199 Languages and Linguistics PhD Degree Programs

The doctoral program in Translation Studies is designed for students who wish to undertake theoretical or applied research in areas of written language and cultural transfer (Translation) or oral language and cultural transfer (Interpreting), with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives.

The Master of Philosophy programme (MPhil) and the Doctor of Philosophy programme (PhD) consist of coursework and research studies leading to the submission of a thesis. Both degrees are offered in full-time and part-time modes.

The doctoral program in Linguistics is designed for students who wish to undertake research in applied and theoretical linguistics in the areas of morpho-syntax, semantics and pragmatics, phonetics and phonology, first and second language acquisition, bilingualism, bi(dia) localism, multilingualism, sociolinguistics, teaching, and education.

The China and Inner Asia Department is able to supervise MPhil and PhD degrees by research and thesis in a wide range of cultural and linguistic subjects. Intending research students should not feel constrained to limit their choice of topics to those indicated against the names of current staff members (postgraduate students have recently been working on such diverse topics as colour symbolism in ancient Chinese texts, Chinese cinema, Chinese Braille systems, and translation studies).

The PhD in Philology, Italian Literature and Linguistics is intended as a highest-level course to acquire specialist skills in the field of literary, philological and linguistic studies.

We offer MPhil and PhD research programmes in English (including American Studies), Comparative Literature or Linguistics for full or part-time study.

Computational linguistics is an interdisciplinary scientific field involving mathematics (including topics such as discrete mathematics, statistics, and probability), computer science (e.g. algorithmization, machine learning, artificial intelligence), and classical linguistics (e.g. morphology, syntax, language typology). Computational linguistics investigates language from a formal point of view, and it aims at developing methods that could be used in software applications in the field of Natural Language Processing, in which languages in their spoken or written form are handled. The program does not contain specializations.

The Doctoral School focuses on multilingualism, studying how multiple languages coexist within individuals, societies, and schools. We welcome applicants interested in researching multilingual people and communities, as well as language teachers aiming to improve language teaching and learning through evidence-based academic research.

The Doctoral examination is conducted in at least two fields of study. A thesis is presented on a topic in linguistics or in literature as proof of the ability to conduct research and as proof of a unique contribution to science. An article ready for publication is submitted with the thesis.

The Ph.D. graduate in Romance languages is a highly qualified specialist trained to conduct research work in his/her field (the linguistics and philology of one or more Romance languages). He/she is able to interpret these languages in a qualified manner, applying a synchronic or diachronic approach and utilizing modern linguistic methods and research procedures.

The postgraduate program in Applied Linguistics and Literary Theory, in drawing on the knowledge fields of both its disciplines, is aimed at the specialized education and training and research needs of language practitioners such as translators, interpreters, text editors, and language planners, copywriters and language teachers. Translation and interpreting are complex linguistic, cognitive, and textual processes that, among other things, also entail socio-cultural mediation. Given the complexity of these activities and hence the interdisciplinary nature of language practice, these programs offer a balance of theoretical, practical, and experiential knowledge and skills.

The graduate of Germanic and Nordic Languages and Literatures is a highly educated expert who is qualified for research in his/her field, i. e., in Germanic and Nordic linguistics or literature. He/she is ready for scholarly work and further growth in the academic area. He/she is able to manage language and literary problems where language skills and philological work are required, or where the theory and history of individual literature in all its linguistic and historical-cultural contexts are needed.

The third-degree (PhD) study programme in English Language and Anglophone Cultures builds on the bachelor’s and master’s levels and focuses on advanced research and interdisciplinary expertise in English philology within an intercultural and globalized context.

Graduates have a sound grounding in research methods in the humanities, particularly in the study of relationships between languages/cultures; knowledge of information sources and the ability to assess their relevance to the pair of languages/cultures of their choice; a thorough grounding in the theoretical concepts of translation and interpreting and the ability to apply them to the analysis of the translation / interpreting market and procedures. They are equipped to produce and edit extensive scientific texts and to evaluate the quality of writings in translation and interpreting studies. They are capable of theoretical reflection on particular products/situations related to translation studies within their linguistic, cultural, historical and social contexts, and are able to present their findings to the academic communities.

On a more advanced level (Doctoral studies) students are encouraged to collaborate with us in our fields of expertise, i.e. the Contemporary French Novel, Autobiography; Contemporary French Theatre, and Francophone Literature in order to develop their capacities for research and critical thought. The French Department’s Doctoral Degree is designed for dedicated researchers and mainly consists of a dissertation.