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MA Linguistics

Please note, this course is scheduled to launch in September 2011.

Introduction

The course is hosted by the Department of English, Linguistics and Cultural Studies and is based in the University of Westminster’s flagship building at 309 Regent Street. The department has a long tradition of Linguistics teaching and research going back some forty years, with particular expertise in Creole linguistics and the teaching of phonetics. The MA Linguistics focuses on a formal theoretical approach to the structure of human language, both phonology and syntax, with the opportunity to take a variety of more applied linguistic modules that will develop the theoretical understanding and enhance your future employability.

The course will give you a sound understanding of the underlying workings of human language and is suitable for students who have studied linguistics modules at Undergraduate level and others who have not necessarily studied linguistics previously but who have pursued allied disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, the teaching of English as a foreign language.

Course content

The aim of the MA Linguistics is to offer a broad-based educational experience with a range of choices, including interdisciplinary study. Alongside a core provision, option modules offer you the chance to specialise in areas of particular personal and/or professional interest. If studying full-time, you will study 180 credits in one academic year; if part-time, you will normally complete 180 credits in two academic years.

You will study three core modules (20 credits each): Syntactic Theory, Advanced Syntactic Theory (this module also investigates interface with Semantics), Phonology (which also explores interface with Morphology) or Phonetics. Additionally, you will submit a 60 credit Dissertation, and choose a further 3 modules from the 20 credit option modules listed below.

Core Modules

  • Advanced Syntactic Theory
  • Dissertation
  • Phonetics
  • Phonology
  • Syntactic Theory

 

Option Modules

  • Creole Linguistics
  • Cross-Cultural Communication
  • English Language Teaching Methodology: Theory and Practice
  • History of the English Language
  • Languages for Specific Purposes
  • Materials Development
  • Media and Technology
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Testing and Assessment
  • Translation Theory
  • Written Discourse Analysis

Note, not all option modules will be offered in any one year

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is delivered in a number of ways. The main mode is weekly two or three hour sessions for each module, which include  a variety of activities, such as tutorials, seminars, practical sessions and workshops. There is also independent student directed study, including work for the Dissertation. You will be prepared for the Dissertation via structured sessions in research methodology.

Assessment is through a variety of modes depending on the nature of the module and in particular its practical or theoretical focus. These include submitted coursework in the form of essays, reviews and exercises. There are no formal examinations, as the course team believes that time limited examinations are not appropriate in assessing the higher order skills of analysis, comprehension and reflection which this programme seeks to encourage.

Entry requirements

You will normally be required to have a good first degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. If your first language is not English you must have an IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.0, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level. You will also be required to give two academic references and to attend an interview (if you are resident in the UK) or submit a 1500 word sample essay (if you are resident overseas).

Associated careers

The MA Linguistics is intended to provide you with sophisticated analytical skills and a widely applicable knowledge base to enable further study at MPhil or PhD levels with a view to pursuing an academic career. It is also particularly relevant to teaching English as a first or foreign language and to a range of professions involving language, communication, or many other facets of human language explored during this course.

Related courses

Additional Information

For course specific enquiries please contact the course leader: 

Dr K U Ihemere

Telephone: +44 (0)207 911 5000 (extension 5870)

Email: k.ihemere@westminster.ac.uk

Apply for this course

Applications should be made via UKPASS