PhD in Language and Communication
Investigate language as it is used in the real world and the processes which underpin it.
| Length | Start dates (semester dates) | |
|---|---|---|
| PhD |
3 years full-time |
September, January |
Conduct a highly data-driven research project into the communicative structures of everyday life. You'll join our stimulating interdisciplinary research community.
Your research
This course is an interdisciplinary PhD run in collaboration with the Department of Language and Linguistic Science and Department of Sociology, as well as others where appropriate. You'll work with two supervisors. Each will be from a different department, depending on your research interests. Our research areas include, but are not limited to:
- conversation analysis and interactional linguistics
- language and social interaction in institutional settings
- new methodologies in multimodal interaction studies
- interaction with and through technologies
- cross-linguistic differences in languages and communication.
The culmination of your PhD will include a dissertation and a viva voce exam. Your dissertation may be in monograph format of 60-80,000 words in length, or by articles, where you will produce at least three works of publishable quality. Your work will be assessed by internal and external examiners during a viva voce examination, who will feed back on your work, and may require corrections.
54th in the world
for arts and humanities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject (2025).
Funding
Discover funding for postgraduate researchers in the Department of Language and Linguistic Science.
Supervision
Explore the expertise of our staff and identify a potential supervisor.
Training and support
You'll be paired with a relevant supervisor who has expertise in your research topic. You'll meet with them regularly and be supported to carry out your project. You'll be able to sit on MA and MSc modules without needing to complete assessments. This will develop your skills and knowledge to support your research.
Your supervisors will work with you to develop a full training programme, matching up with the needs of your project. This can include subject-specific courses, research courses and sessions to develop key employability and language skills.
You'll also benefit from the rich array of research and training sessions at the Humanities Research Centre.
Course location
This course is run by the Department of Language and Linguistic Science.
You'll be based in Vanbrugh College on Campus West.
Careers and skills
Our research degrees will equip you with everything you need to make a meaningful contribution to the field of linguistics. You'll gain key skills including time management, attention to detail and other relevant research skills.
Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside your research work.
Career opportunities
- academia
- marketing and communications
- publishing
- broadcasting and journalism
- local government and public service
- finance and accountancy
- voice recognition and natural language processing software development
- social media analyst
Entry requirements
You'll need a first class or 2:1 undergraduate degree, as well as a Masters degree in a relevant subject in order to be considered as an applicant.
We'll also take other relevant experience and expertise into account. You're welcome to include a narrative of any relevant life experiences in your personal statement. For example, you could tell us about caring responsibilities, career breaks, barriers you have faced, or belonging to an under-represented group.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your ability.
Check your English language requirements
Applying
Apply for Language and Communication (PhD)
When you apply, you'll need to include details of your previous study and provide full transcripts of results. You'll also need to provide the contact details for two academic referees.
You'll also need to submit a 1,500-2,500 word research proposal that covers the title, background and a data analysis of your project. You should also write about how your project fits within the research interests of our department and identify a potential research supervisor. If you're unsure, we're happy to suggest a suitable supervisor for your project.
Have a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
Find out more about how to apply.
Discover York
Accommodation
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.
Our research
Discover our research and the researchers who shape it.
Graduate Research School
Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.