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Please note that this programme will not be running in 2021/22
The Linguistics with a specialisation in Pragmatics MA is a research-oriented programme designed for students looking for a concentrated course in pragmatics, with particular, but by no means exclusive, focus on the relevance-theoretic approach developed by Dan Sperber, Deirdre Wilson and Robyn Carston.
Key Information
Modes and duration
Note on fees: The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Current Students website.
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required.
English Language Requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
See below for short videos on studying Linguistics and Language Sciences at UCL and a guided tour of Chandler House, home of UCL Linguistics:
UCL Language Sciences – Chandler House Tour
Further information on the degree programme can be found here:
- Context
Key Information
Programme starts
September 2019
Location: London, BloomsburyWhy study this degree at UCL?
The UCL Division of Psychology & Language Sciences undertakes world-leading research and teaching in mind, behaviour, and language. More specifically, UCL Linguistics is a leading department for research in communication and pragmatics in the UK and its staff include world leaders in theoretical pragmatics and in experimental pragmatics.
Our work attracts staff and students from around the world. Together they create an outstanding and vibrant environment, taking advantage of cutting-edge resources such as a behavioural neuroscience laboratory, a centre for brain imaging, and extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, cognition, and communication.
Our world-class research is characterised by a tight integration of theoretical and experimental work spanning the full width of the linguistic enterprise and forms the bedrock of the department’s eminent reputation which is also reflected in other markers of excellence such as its editorial involvement with top journals in the field.
Department: Division of Psychology & Language Sciences
Student / staff ratios › 181 staff including 173 postdocs › 780 taught students › 440 research students
Research Excellence Framework (REF)
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Psychology & Language Sciences
83% rated 4* (world-leading) or 3* (internationally excellent)Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
You can see a recording of the talk given by Professor Noam Chomsky when he visited us in October 2011.
- Content and Structure
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of four obligatory core modules (60 credits), two non-obligatory core modules (30 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a disssertation/report (60 credits).
Teaching and Learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group teaching (tutorials or backup classes) and a virtual learning environment. Some modules also involve workshops or practical classes. Assessment is through take home and unseen examination, essays, presentations, assignments and the dissertation.
Detailed module descriptions are available at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pals/linguistics-plin-modules
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.
Obligatory Modules
The programme has the following obligatory components:
Code Title Credit value
(1 ECTS point = 2.5 UCL credits)PLIN0010 Intermediate Pragmatics 15 PLIN0018 Issues in Pragmatics 15 PLIN0050 Studies in Pragmatic Research (Pragmatics Research Seminar) 15 PLIN0019 Semantic-Pragmatic Development 15 PLIN0060 Dissertation in Linguistics - Advanced Level 60 In addition, and in consultation with the programme director, students choose four further 15-credit modules from a range of options (NB options offered may change year on year).
- Staff
Programme Director: Prof Robyn Carston
Academic staff teaching in the area of specialisation:
Other academic staff teaching in linguistics:
- Dr Klaus Abels
- Dr Wing Yee Chow
- Dr Bronwen Evans
- Prof John Harris
- Prof Ad Neeleman
- Prof Andrew Nevins
- Dr Andrea Santi
- Dr Kriszta Szendroi
- Dr Hans van de Koot
- Dr Jamie White
NB: staff may occasionally be absent for a term or more on research or other leave.
In addition, we can call on the support of Teaching Fellows and Postgraduate Teaching Assistants.
- Application and Entry
Start of programme
- September intake only
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
Who can apply?
The programme is designed for students with a background in linguistics, cognitive science or philosophy of language, who wish to pursue an interest in pragmatics.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 26 July 2019
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Linguistics with a specialisation in Pragmatics at graduate level
- why you want to study Linguistics with a specialisation in Pragmatics at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this rigorous programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
This programme is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree focusing on theoretical linguistics. Students who completed an undergraduate degree in other subject areas should apply for the MA Linguistics conversion programme.
- Fees and Funding
UK/EU national may be eligible to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000 to help with fees and living costs. Learn more about postgraduate loans.
UCL Scholarships
For information on general scholarship opportunities, please select the link below:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/scholarships/graduate- Careers
Careers
Although the degree can be an end in itself, this advanced programme is an excellent preparation for independent doctoral research in pragmatics. Graduates from our specialised Master's programmes in Linguistics have a very strong track record of securing funded doctoral studentships at institutions and have in recent years gone on to research at MIT, Cambridge, UCL, University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona.
Employability
This Linguistics MA equips graduates with the necessary skills to carry out research in the specialised subject of pragmatics.
- Open Days
If you are considering applying for the MA Linguistics degree programme but are unable to visit us on a Chandler House Open Day, it may be possible to arrange a guided tour of our building at other dates between mid-November and mid-July. Please contact enquiries-linguistics@pals.ucl.ac.uk.
- Contact
- FAQs
QuestionDo you accept part-time students on the MA Linguistics programme?
Answer
Yes, you can study the programme on a part-time basis over two calendar years, e.g. from September 2012 to September 2014. However, please note that classes may be scheduled between 9 am and 6 pm from Monday to Friday.
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Question
Is this programme or any of the modules available online or by distance learning?
Answer
No, students have to attend classes in person.
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Question
Do you have any Open Days?
Answer
Yes, we do have an Open Day, usually at the end of June. We can also arrange individual visits - please send your cv and a short personal statement regarding your interest in the MA Linguistics to enquiries-linguistics@pals.ucl.ac.uk.
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