MSt in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Advanced Study) at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MSt in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Advanced Study) is a taught nine-month course offering specialisation in general linguistics, phonetics, historical linguistics or the linguistics of specific languages. It is designed for applicants who have studied linguistics only at an introductory level (or an adjacent subject) and want a thorough introduction to linguistic theory; there is no thesis.

Faculty: Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Humanities Division) | Department: Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics | Duration: 9 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 across the first two terms and two option papers from Option List 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 selected languages), assessed in the final term including a compulsory general linguistics exam.

Career pathways

Likely destinations include publishing, secondary and further education, finance and IT. The course is not intended to lead to doctoral study at Oxford (readmission to the DPhil is possible), though it may suit further postgraduate study elsewhere.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a 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. Applicants are expected to have studied linguistics at introductory level but not advanced level (minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 for US degrees; most successful applicants 3.7). Professional experience may compensate for formal record shortcomings for mature students. No GRE/GMAT. Three referees (academic preferred), transcripts, CV, statement of purpose (max 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: 9 months full-time

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