PhD in Linguistics
Engage in a comprehensive linguistic research project. Gain dedicated research training. Access our specialist facilities and become a valued member of our community.
| Length | Start dates (semester dates) | |
|---|---|---|
| PhD |
3 years full-time |
September, January |
Join our leading research community and undertake a detailed research project in an area of linguistics.
Your research
On this course, you'll be able to work on research covering: phonetics and phonology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics (language variation and change), and forensic speech science.
In your first year, you'll undertake research training to develop both subject and research skills. You may be able to support some of our MA seminars to boost your knowledge and gain a better insight into academic life.
You'll have access to dedicated facilities throughout your degree. Our psycholinguistics lab contains eye tracking equipment, head turn facility, e-prime and Matlab. Researching forensic speech science will allow you to use authentic forensic case materials, automatic speech recognition software and speech analysis software.
Throughout your degree, you'll engage with researchers as part of a research group to discuss and share work. We host research seminars, specialised training events and conferences.
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.
We offer an optional summer school to help prepare you for your PhD in Linguistics. You'll spend this week-long course diving into linguistic seminars hosted by our expert academic staff, as well as academics from partner institutions. The course is free for postgraduate research students at York.
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 needed 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
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 need to submit a 1,500-2,500 word research proposal that covers the title, background and 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.
Have a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
Find out more about how to apply.
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