Language and Linguistics (MA)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Master the skills of linguistic analysis in a flexible programme taught by leading experts in the field.
Career-focused
Designed for careers requiring language awareness and skills in linguistic analysis.
Expert-led teaching
Our teaching is informed by our research expertise across the breadth of language and linguistics.
Tailor-made
Explore your own interests to suit your career ambitions with our specialisations and optional modules.
Research grounding
Solid training in research foundations and practice.
Set in the internationally respected Centre for Language and Communication Research, our MA in Language and Linguistics delivers solid training in linguistic research methods and applications, plus the freedom to tailor the programme around your research interests and career ambitions. You’ll have the option to choose modules that will allow you to specialise in applied linguistics, sociocultural linguistics or linguistic research methods.
Over the course of your degree, you’ll explore linguistic structures and language functions and acquire an understanding of cutting-edge linguistic theories and methods. You’ll also develop an appreciation of how language interacts with various social factors, applying your knowledge to analyse communication in various communities of practice.
Our staff lead on innovative projects in many different fields, including language acquisition, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, discourse analysis, professional communication, corpus linguistics, systemic functional linguistics and forensic linguistics, hosting a range of reading and research groups in these research fields.
We host talks with visiting academics from around the world, as well as advanced research residencies and occasional summer schools. During your studies, you’ll benefit from this thriving research environment and the support of a range of professionals who will guide your personal and professional development.
Where you'll study
School of English, Communication and Philosophy
Powered by pioneering research, we celebrate curiosity, engage in informed debate and critical analysis, and encourage creative thinking - across and beyond our disciplines.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as English language, English language & literature (combined), linguistics, modern languages, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a 1-year full-time programme. It consists of 2 stages: a taught stage and a dissertation stage.
The taught stage runs across the autumn and spring semesters. During this stage, you’ll take a mixture of core and optional modules totalling 120 credits.
The dissertation stage runs from June until September and can only be undertaken on successful completion of the taught element of the degree. In the dissertation stage, you’ll undertake a research dissertation. You are encouraged to write your dissertation on a topic relevant to your interests or career plans. You begin to plan your dissertation in the second semester, but most of the work on the project is conducted over the summer. During this module, you’ll be supported through regular one-to-one meetings with your supervisor. The dissertation is normally submitted in early September.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
In the first semester, you’ll take a core module designed to help you develop postgraduate level skills in linguistic analysis and research, which are used in all other modules.
In addition, there are three ‘baskets’ of modules. You must take at least one module from the Linguistics Research Skills basket and one from the Applications basket. The third basket is comprised of optional modules. The Linguistics Research Skills basket provides key research skills in either qualitative or quantitative research methods. The Applications basket provides introductions to 3 different linguistic frameworks: language learning and teaching, sociolinguistics and discourse.
For your remaining 60 credits, you can choose any 3 modules from the Linguistics Research Skills basket, the Applications basket, or the Optional basket (which contains a range of optional modules).
This programme structure allows you to choose aspects of language and linguistics that interest you most. Specialisation within the degree can also be achieved through specific module combinations, with scope for specialisation in 3 areas – Linguistic Research Methods, Applied Linguistics and Sociocultural Linguistics.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Foundations in Language and Communication | SET030 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation | SET015 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Discourse and Social Interaction | SET005 | 20 credits |
| Current Issues in Sociolinguistics | SET006 | 20 credits |
| Qualitative Research Methods | SET012 | 20 credits |
| Quantitative Research Methods | SET013 | 20 credits |
| Research Experience in Language and Linguistics | SET031 | 20 credits |
| Phonetics and Phonology | SET033 | 20 credits |
| Language Learning: Theory and Practice | SET036 | 20 credits |
| Public and Professional Discourse | SET041 | 20 credits |
| Corpus Linguistics | SET042 | 20 credits |
| Understanding Language Change | SET043 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
During the taught stage, you’ll be taught mostly through weekly seminars / workshops, where you will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of various topics related to language and linguistics.
