MSt in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics

at University of Oxford

Students are admitted to the MSt in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics via one of two strands. The balance of taught and self-directed learning varies between strands and options. 

Research Preparation strand

The Research Preparation strand is designed for applicants who have studied linguistics as undergraduates to a more advanced level and who thus already have a solid background in all core areas of general linguistics; they will typically have a degree in which linguistics forms at least 50% of the teaching and assessment, or who can otherwise demonstrate that they have studied linguistics to an equivalent level. In order to be admitted to this programme, applicants will already have to have identified, by means of a detailed research proposal, a topic on which they will want to write a master’s thesis.

Students will be working on their master’s thesis from their first term. They will attend the Faculty’s training in research methods and in addition, they may attend some more advanced classes that are of relevance to their thesis work, and they will have the opportunity to follow courses on the Advanced Core Training in Linguistics programme.

Advanced Study strand

The Advanced Study strand is designed for applicants who have previously studied linguistics at an introductory level, and are keen to familiarise themselves further with the discipline, but who have not studied linguistics to a more advanced level during their undergraduate degree.

During their first term and into their second term, students will follow a Foundation Course in Linguistic Theory, a course of lectures and practical classes with extensive sets of compulsory exercises covering the main areas of linguistics and providing an overview of the field.

Proven and potential academic excellence

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant subject, for example in modern languages, classics, computer science, philosophy or mathematics.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
 

• Applicants are not expected to have publications already, but if they happen to have publications in a relevant area they are encouraged to submit them as their written work.

• In the case of mature students/intended career changes professional experience in cognate areas may compensate for shortcomings in the formal academic record. 

Further guidance

Requirements specific to the Research Preparation strand

Applicants will have studied linguistics as undergraduates to a more advanced level and will already have a solid background in all core areas of general linguistics, phonetics, phonology, syntax, and semantics. In order to be admitted to this strand, applicants will already have to have identified, by means of a detailed research proposal submitted as part of their application, a topic on which they will want to write a master’s thesis.

Requirements specific to the Advanced Study strand

Applicants will have previously studied linguistics at an introductory level, but not to a more advanced level, during their undergraduate degree. 

Requirements common to both strands

Some modules require background knowledge that is difficult to acquire in a single year, and MSt students are advised to choose these modules only if they already have substantial previous training in relevant background subjects, such as experimental phonetics.

In order to take options in the history and structure of a particular language, students will need to have a good grasp of the relevant language itself, even if they are new to linguistic study of the language. Option C is normally not feasible in the MSt.

English language proficiency

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

IELTS Academic

 7.5  

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£13,550

Overseas    
£30,910

It is anticipated that some MSt students in the Research Preparation strand will proceed to doctoral work at Oxford, while others will continue academic study at other institutions. Alternative career destinations may include publishing, secondary and further education, finance, and IT.