Chao Sun, Linguistics MA

How did you know that the MA Linguistics course at UCL was the right course for you?

The MA Linguistics course at UCL offers both a solid foundation in the core areas of linguistics and the chance to explore topics in real depth. The department also has a great balance between empirical research and theoretical work. After the first couple of weeks, once I’d found my footing and tried out the different modules and class formats, I started to really see how well the course and training were structured. I felt that everything fit perfectly, and this was the right place for me. 

What have you gone on to do since graduating? How did the course help you get there?

After completing my MA, I continued my PhD at the same department, focusing on experimental pragmatics. The training and supervision I received during the MA gave me a strong research foundation and the confidence to pursue an academic career. I’m now an Assistant Professor at Peking University in China, and part of my current research still builds on the ideas and methods I first developed during my MA.

What was the student community/social side of things like on the course?

The student community was very supportive. I learned so much from classmates who came from different backgrounds and brought unique perspectives to discussions. The staff genuinely cared about our progress and were always approachable, which made the whole experience very positive.

Were you able to tailor the course to your interests? What did you enjoy the most?

Yes. I really enjoyed being able to choose modules that closely related to the areas I was most interested in. There were also many linguistics seminars and talks to attend, which broadened my perspective. During my MA thesis, I worked closely with my supervisor. It was my first real experience doing research, and I learned a lot from that process.

What advice would you give to students considering applying to the UCL MA Linguistics course?

I’d say it’s a challenging but truly rewarding programme. Be open to exploring different areas of linguistics, and make the most of the supportive community around you. The experience will give you the skills and confidence to take your next step, whether that’s in research or beyond.