Linguistics

Entry requirements

It is possible to join the PhD programme after completing an MA at Bangor or elsewhere. Students preparing for the PhD in Linguistics usually take an MA in Linguistics, Bilingualism or Cognitive Linguistics either at Bangor or elsewhere. Students accepted on the PhD programme have probationary status for the first year, after which their status will be confirmed subject to satisfactory completion of the requirements outlined below. Students preparing for the PhD in Linguistics usually take an MA in Anthropological Linguistics, Bilingualism, Cognitive Linguistics, or Linguistics, first, either at Bangor or elsewhere.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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 Director of Graduate Studies as chair, the student’s main supervisor and a second supervisor. Where the Director of Graduate Studies is the main supervisor, the Head of School will act as chair.

By week 6 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 year (two years 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 regularly, as agreed by student and supervisor.

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 a detailed thesis proposal/outline to their supervisory committee. This work will be discussed at a Annual Review meeting held in June, and chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies. 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. An Annual review will take place in June to review progress.

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).

Research Excellence Framework (REF) score

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. Based on the University submission of 14 Units of Assessment, 77% of the research was rated in the top two tiers of research quality, ahead of the average for all UK universities.

Information for international students

For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages on the International Education Centre section of our website.

Fees and funding

Please read our Fees & Finances pages for the most up to date information. You can also find out more about Postgraduate Funding & Scholarships on our website.