About This Course
Bangor University’s Masters in Linguistics explores a range of empirical, theoretical, and conceptual aspects in Linguistics, preparing you for a career in linguistics research and professional careers in related fields such as language education, translation, publishing, and language policy or planning.
Learn to understand language from multiple perspectives and analyse linguistic data using a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques that will enable you to explore language structure, meaning, and use. A distinctive feature of this degree is its broad focus on bilingualism and multilingualism, where several aspects of linguistics interact across cognitive, social, and behavioural dimensions. You will also explore how linguistic research advances our understanding of human language, how it is acquired, its role in social interaction and how it is used in different communicative settings.
This MA in Linguistics offers flexible study pathways, a pathway for students who have a BA in Linguistics and want to pursue more advanced studies in the discipline, and a pathway for students with an undergraduate degree in any other subject wishing to achieve a qualification in linguistics.
During your degree you will have the opportunity to study several topics in Linguistics such as:
- Psycholinguistics
- 1st and 2nd Language acquisition
- Sociolinguistics
- Language and communication
- Discourse analysis
- Historical linguistics
- Bilingualism and multilingualism
- Language disorders
You will also have access to our state-of-the-art learning facilities which include:
- A recording studio and speech laboratory
- An eye tracking laboratory
- An event-related potential (ERP) laboratory
- Dedicated software and resources.
At Bangor University, you’ll join a welcoming community where staff take the time to get to know you and your goals, supporting you to grow both academically and professionally. Our team bring their research directly into the classroom, ensuring your learning is always current, relevant, and connected to the real world.
Why choose MA Linguistics at Bangor University?
- Benefit from our specialist strength in bilingualism and multilingualism, studying in a thriving bilingual community.
- Access state‑of‑the‑art resources including a recording studio, speech lab, eye‑tracking and ERP labs.
- Explore language through empirical, theoretical and applied approaches, developing the tools to analyse how language is structured, used and interpreted.
- Learn in a supportive academic community where staff bring their latest research and real‑world insight directly into your teaching.
Graduate Profile: Elham Taheri
My name is Elham Taheri, and I have studied applied linguistics for Tefal teaching English as a foreign language.
First of all, I enjoyed being taught by very professional teachers.
Of course, I have studied English language before, but this time it was more professional and I loved that.
It's a cosy place and a friendly one.
And the course, because it has both theoretical parts and practical part is really helped me.
I learnt a lot, not only in classes but also in the practical situations, using the theories that are used in my classes.
And as I said, because of the professional teachers here, I learnt a lot
Right now, exactly. After I finished my course here, I moved to London and fortunately found a job in a college in London.
I didn't think I did that easy, but fortunately because I was graduating from Bangor university,
it was easy for me to find a job and I loved my job as a teacher.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
Throughout this MA in Linguistics, you will develop valuable practical skills, strengthen your analytical and research capabilities, and gain experience in a wide range of communication and presentation formats, including written, spoken and digital outputs.
Compulsory Modules
Foundations of Linguistics - Delve into the discipline of language science, covering key ideas and methodologies in the study of meaning, grammar and sound.
*Students with prior coursework in linguistics may be able to substitute Foundations of Linguistics for the equivalent number of credits from our list of Optional Modules.
Linguistics Research Methods - This module provides the necessary foundations, training and tools to design and carry out qualitative, quantitative, experimental or ethnographic research within linguistics, as well as the training and experience to develop, design and carry out an independent Master’s level research-based dissertation project employing the usual conventions in linguistic / applied linguistic literature.
MA/MSc Dissertation - Conduct a small-scale, yet significant piece of individual research to an advanced level and write a 15-20,000-word dissertation on it. Working closely with an academic supervisor whose research interests best and/or most closely aligns with your chosen topic, you’ll refine your research question, survey relevant literature, plan the project and decide on a methodology. With expert guidance, you’ll consider the need for ethical approval and act accordingly, collect and analyse data (depending on the nature of the research) utilising an appropriate analytic framework, and write up the project to form the dissertation which will address the research question in light of the findings.
Optional Modules
Optional modules may vary from year to year, they typically include topics such as:
- Language and Communication
- Historical Linguistics
- Psycholinguistics
- Language Change
- Language Policy & Planning
- Child Language Acquisition
- Language Disorders & Bilingualism
- Bilingualism and Acquisition Issues
- Speech Science
- Phonology in Bilinguals
- L2 Speech Learning
- Welsh Linguistics
- Cognitive Discourse Analysis
- Using Corpora: Theory & Practice
- EFL Theory
- SLA and Language Teaching
- Teaching EFL
- Language Technologies/Technolegau Iaith
Non-native English speakers may be asked to take zero-credit courses with ELCOS to help with their English, unless exempted by their tutor.
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change.
This course will be taught through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Oral work
- Computer exercises
- Self-study
- Field study
Teaching and learning methods used vary according to the subject matter.
Assessment will involve a mixture of:
- Unseen exams
- Take home exams
- Essays or Reports
- Oral Presentations
- Computer Exercises
- Article Reviews
- Class tests
This information is for guide purposes only and may be subject to change.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Linguistics MA Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
A 2.ii undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (e.g. Linguistics, Modern Languages, Translation, Psychology, English Language/Literature, English Education/English Language education).
Applicants with equivalent qualifications or experience and applications from working professionals with non-graduate qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact us for more information.
For students whose first language is not English an IELTS score of at least 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is required.
Careers
A Master’s in Linguistics at Bangor University gives you advanced knowledge of how language is structured, acquired and used, while developing highly sought‑after research and analytical skills.
This postgraduate degree prepares you for a wide range of linguistics‑related careers, including roles in communications, education, language technology, publishing and research. The transferable skills developed such as critical thinking, data analysis, problem‑solving, and advanced written and verbal communication are valued in sectors including advertising, journalism, media, consultancy and beyond.
For those interested in an academic or research‑focused career, the MA Linguistics provides an excellent pathway to doctoral study, some students choose to continue their studies through a PhD in Linguistics at Bangor University.
