MPhil in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics by thesis

The MPhil by Thesis is offered by the Linguistics Section within the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics (MMLL) as a full-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge.

The course aims:

• to give students with a strong background in linguistics the opportunity to experience the kind of independent, focused research they would pursue in a PhD;
• to provide students with the necessary background in linguistic theory and related topics at an intermediate and advanced level using a range of approaches and methodologies;
• to give students the opportunity to acquire expertise in their specific research interests in part by offering the opportunity of specialisation through pathways in the linguistics of particular languages (eg English, Romance, Celtic etc.), or areas such as applied linguistics;
• to provide foundations for continuation to PhD research;
• to offer the opportunity to participate in research culture within and beyond the Faculty, by attending and contributing to postgraduate seminars and reading groups

By the end of the programme students will have developed:

• a deeper knowledge and understanding of linguistic theories and problems addressed in cutting-edge research in theoretical and applied linguistics and related areas;
• the skill of critically assessing current research and methods in theoretical and applied linguistics and related areas;
• the methodological and other technical skills necessary for research in their chosen area;
• improved presentation skills through presenting their research in progress; and
• the skills and confidence to engage in scholarly debate.

These outcomes are achieved through participation in lectures, research seminars, individual supervisions, and additionally through subject reading groups, discussion groups and meetings of scholarly societies.

In addition to these subject-specific skills, the following general transferable skills are also acquired.