Department of Language and Linguistic Science
- » Language and Linguistics
- » For prospective students
- » Postgraduate study
- » Taught masters
Taught masters study
Taught masters courses
About the courses
The Department of Language and Linguistic Science offers a number of modular taught MA courses. Each course requires 180 credits in one year of full-time study. The courses are flexible and are open to those who have studied linguistics in their first degree, as well as those who have not, but have studied a related subject such as modern languages, psychology, sociology etc.
Our courses aim to provide a general foundation in central areas of modern linguistics, while at the same time allowing students to develop their own particular areas of specialism and interest. They aim partly to impart knowledge, and partly to introduce the methods, tools and modes of thinking which characterise the pursuit of academic research.
Personalised programmes
On arrival in York, you will meet a member of staff who will assess your background in linguistics and help you to select the most appropriate modules in the first term so that the course is customed to your needs. The first term contains modules which assume no prior knowledge of linguistics. For those with a prior background, directed reading modules may be available in their place.
The second term contains a number of options from which you will choose two based on your interest and specialism. Modules involving more independent study are available for students whose first degrees have covered substantial parts of the taught MA modules.
Directed readings modules
Directed readings modules are currently available as follows:
- English historical linguistics
- Phonetics and phonology
- Psycholinguistics
- Semantics
- Syntax
- Sociolinguistics