MA Linguistics and Intensive Language
London, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,320 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for overseas student fees | home student fees: GBP 12,220 per year
Key Summary
About: SOAS’s MA Linguistics and Intensive Language is a 2-year modular programme focused on Asian, African and Middle Eastern languages. It combines core linguistics training (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics), typology, sociolinguistics and language revitalisation with intensive language study to build working proficiency. The course suits students with little or prior linguistics experience and emphasises research methods and optional modules.
Career Outcomes: Graduates gain communication, analysis and problem-solving skills and move into language-related roles, research degrees, policy, media, NGOs, international organisations and technology. Recent employers include BBC World Service, Google, UNHCR and Amnesty International. Also private consultancies, embassies and diplomatic services.
SOAS’s MA Linguistics and Intensive Language programme is unique in its focus on the languages of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as the communities who speak them and are working to support and revitalise them.
This 2-year programme is meant for students who wish to combine rigorous training in the discipline of linguistics with the intensive study of one or more African or Asian languages. The modular nature of the programme means that it is suitable both for those with little or no previous linguistic training, and those with a degree in linguistics who wish to extend their knowledge into the linguistics and sociolinguistics of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern languages.
With its unrivalled concentration of expertise in the languages of these regions, the SOAS MA Linguistics and Intensive Language programme allows students to gain a working knowledge of an Asian, Middle Eastern or African language. At the same time, it offers a thorough grounding in linguistic research methods, along with a rich variety of optional linguistics modules ranging from core theoretical topics in phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics, to historical and typological linguistics, sociolinguistics, language planning and language revitalisation.
At the end of the programme, students will be able to embark on professional careers in language-related fields with an emphasis on the region in which the language chosen for the programme is spoken. They will also be able to undertake further study, such as for a research degree in linguistics.
Why study Linguistics and Intensive Language at SOAS?
- SOAS is ranked in the UK Top 10 in the 2023 QS World University Rankings for Linguistics
- We are Top 100 in the world in the 2023 QS World University Rankings for Linguistics
- SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 - We're 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.
Structure
Students must take 315 credits in total, comprised of 255 taught credits (45 of which are taught abroad as part of a Summer School) and a 60-credit dissertation as outlined below.
In their first year, students on the two-year Intensive Language programmes take 60 credits of intensive language instruction and 60 credits in the discipline. During the summer, they participate in a Summer School abroad. In the second year, they take another 30 language credits as well as 60 credits in the discipline; they also complete their dissertation in the discipline.
There are two different pathways for the Linguistics component of this programme: one for students with a background in Linguistics, and one for students who have no previous knowledge of the subject.
Two years with a background in Linguistics
Year 1
Language Component - Students choose modules to the value of 60 credits in the selected language
Plus
- Research methods in linguistics 1
Plus choose modules to the value of 45 credits from 'List A'
Plus
Students participate in a 'Summer School' in the selected language
Year 2
Discipline Component
Students select modules to the value of 30 credits from 'List A' below
Language Component
Students choose modules to the value of 30 credits in the selected language
Plus
'Open Options' to the value of 30 credits
Or
Select more modules to the value of 30 credits from 'List A'
- Dissertation in Linguistics
Two years without a background in Linguistics
Year 1 (two years full-time)
Students without a background in Linguistics
- Introduction to the Study of Language
- Research methods in linguistics 1
Discipline Component
Students select a module to the value of 15 credits from 'List A' below
Plus
Language Component
Students select language modules to the value of 60 credits, please see the 'combinations' tab
Plus
Students participate in a 'Summer School' in the selected language
Year 2
Discipline Component
Students select modules to the value of 30 credits from 'List A' below
Plus
Language Component
Students select language modules to the value of 30 credits
Plus
'Open Options' to the value of 30 credits
Or
Select another 30 credits from 'List A'
- Dissertation in Linguistics
List A
- Guided Options
- Historical Linguistics (Masters)
- Language, Society and Communication (Masters)
- Linguistic Typology (Masters)
- Research methods in linguistics 2
- Translating Cultures 1
- Translation Technology
- Working with language consultants
- Language Planning and Policy
- Language support and revitalisation
- Introduction to Language Documentation and Description
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session.
The aims of our MA Linguistics and Intensive Language programme are to:
- Provide students with knowledge of the discipline of linguistics and research methodology in the study of language, both from a theoretical and practical viewpoint
- Provide students with sufficient transferable skills to enable them to function in other professional environments related to language
- Provide either a further qualification in linguistics or a preparation for research (MPhil/PhD) study. By the end of the course, students are able to pursue further research or training, at either PhD or professional level
- Provide the opportunity to study one or more Asian, Middle Eastern and African languages. By the end of the course, students are able to have an intermediate-level command of at least one language
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
- Acquiring a solid foundation in the ‘core’ areas of theoretical linguistics, syntax, phonology and semantics
- Familiarity with the basic concepts and assumptions of different theoretical frameworks in the discipline, and the ability to critically question and evaluate these assumptions
- Familiarity with the relevant conventions and methodology applicable to working with both raw linguistic data and linguistic descriptions
- Opportunity to specialise in the area of interest
- The student will have the opportunity to gain knowledge (or further knowledge) of one or more Asian, Middle Eastern or African languages
Intellectual (thinking) Skills
Having completed the programme, students should have:
- The ability to formulate appropriate linguistic problems, propose and evaluate analyses and present evidence (for and/or against) these analyses
- Knowledge of how to assess data and evidence critically from the literature and original sources, how to formulate analyses and arguments within the system of concepts and assumptions in the discipline, how to solve problems of conflicting sources and conflicting interpretations
Subject-Based Practical Skills
Having completed the programme, students should be able to:
- Practise research techniques in specialised research libraries and through consultant work
- Retrieve and select information from a variety of linguistic sources such as specialised papers and reference grammar
- Have strong practical language skills which will help them in any context where the language is used and which will also be of benefit if they need to learn another language in the future
Transferable Skills
Having completed the programme, students should be able to:
- Locate materials and use research sources (library holdings, ‘raw’ language data, periodicals, internet)
- Structure and communicate ideas effectively in writing
- Question, understand and evaluate competing proposals
Graduates of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with skills in written and oral communication, analysis and problem solving.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- Africa Matters
- Amnesty International
- Arab British Chamber of Commerce
- BBC World Service
- British High Commission
- Council for British Research in the Levant
- Department for International Development
- Edelman
- Embassy of Jordan
- Ernst & Young
- Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies
- Middle East Eye
- Saïd Foundation
- TalkAbout Speech Therapy
- The Black Curriculum
- The Telegraph
- United Nations Development Programme
- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
- Wall Street Journal
Who is this programme for?
The programme is run on a modular basis to suit students with little or no training in linguistics who:
- Wish to acquire a more profound knowledge of the discipline or take the degree as a conversion course before proceeding to a research degree.
- Are looking to gain a working knowledge of an Asian, Middle Eastern or African language.