English Linguistics MA

The English Linguistics MA provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to describe modern English, together with training in academic writing, linguistic argumentation and research methods. Students have access to a rich range of corpus resources to expand their understanding of syntax, pragmatics, semantics, and historical linguistics. The MA introduces students to the core areas of the study of English Linguistics, including morphology, syntax, phonetics, phonology, pragmatics, and corpus linguistics. The programme develops students' critical thinking skills through interactive class discussions based on authentic linguistic data to explore how the English language works, facilitating students' growth as a researcher.

The programme provides an ideal foundation for those wishing to continue to a research degree in English language or linguistics; students who obtain good results in their MA examinations may be considered for the MPhil/PhD programme at UCL (subject to places being available). Graduates may also become teachers or lecturers of English, or pursue a career in writing, publishing, or editing.

This degree develops your awareness of how the language choices we make have an impact in our professional and personal lives, and thus improves your communication skills. It also teaches you to carry out research projects, critically analyse data, and consult primary and secondary materials, and therefore become adept at consolidating and presenting information from a variety of sources. The theoretical and practical knowledge acquired about the English language also greatly helps teachers and educators by giving them a more solid foundation in the subject matter. These are all relevant transferable skills for a wide variety of career destinations.