MSt in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Research Preparation) at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MSt in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Research Preparation) is a nine-month taught course focused on research training, covering general linguistics, phonetics, historical and comparative linguistics and language-specific studies. It is designed for applicants who already have an advanced undergraduate background in linguistics and a defined thesis topic.

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 work on a master's thesis from the first term, attend the faculty's research methods training and may attend more advanced classes relevant to the thesis, and study two option papers from Option B (general linguistics), or D (linguistics of selected languages); Option C (Indo-European philology) is normally not feasible on the MSt. Assessment is a thesis and exams and/or submissions for the options in the final term.

Career pathways

Some graduates proceed to doctoral work at Oxford, others continue academic study elsewhere, and 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 a relevant subject (e.g. modern languages, classics, computer science, philosophy or mathematics), typically with linguistics forming at least 50% of teaching and assessment; 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). Applicants must have a solid background in all core areas of general linguistics and must submit a detailed research proposal identifying a thesis topic in which they have had relevant prior training. 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), research proposal (max 1,000 words) and two essays of up to 2,000 words each on separate topics. Interviews may be held to assess the research proposal. 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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