Linguistics (PhD, MPhil) at University of Bristol

Linguistics is the study of human language, how it functions in the brain and how it is used in society. This level of in-depth knowledge about the human condition is increasingly vital in a world facing a broad array of societal and environmental challenges. At the University of Bristol, we have a strong research focus on sociolinguistics, which is the study of language in society.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering  |  Department: School of Modern Languages  |  Duration: MPhil: one year full-time, two years part-time. PhD: up to four years full-time, up to eight years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: January 2027, September 2027, January 2028.  |  Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

MPhil: a standalone, one-year (full-time) research degree. Students will undertake their own research project, concluding in a 25,000-word dissertation. Students may have the option to audit units from our taught master's programmes if relevant.

Career pathways

People with a PhD in Linguistics go on to work in a range of fields, in both the public and private sectors. Linguistics graduates often apply their skills to careers in the media and civil service, as well as policy-making organisations and NGOs.

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