Language and Linguistics MA at Lancaster University

This flexible programme allows you to develop your specialist interests in a particular area or to combine different areas of study in Language and Linguistics. There is one core module on Research Methods in Linguistics and English Language, which provides an essential grounding in the various research skills and methods involved in studying language.

There is a wide choice of optional modules, enabling you tailor the programme to your own interests. You may choose to specialise in a particular area of Language and Linguistics by selecting modules relating to different themes, including:

• Theoretical and Descriptive Linguistics
• Language and Cognition
• Language in Use/Language in Society
• (Forensic) Speech Science and Technology
• Language, Variation and Change
• Language Learning and Teaching

With research groups in corpus studies, discourse studies, language testing, literacy studies, second language learning and teaching, the opportunities for learning extend far beyond the classroom. Past students tell us that the opportunity to participate in the various activities of our research centres and groups is one of the most valuable aspects of studying in the department.

This programme requires you to complete a 12,500-word dissertation relating to any area of language and linguistics that we teach. Working on your dissertation will help you develop valuable research and transferrable skills which are useful in most careers and of course if you decide to continue to doctoral studies. You may opt to complete an extended dissertation (20,000-25,000 words) subject to satisfactory performance on the programme.

The Department of Linguistics and English Language at Lancaster University is one of the largest in the world, with over forty full-time members of staff specialising in different areas of language and linguistics. We have a proud reputation in teaching and research. The department is ranked 15th in the world for Linguistics in the QS World Rankings 2021. All our teaching is delivered by world-leading experts in language and linguistics.

You will be able to use our state-of-the-art linguistics laboratories, including our Phonetics Lab, our Perception and Learning Lab and our Eye-Tracking Lab.