PhD Applied Linguistics at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

PhD in Applied Linguistics develops theoretical and empirical skills for original research on language issues in real-world settings such as education, workplaces and the media. Supervision spans Systemic Functional Linguistics, Critical Discourse Analysis, forensic linguistics, multilingualism, language and identity, and language education in tertiary settings.

Faculty: College of Arts & Humanities | Department: School of Critical Studies | Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students complete an original research thesis of 70,000-100,000 words. Welcomed topics include language and education, professional and institutional discourse, multilingualism, critical discourse analysis and linguistic landscape research.

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Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a 2.1 honours degree; candidates are usually expected to have completed or be undertaking a Master's qualification. Applicants submit transcripts and degree certificate, CV, an outline of the proposed research of about 2000 words (discussed with a potential supervisor beforehand), two references and named supervisor information; applications without the prior support of an Applied Linguistics supervisor are rejected. Application deadlines: 6 November 2026, 22 January 2027, 23 April 2027, 18 June 2027. English language (applicants from non-English speaking countries as defined by the UK Government): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no subtest below 6.5 (General Training not accepted); TOEFL iBT 98 overall for tests taken from 21 January 2026 (96 overall with Reading, Listening and Speaking at least 23 and Writing at least 24 for earlier tests); PTE Academic (test centre only) 70 overall with Reading 62, Listening 62, Speaking 75, Writing 68. Tests must be within 2 years 5 months of programme start and met in a single sitting.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK full-time annual tuition fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK fee is to be confirmed. Part-time study is half the full-time fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 28,275 a year (2027/28). International and EU full-time annual tuition fee; part-time study is half the full-time fee. Bench fees (research support costs) may apply separately. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time

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