MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics is a taught course offering specialisation in general linguistics (including phonetics but not applied linguistics), historical and comparative linguistics, or the linguistics of specific languages. It gives a thorough introduction to linguistic theory, specialised option training and research training through a substantial thesis.

Faculty: Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Humanities Division) | Department: Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics | Duration: 21 months, full time | Intake: 10 October 2027 (2027-28 entry) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students take the Foundation Course in Linguistic Theory (examined at the end of year one), specialise in one option strand (B: general linguistics, e.g. phonetics and phonology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics; C: Indo-European historical and comparative philology; or D: linguistics of one or two selected languages), and submit a thesis in the final term of the second year.

Career pathways

Some graduates proceed to doctoral work at Oxford or elsewhere; other destinations include publishing, secondary and further education, finance and IT.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in linguistics or another relevant subject (e.g. modern languages, classics, computer science, philosophy or mathematics); entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first or equivalent. Minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 for US degrees (most successful applicants 3.7). Option C applicants should have studied at least one chosen ancient Indo-European language to degree level; Option D and History and Structure of a Language applicants need advanced grammatical knowledge of the language(s). Professional experience may compensate for formal record shortcomings for mature students. No GRE/GMAT. Three referees (academic preferred), transcripts, CV, statement of purpose (500-1,500 words) and two essays of up to 2,000 words each on separate topics. Interviews not normally held. English language (University higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken within two years of the start date. Application deadline: 12:00 UK time, 5 January 2027 (2027-28 entry).

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,980 a year (2027/28). Home fee, annual course fee Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, annual course fee Source

Intake: 10 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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