Linguistics

Modern linguistics is the scientific study of all aspects of the world’s languages from their sound systems and grammatical structure through to the interaction of language with culture, the study of meaning in language, and the use of language in modern technology. Linguists try to establish what types of structures are shared by different languages and the extent to which language may differ from each other.

The MA Linguistics programme is run on a modular basis to suit the needs of:

• those with a degree in linguistics who wish to pursue more regional and language-based study;
• those with a degree in linguistics who wish to pursue more research-oriented topics before proceeding to a research degree;
• those with little or no previous training in linguistics who wish to acquire a knowledge of the discipline;
• those with little or no previous training in linguistics who wish to take the degree as a conversion course before; proceeding to a research degree.

The MA Linguistics is for students who would like to acquire general postgraduate-level training in formal linguistics (perhaps as preparation for further training or research). The programme can be taken full-time or part-time.

Why study Linguistics at SOAS?

• UK Top 10 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings
• Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
• We've also been ranked 4th for research environment - with 100% of our research ranked as 'internationally excellent' and 85% as 'world-leading' - and 8th for research outputs in the REF 2021
• SOAS is unique in the UK for offering a range of subject combinations that include the opportunity to study the languages, literature, and cultures of Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East
• unrivalled staff expertise in the UK and worldwide in a wide range of Asian, African, Middle Eastern and Australian languages
• access to SOAS’s library, one of the UK’s five dedicated national research libraries
• dedicated Linguistics Resource Room, with computers, sound-proofed recording booth, video and audio editing facilities