The MPhil in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at the University of Cambridge offers an intensive and comprehensive exploration of the core areas of linguistics, combining rigorous academic research with practical applications. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the fundamental principles of language structure, usage, and cognition, as well as those interested in applying linguistic theory to real-world problems such as language learning, computational linguistics, and language technology.

Throughout the course, students will engage with a broad range of topics including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, as well as psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics. Emphasising a multi-disciplinary approach, the programme encourages students to explore the intersections between linguistics and fields such as cognitive science, computer science, anthropology, and philosophy. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and research competence, preparing graduates for doctoral studies, careers in academia, or roles within industry sectors that require advanced linguistic expertise.

Students will participate in advanced seminars, workshops, and independent research projects guided by leading experts from Cambridge’s world-renowned Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages. The programme involves coursework assessments, a dissertation, and opportunities for collaborative research with academic and industry partners. The teaching faculty is committed to personalized supervision, ensuring that each student’s research interests are supported and developed.

Graduates of the programme will be equipped with a deep understanding of both theoretical frameworks and practical methodologies in linguistics. They will have developed skills in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. The MPhil in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics offers a challenging academic environment that cultivates innovative thinking and prepares students for further academic pursuits such as PhD study, or for careers in research, education, technology, and language policy.

The programme is delivered on the University of Cambridge's historic and inspiring campus, offering access to extensive linguistic resources and a vibrant academic community. With its blend of theoretical grounding and applied focus, this MPhil provides an ideal platform for students seeking to advance their knowledge and impact in the diverse field of linguistics.

Feedback

Feedback on progress is provided through regular meetings with the Supervisor.  Termly supervision reports are written and are made available to the student online.  

Assessment

Thesis

There is a normal word limit for the thesis of 80,000 words (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography). The thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning through the discovery of new knowledge or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of new theory, revision of older views or some combination of these. In writing the thesis you are expected to take account of previously published work on the subject and the thesis should be clearly and accurately written, paying due attention to English style and grammar. Candidates for the PhD in Cambridge are guided by a supervisor, though they will normally also discuss their work with a number of other experts in their field.

 Following submission of the thesis, an oral (viva) examination is held.

Other

Annual progress interviews for all PhD students should normally take place between the start of the Easter term and the end of the academic year. The annual interviews constitute a system for the formal monitoring by the Degree Committee of the progress of all students working towards a PhD.

Graduate students are admitted in the first instance for a probationary period during which they are not registered as a candidate for the PhD degree. The first-year interview is the context in which registration as a candidate for the PhD is formally considered. Satisfactory progress is a condition for being registered as a doctoral student and for remaining on the register.

• 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
• Research Proposal. 500-1000 word research proposal
• Sample of Work. Approximately 5,000-10,000 word writing sample in English.  The sample can be either an essay produced during masters-level studies or a section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work. 
• 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

Financing studies in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at the University of Cambridge typically involve a combination of tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and additional funding options. As a leading institution, Cambridge offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs to support both domestic and international students. The tuition fees for postgraduate programs are set annually and differ depending on the student's residency status and specific course requirements. International students usually pay higher fees compared to UK residents. In addition to tuition, students should budget for living expenses, including accommodation, food, travel, books, and personal expenses, which vary depending on the student's lifestyle and accommodation choice. The university provides various funding opportunities such as the Cambridge Trusts, Gates Scholars Program, and subject-specific scholarships that cover tuition fees and provide stipends for living costs. Applicants are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government scholarships, research council grants, and private foundations. Students may also consider part-time work opportunities on or near campus to supplement their income, adhering to visa restrictions for international students. The University offers financial advice and support services to help students plan their finances and access available funding sources effectively. Prospective students are advised to check the official university website and department pages regularly for updated information on funding deadlines and application procedures. Overall, financing a degree in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at Cambridge requires careful planning and proactive engagement with available funding options to ensure that financial considerations do not hinder academic pursuits.

Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at the University of Cambridge offers students an in-depth exploration of language structure, use, and acquisition. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of linguistics, combining both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Students are engaged in the study of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, gaining insight into how languages operate and are processed in the mind. The course also covers historical linguistics, language evolution, and sociolinguistics, enabling students to analyze language variation and change across different social and cultural contexts.

Participants have the opportunity to investigate the cognitive processes involved in language comprehension and production, often through experimental and computational methods. The program emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and analytical techniques, preparing students for careers in academia, language technology, education, speech therapy, translation, and interpretation. The faculty comprises leading experts in various fields of linguistics, offering mentorship and fostering an intellectually stimulating environment.

The applied component of the course emphasizes language learning and teaching, language assessment, and technological advancements such as natural language processing and artificial intelligence related to language. Students might engage in developing language resources, conducting empirical research, and applying linguistic theories to solve real-world problems. The program typically includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual research projects, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates the student’s mastery of a specific linguistic topic.

Students are encouraged to participate in conferences, publish research, and collaborate with fellow scholars. The program is suitable for students with a keen interest in understanding how language functions both from a theoretical and an applied perspective. Graduates often continue their studies at the doctoral level, work in linguistic research centers, or enter industries related to language technology, education, and communication. Overall, Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at Cambridge aims to produce flexible thinkers equipped with a profound understanding of language for diverse academic and professional pursuits.