Ph.D Programmes

It is possible to join the Ph.D. programme after completing the M.A. in Linguistics at Bangor or elsew esrc logo here, or by transferring from the M.A. to the Ph.D. programme if agreed by the M.A. Board of Examiners. Students accepted on the Ph.D. programme have probationary status for the first year, after which their status will be confirmed subject to satisfactory completion of the requirements outlined below.

PhD. in Linguistics: Students preparing for the Ph.D. in Linguistics usually take an M.A. in Linguistics (or Applied Linguistics) first, either at Bangor or elsewhere.

Ph.D in Bilingualism: This is a degree scheme which is especially designed for those wishing to write their thesis on the topic of bilingualism. Like the Ph.D. in Linguistics it is designed to follow on from the M.A. in Linguistics or Applied Linguistics, including the module on Bilingualism. It includes both subject-specific and generic research training. This degree scheme entails the possibility of the student being part of an AHRC project awarded to Dr. M. Deuchar and entitled "Convergence and code-switching in Welsh: a universal vs. a typological model?" All students specialising in bilingualism will also be members of the Bilingualism Research Group attached to the Wales Institute for Social and Cultural Affairs (WISCA). See:
http://www.bangor.ac.uk/wisca/site_english/research/res_groups/bilingual.htm.

Year One (Years One and Two for part-time students)
On beginning the Ph.D. programme, a supervisory committee will be set up for each student consisting of the Postgraduate Programme Director as chair, the student's main supervisor and a second supervisor. Where the Postgraduate Programme Director is the main supervisor, the Head of Department will act as chair.

By week 3 of the first semester after the student's registration, this committee will have produced a written document for the student's file, outlining work which the student is expected to have completed by the end of the first semester (two semesters in the case of part-time students), such as a review of the literature on their chosen topic, and a report on their pilot study. The document will include recommendations for any linguistics or research training modules to be attended during the year.

The student should see their main supervisor at least once every two weeks (once every month for part-time students) and their second supervisor at least once per semester. The main supervisor is responsible for writing a report for the student's file at the end of the semester (two semesters in the case of part-time students) stating whether the student's work has been satisfactorily completed, and what their target work should be in the second semester.

By week 5 of the second semester after registration (fourth in the case of part-time students) the student should submit a draft thesis chapter and one-page thesis outline to their supervisory committee. This work will be discussed at a meeting with the student before the end of the semester. The supervisory committee will then write a joint report either removing the probationary status of the student, or indicating what requirements have first to be satisfied.

Graduate Programme Transferable Skills – Students must take 30 credits from the Graduate Programme in their First Year. For more information see the Handbook.

Year Two (Years Three and Four for part-time students)
During this year the student should aim to complete a first draft of their dissertation. They should normally also give an oral presentation at the Linguistics Circle research seminar. At the end of the year the supervisory committee should write a joint report for the student's file on the extent to which these requirements have been met.

Year Three (Years Five and Six for part-time students)
The completed thesis should be submitted and examined during this year.

Length of thesis :

There is no prescribed length, but the norm is between 80,000 and 100,000 words (350-400 pages).

Period of study:

Full-time: 3-4 years
Part-time: 5-7 years