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Linguistics – (M.A.)
School of Oriental and African Studies
Faculty of Languages and Cultures
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| Application Deadline: | June 30 | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 5,641 - ≈ € 15,000 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | London / United Kingdom / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 12 months | Start Date: | September |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of School of Oriental and African Studies
Modern linguistics is the scientific study of all aspects of the world’s languages from their sound systems and grammatical structure through to the interaction of language with culture, the study of meaning in language, and the use of language in modern technology. Linguists try to establish what types of structures are shared by different languages and the extent to which language may differ from each other.
MA Linguistics at SOAS is a modular programme which combines the intensive study of the core areas of formal linguistics - phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics - with a choice of options in different areas of the discipline. The programme is run on a modular basis to suit the needs of the following four categories of students:
- Those with a degree in linguistics who wish to pursue more regional and language-based study;
- Those with a degree in linguistics who wish to pursue more research-oriented topics before proceeding to a research degree;
- Those with little or no previous training in linguistics who wish to acquire a knowledge of the discipline;
- Those with little or no previous training in linguistics who wish to take the degree as a conversion course before; proceeding to a research degree.
The course can be taken full time over one calendar year or part time over two or three years (daytime only.) The taught part of the course consists of core lectures which introduce basic concepts, theory and methodology; and additional seminars which extend the core material into other areas. A 10,000-word dissertation written over the summer offers students the opportunity to develop original research in an area of special interest.
MA Linguistics is for students who would like to acquire general postgraduate-level training in formal linguistics (perhaps as preparation for further training or research).
Contents
This track is for students who would like to acquire general postgraduate-level training in formal linguistics (perhaps as preparation for further training or research). The core courses are:
- Phonology (Masters) and Advanced Phonology (0.5 unit each), are intended to introduce students to the general principles and properties which characterise (i) possible sound systems in human languages and (ii) the structures and processes which build words and determine their realisation. Topics covered include: the scope of phonology and morphology; theoretical foundations; the nature of phonological and morphological representations – units, constituents and structure; inflectional and derivational morphology; the phonology-lexical interface.
- Syntax (Masters) (0.5 unit) plus one more 0.5 unit course in syntax or semantics (see below). The syntax courses address questions of the nature of grammatical representations, the relationship between morphemes, words, grammatical structures and their corresponding semantic counterparts. Syntactic constructions across different languages are investigated, introducing the fundamental concepts of syntactic theory within the generative paradigm.
- Topics in Lexical Semantics (Masters) (0.5 unit). The course examines a range of core topics concerning word meaning and how this is related to sentence meaning in contemporary semantics, with the focus both on understanding the analytical issues and on the tools for their description. The course introduces basic concepts in semantics including sense, denotation and reference, and the kinds of meanings associated with predicates. With regard to the meaning of sentences, the topics of thematic roles, event structure, tense and aspect are introduced.
- One extra course in syntax or semantics: Advanced Syntax, Dynamic Syntax, or Issues in Semantics.
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationRequirements
Applicants should have a first or good second class honours bachelors degree from a UK university, or equivalent, in a subject appropriate to that of the programme to be followed. As an approximate comparison, an equivalent BA from a US university would have a Grade Point Average of either 3.3 or 3.5 depending on the awarding university. If an applicant does not have a bachelors degree in an appropriate field s/he may be required to complete a qualifying year or a one year diploma before entering the masters programme. Relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration. Individual courses may have specific entry requirements, so you are advised to consult the postgraduate prospectus for further information.
English language requirements
In order to ensure that SOAS students have a sufficient standard of English to study effectively, we require overseas students to submit evidence, during the application process, of their current level of proficiency.
Score for Unconditional Entry
- IELTS: Overall 7+ with at least 7 in all sub scores
- TOEFL: iBT105+ with at least 25 in all sub scores
- Pearson Test of English - Academic: Score of 75 or above with at least 70 in all sub scores
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 7.0 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 105 |
Funding details
Scholarships and BursariesThere are some scholarships and bursaries available for postgraduate students. These are very competitive and early application is advised.
Loans
Another way to fund your studies is through educational loans. Some high street banks offer loans for education. The other option is a career development loan. Before taking out a loan ensure that you understand what the repayments will be and that you will be able to afford them.
Professional and Career Development LoansA Professional and Career Development Loan is a bank loan for UK students designed to help you pay for your course. Repayments start one month after you complete your course. You can borrow between £300 and £8,000. The bank will approve your loan according to your credit rating.
US Federal LoansEligible US students can apply for Stafford Federal Loans, Federal Plus and private loans to cover their tuition and maintenance costs.
The Registry Fees and Scholarship section can also certify student registration for other loans, such as Canadian educational loans.
Please contact:
- Registry Fees Section if you have any queries on educational loans or fees for degree courses.
- Noel Connaughton for fees information for occasional courses, certificates and diplomas.
- CEFIMS for fees information for distance learning courses.
Other Sources of Funding
Useful funding information can also be found at:
- Hotcourses Scholarship Search
- HERO funding information for research students
Interested? Request information!
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