You’ll be able to discuss concepts and ideas in small groups and open class discussions, to consolidate and get feedback on your individual learning, and to develop communication skills in informal group discussions and oral presentations. Depending on your prior experience, you might be encouraged to attend the lectures for various undergraduate modules as well.
All modules within the MA in Language and Linguistics make extensive use of the University’s virtual learning environment, Learning Central, where you can access discussion forums and find module materials.
During the dissertation stage, you’ll conduct independent research on a topic of your choice with regular supervision from a member of staff.
How will I be assessed?
The taught modules within this programme are assessed through a variety of methods, including academic essays, linguistic analyses, analytical reports, research projects and oral presentations. The form(s) of assessment for individual modules are set out in the relevant module description. Modules are assessed on the basis of analytical descriptions of oral or written material or other media and/or discursive essays. Following appropriate ethical clearance, you’ll often be encouraged to choose your own material for analysis, or to collect original data, and to relate your analyses to areas of personal interest.
Emphasis in assessment is placed on critical and conceptual sophistication as well as on the production of clear, persuasive and scholarly essays presented in a professional manner and submitted on time.
Formative work is offered for some modules, particularly those in which you may undertake forms of assessment that may be new to you. Other modules offer a series of assignments with the express intention that you might learn cumulatively. Elsewhere, you are encouraged to consult the relevant module leader on the main ideas and plans for your assignments.
How will I be supported?
The subject Director of PGT will provide a contact point for discussion of any problems arising from the programme. You’ll also be assigned a personal tutor for the duration of your studies, who is available to discuss your general academic progress and student experience.
You can have one-to-one discussions with the programme convenor or with other relevant staff during set office hours in teaching weeks.
All staff hold weekly office hours during teaching weeks and you can make appointments to see module leaders one-to-one about any issues. Writing skills support is available to all students from academic staff and via the School’s Writing Development Centre.
Careers support includes one-to-one career planning advice meetings and information about placement opportunities.
Beyond the School, the University offers a range of support services and events to help you plan your career, manage your emotional, mental, and physical health, advise you on finance or money matters, and access support related to disabilities and dyslexia. These services are located at the University’s Centre for Student Life.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this programme describe what you’ll achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
Many of the learning outcomes involve practising skills that are transferable to numerous areas of employment.
On successful completion of your programme you’ll be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of core areas of spoken and written language and the principles of linguistics.
- Identify a range of empirical linguistic phenomena and use the relevant terminology.
- Comprehend the nature of language and meaning in different social and/or professional contexts.
Intellectual Skills:
- Critically evaluate ideas, arguments and empirical research in language and linguistics.
- Explain information and ideas clearly and coherently in written and/or oral formats.
- Sustain a critical argument that is responsive to the particular conventions of the genre.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Evaluate, synthesise and interpret qualitative and / or quantitative linguistic data.
- Design and execute a small-scale independent study.
- Synthesize existing research and present it to an expert and/or non-expert audience.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Develop various employability skills including time management, effective communication and the ability to follow instructions.
- Demonstrate awareness of personal and professional considerations required to conduct research ethically.
- Critically evaluate different sources of information.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £10,700 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £23,700 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
From the public to the private sector, we enable careers in an impressively wide range of fields.
This programme offers preparation for a range of language-related careers. This includes careers where linguistics is used in real-life practical applications, to influence or persuade, inform or educate, from speech and language therapy or teaching to the civil service or local government. It’s also ideal for careers in language and communication research, particularly with an aim to progress to a PhD. It provides an excellent grounding for careers in public communication particularly in the media and creative economies, publishing, education and health sectors.
During your studies, you’ll have access to the services of the University’s Student Futures team, helping you to plan your future careers and offer practical advice on upskilling and career coaching.
Placements
The Research Experience module offers the opportunity to work with a member of staff on an ongoing, authentic research task within part of a larger research study. This is a distinctive form of study and offers the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience and to reflect systematically on that experience. Findings from the Research Experience module will feed directly into ongoing work in the Centre for Language and Communication Research.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
