Linguistics

Entry requirements

Master's degree (UK or equivalent) in a subject relevant to the proposed research, with an average of at least 60% for UK MAs.

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Applied Linguistics or a related subject, for example Linguistics, Foreign Languages, Education.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance for writing a research proposal can be found on the department's PhD study page.

Months of entry

January, April, July, October

Course content

Complete your PhD with world-leading experts in Linguistics and be part of a thriving department that is ranked 3rd in the world for Linguistics (QS world rankings 2024).

We welcome proposals for doctoral research across any area of linguistics that falls within our expertise. These include but are not limited to:

• Cognitive Linguistics
• Corpus Linguistics
• Critical Discourse Analysis
• First Language Acquisition
• Forensic Linguistics
• Historical/Diachronic Linguistics
• Language Testing
• Linguistic Typology
• Literacy Studies
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Pragmatics
• Psycholinguistic
• Sociolinguistics
• Speech Science and Technology
• Stylistics
• Second Language Learning and Teaching

If you pursue doctoral research in linguistics at Lancaster you will join a research-intensive department with a large community of doctoral students and a number of different research groups. This provides a rich, stimulating and supportive environment in which to conduct your research with lots of opportunities to share your research with others. The department also hosts an annual post-graduate conference in Linguistics and Language Teaching.

You will work independently under the guidance of one or more supervisors or as part of a team. You may also benefit from additional research methods and academic skills training provided by the faculty Research Training Programme (offered on-site and by distance learning).

You will be fully supported throughout your studies as you move through key milestones in the PhD process.

Key Facts

• Option to study full time (36 months) or part time
• Study on campus in Lancaster or by distance
• Opportunity to undertake additional research methods and academic skills training provided by the faculty Research Training Programme
• Submit in traditional or alternative (by research article) format

Information for international students

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in listening and speaking. We also consider other English language qualifications.

We do not offer pre-sessional English language programmes for this programme.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Learn more at our fees and funding page.