Linguistics

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The Department of Language and Linguistic Science offers a number of modular Taught MA of 180 credits. The courses aim to give a general foundation in the central areas of modern linguistics, while at the same time allowing students to develop their own particular areas of specialism and interest. They aim partly to impart knowledge, and partly to introduce the methods, tools and modes of thinking which characterise the pursuit of academic research.

The MA in Linguistics has recognition from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for the ESRC's 1+3 Funding Scheme. This means that it is recognised as providing appropriate research training in linguistics, and serves as the foundation for a PhD in Linguistics. Applications made to the ESRC for this funding cover the MA and a subsequent 3-year PhD programme in the Department, subject so satisfactory progress.

Our MA programmes in Linguistics, Phonetics & Phonology, Language Variation & Change and Syntax & Semantics have the structure set out below.

Term 1:

* Core Phonetics & Phonology (10 credits)
* Core Syntax (10 credits)
* Core Language Variation & Change (10 credits)
* Core Semantics (10 credits)

Term 2:

* Option 1 (20 credits)
* Option 2 (20 credits)

Term 3 + summer vacation:

* Specific training and dissertation (80 credits)

Terms 1-3:

* Research training (10 credits)
* Seminar presentation training (10 credits)

Term 2 Options

In the second term, students take two 20-credit modules. These may either be in one specialist area (leading to an MA in a specialist area, i.e. Syntax & Semantics, Language Variation & Change, Phonetics & Phonology, Applied Linguistics) or they may be chosen more freely (leading to an MA in Linguistics). Options available may include:

* Articulatory and Impressionistic Phonetics
* Non-Linear Phonology
* Forensic Phonetics
* Instrumental Phonetics
* The Prosody of English
* Syntactic Theory
* Semantic Theory
* Acquisition of Syntax
* Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar
* Computational Syntax & Semantics
* Syntactic Variation & Change
* Phonological Variation & Change
* Methods in Linguistic Variation
* Second Language Syntax
* Language Variation & Change: Topics in French

Recent dissertation topics

Recent dissertation topics include:

* Variable (u) in York English
* The morphosyntax of Japanese nominal inflection
* Topicalization and split-topicalization in Modern Greek
* Language use/choice, attitudes and identity within a Greek Cypriot
family living in London
* Using adverb positions as a criterion for object-shift in Old English
* Conversational phonetics: the case of `and´
* An analysis of non-standard periphrastic 'do' in Somerset English.
* Quantification and distributivity in Singapore English
* Pronominal Forsm in Questions in Makkau Arabic
* Choice functions and arbitrary objects in the interpretation of PROarb

Students follow a two-term programme of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Term one

Students with appropriate backgrounds may substitute up to 20 credits of the programme with a corresponding directed reading module.

* Core phonetics and phonology10 credits
* Core syntax10 credits
* Core language variation and change10 credits
* Core semantics10 credits

Term two

In the second term you will take two 20-credit modules of your choice. Your options may include:

* Articulatory and impressionistic phonetics
* Instrumental phonetics
* Forensic phonetics
* Phonetics of talk-in-interaction
* Child bilingualism
* Non-linear phonologies
* Second language syntax
* Language and special populations
* Syntactic theory
* Semantic theory
* Formal pragmatics
* The acquisition of syntax
* The prosody of English
* Methods in language variation and change
* Advanced variation theory
* Syntactic variation and change
* Phonological variation and change

For students whose first degree has covered substantial parts of the taught MA modules, modules involving more independent study are available:

* Topics in transformational syntax
* Topics in formal semantics
* Topics in language variation and change
* Topics in phonological analysis
* Topics in phonetics
* Topics in psycholinguistics

Term three and summer vacation

* Specific training and dissertation80 credits

All terms

* Research training10 credits
* Seminar presentation training10 credits

English Language RequirementsThe University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 7.0 (in the 'Academic' test) * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.