MA Linguistics and Intensive Language

Mode of Attendance: Full-time

This two-year programme is meant for students who wish to combine rigorous training in the discipline of linguistics, with the intensive study of one or more African or Asian languages. At the end of the programme, students will be able to embark on professional careers in language-related fields with emphasis on the region in which the language chosen for the programme is spoken. They will also be able to undertake further study, e.g. for a research degree in linguistics.

May be combined with:

The following Intensive Language pathways are available with the MA Linguistics:

• Arabic
• Japanese
• Korean
• Persian
• South-East Asian Languages: Burmese, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese
• Swahili
• Turkish

Who is this programme for?

The programme is run on a modular basis to suit students with little or no training in linguistics who:

• Wish to acquire a more profound knowledge of the discipline or take the degree as a conversion course before proceeding to a research degree.
• Are looking to gain a working knowledge of an Asian, Middle Eastern or African language.

Structure

Students must take 315 credits in total, comprised of 255 taught credits (45 of which are taught abroad as part of a Summer School) and a 60-credit dissertation as outlined below.

In their first year, students on the two-year Intensive Language programmes take 60 credits of intensive language instruction and 60 credits in the discipline. During the summer, they participate in a Summer School abroad. In the second year, they take another 30 language credits as well as 60 credits in the discipline; they also complete their dissertation in the discipline.

There are two different pathways for the Linguistics component of this programme: one for students with a background in Linguistics, and one for students who have no previous knowledge of the subject.

Two years with a background in Linguistics

Year 1

Language Component - Students choose modules to the value of 60 credits in the selected language

Plus

• Research methods in linguistics 1

Plus choose modules to the value of 45 credits from 'List A'

Plus

Students participate in a 'Summer School' in the selected language

Year 2

Discipline Component

Students select modules to the value of 30 credits from 'List A' below

Language Component

Students choose modules to the value of 30 credits in the selected language

Plus

'Open Options' to the value of 30 credits

Or

Select more modules to the value of 30 credits from 'List A'

• Dissertation in Linguistics

Two years without a background in Linguistics

Year 1 (two years full-time)

Students without a background in Linguistics

• Introduction to the Study of Language
• Research methods in linguistics 1

Discipline Component

Students select a module to the value of 15 credits from 'List A' below

Plus

Language Component

Students select language modules to the value of 60 credits, please see the 'combinations' tab

Plus

Students participate in a 'Summer School' in the selected language

Year 2

Discipline Component

Students select modules to the value of 30 credits from 'List A' below

Plus

Language Component

Students select language modules to the value of 30 credits

Plus

'Open Options' to the value of 30 credits

Or

Select another 30 credits from 'List A'

• Dissertation in Linguistics

List A

• Guided Options
  • Historical Linguistics (Masters)
  • Language, Society and Communication (Masters)
  • Linguistic Typology (Masters)
  • Research methods in linguistics 2
  • Translating Cultures 1
  • Translation Technology
  • Working with language consultants
  • Language Planning and Policy
  • Language support and revitalisation
  • Introduction to Language Documentation and Description

Important notice

The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session.

Employment

Many linguistics graduates continue their studies and go to do a PhD, either at SOAS or elsewhere. Others work in the domains of education, translation, information and media technology, journalism, publishing, consultancy for law and medicine, product-naming companies, as well as governmental organisations concerned with language planning, language policy and foreign affairs.