MA Linguistics and Intensive Language

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.

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
  • 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
• Google
• 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