approval by the Department of Linguistics, the supervisor, and the Faculty's Degree Committee. Because seminars finish at the end of Lent term, students can then devote themselves full time to research for the thesis during the Easter vacation and the Easter Term (April to June). The thesis is submitted on the seventh Friday of Easter Full Term, and about two to three weeks later there may be an oral examination on the thesis at the discretion of the examiners.

Most of the following Lent Term research seminars will be available in any given year:

• Formal syntax
• Phonological theory
• Morphology
• Experimenting with Meaning
• Experimental phonetics and phonology
• Diachronic syntax
• History of Ideas on Language
• Semantics, Pragmatics and Philosophy
• Psychological processes
• Computational linguistics
• Language acquisition
• Multilingualism in Children and Adults

The thesis will normally be based on one of these seminars. In addition students will give an oral presentation on the topic of a second seminar at the end of Lent Term. The presentation should aim at the general audience rather than subject specialists. The presentation will be assessed on the content by the subject specialist and on presentation by two other members of the Faculty.

The following language-specific pathways will normally be available:

• Celtic
• English
• Germanic
• Romance
• French
• Hispanic
• Italian
• Slavonic

To fulfil a pathway, a student must write the MPhil thesis and at least two of the essays on a topic which is clearly within the language area chosen. The choice of courses attended in Michaelmas and Lent Terms will reflect that pathway. Following a pathway in 'language X' will allow the student to opt, if he or she wishes, for the informal designation of the degree as 'MPhil in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics (X)', where 'X' might be 'Slavonic' or 'French'). (Formally, however, the University merely awards the degree of MPhil.)

Feedback

Termly supervision reports are written and are made available to the student online.  Feedback on the essays and thesis is provided in the form of a written report.

Assessment

Thesis

Students submit a thesis of no more than 20,000 words. The examiners have the option to conduct an oral examination with the candidate.

Exceptional candidates, with the agreement of the Degree Committee, may be examined by one thesis of 30,000 words, in place of the 20,000 word thesis, four essays, and presentation described. 

Essays

Students write three 2,000 word essays to set titles, and one 4,000 word research essay on a topic of their own choosing.

Other

Students make an oral presentation in the Lent Term on the second of their subject options.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Sample of Work. Approx 3000 word writing sample in English, normally on a topic in or relevant to linguistics.
• Personal Reference. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships
• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).  To be considered for AHRC funding, you must apply by the relevant deadline. 
• The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).  No separate application is necessary.

The Master of Philosophy in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at the University of Cambridge is a graduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of modern linguistics. This program aims to equip students with advanced analytical skills and a deep knowledge of linguistic phenomena across different languages and contexts. Students will explore core areas such as syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, and pragmatics, while also engaging with applied topics like language acquisition, computational linguistics, and language technology. The course typically involves a combination of taught modules, seminars, and a significant research component culminating in a dissertation. The program is highly suitable for students seeking a strong foundation for further research or careers in academia, language technology industries, or language policy and planning. Cambridge's faculty includes leading linguists and researchers who provide expert supervision and mentorship. The university's rich linguistic resources, including special collections and cutting-edge laboratories, support the program’s research activities. Applicants are expected to have a solid background in linguistics or related fields, and proficiency in at least one language other than English is often recommended. The program duration is generally one year full-time. Graduates of the course often proceed to doctoral studies or employment in sectors such as education, computational linguistics, translation, and international communication. With its rigorous curriculum and vibrant academic community, the Theoretical and Applied Linguistics program at Cambridge offers an immersive environment for students passionate about understanding human language and applying linguistic principles to solving real-world challenges.