English Linguistics - master

Programme description

The Master's degree programme in English Linguistics covers graduate level studies in English linguistics, and is to be seen as an extension of work at the Bachelor's level. The programme places special emphasis on the formal aspects of grammar, in particular syntax and phonology. The programme has a strong comparative component, although the study of English naturally maintains a central place in the programme. Students will develop insight into the structure of language in general and of English in particular, social and geographic variation, as well as the historical development and acquisition of English. At the Master's level, students will develop special interests based on their coursework and will write either a Master's Thesis or two article-length papers whose main empirical focus should be on English.

The programme consists of the following components:

• 60 ECTS of coursework and 
• 60 ECTS for either one (1) thesis, or two (2) articles

Both the coursework and thesis/articles must have English as their main empirical focus. The three elective ten credit courses can come from any 3000-level course in language or linguistics offered by the groups for English and General Linguistics. If their relevance for the programme can be demonstrated, other courses may be accepted by application.

Master's Thesis
The degree includes 60 ECTS which must be earned either (i) by writing one Master's Thesis (60 ECTS) or (ii) by writing two papers (30 ECTS each). This work is normally done individually, but may be part of a larger research project being carried out at the faculty, especially projects being carried out at the Center for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics (CASTL). The topics for this work will be chosen in consultation with one of the academic staff, who will serve as a supervisor. Those opting to write two papers, must write one of them in the core disciplines phonology or syntax. The two papers cannot be in the same field.

Part-time studies
In principle, the programme is open for part-time studies, however the structure of the programme is not designed to accommodate part-time students.

Interdisciplinary courses
Some of the Master's degree programmes offered by the faculty overlap to a certain degree in that they offer a range of "interdisciplinary" courses. For example, the core disciplines of phonology and syntax are taught as part of both Theoretical Linguistics and English Linguistics, and are therefore assigned a HIF-code in the university catalogue. Not all of the HIF-courses, however, may be appropriate for incorporation into a given programme. To find out which HIF-courses are accepted as part of the Master's degree programme in English Linguistics, please contact the programme staff.

Progression

The following courses are compulsory in Semester 1: HIF-3010 Syntax I, HIF-3022 Phonology I. In addition students are required to complete an elective course.

The following course is compulsory in Semester 2: Either HIF-3011 Syntax II or HIF-3021 Phonology II. In addition students are required to complete two elective courses.

Programme structure

Learning outcomes

After completing the Master's of Philosophy in English Linguistics the students will have acquired the following:

Knowledge and understanding:

• specialised knowledge of a linguistic subfield through work with the Master's Thesis
• deeper knowledge of English linguistics through the study of core subjects
• broadened knowledge of adjoining fields through elective courses
• a critical view of the theories and methods that have been underlying linguistic research

Skills:

The students will have achieved

• ability to orient themselves in linguistic scientific literature with special regard to the development of theory and methods, and to earlier research
• skills in problem solving, analysis of linguistic data, and in presentation of findings according to academic standards
• skills in communicating scientific content in English at a high level

Competence:

• The core goal of the programme is to prepare students for study at PhD level. It also qualifies for work in occupations that require thorough knowledge of human language and/or experience with independent project work.

Admission requirements

Admission to the Master`s programme in English Linguistics requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) in English Linguistics , English language or litterature, or equivalent qualification.

Applicants must enclose an application essay (Statement of purpose) written in English (maximum of two pages). This should include descriptions of their motivation for, interest in and expectations relating to their Master's degree studies and ideas for their Master's Thesis project.

More information on admission requirements:

• General admission requirements - Master

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is April 15th for admission to the autumn semester

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for self-financing and quota scheme applicants is December 1st for admission to the autumn semester.
• Online application, study code 2024.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars. Evaluation is carried out at the end of each course on the basis of a portfolio of the students written work. As a Master's student, you will be assigned a supervisor who will monitor your progress throughout your studies. The Master's Thesis will be assigned a grade (from A to F); the coursework will be graded on the same scale. For information about examinations; please see the individual course descriptions.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction and all syllabus material is English.

Exchange possibilities

Students can apply for exchange studies or field work abroad according to the available cooperation agreements within scholarship programmes such as Erasmus, Nordplus, Barentsplus or North2North. Please consult the international coordinator at the faculty for more information.

Job prospectives

The core goal of the programme is to prepare students for study at PhD level. It also qualifies for work in occupations that require thorough knowledge of human language and/or experience with independent project work, for example teaching, programming, administration, industry or the media.

Access to further studies

On successful completion of the degree programme, students may be qualified for admission to a PhD in Linguistics.

Study plan

Study Plan - English Linguistics Master