Overview
Studying our Masters degree in English Language and Linguistics provides you with that invaluable insight into how humans communicate. You’ll explore how English evolves across time and place, the complex workings of the English language and its central role in society.
Develop specialist skills for linguistic analysis and research
Exploring linguistic structures is the main theoretical core of the MSc in English Language and Linguistics. You’ll study the key theoretical dimensions of linguistic analysis: phonology, morphology and syntax. Examples from both English and a wide range of other languages are used.
You’ll build up a knowledge of contemporary linguistic theories and their application in a wider cultural setting including:
- Cognitive - how our minds process and understand language;
- Historical - how languages develop over time;
- Social - how we use language to express ourselves and our identities in different communities.
You’ll graduate with a solid grounding in the concepts and techniques required for linguistic analysis and research. Tailor the course to your interests with our optional modules representing a wide range of linguistic specialisms such as:
- Historical, social and regional varieties of English
- Language and cognition
- Language policy and multilingualism
Enhance your academic and professional skills with a Linguistics dissertation
On this English language and Linguistics Masters degree you’ll plan and manage a research-based dissertation on a linguistic subject of your choice, in consultation with an expert supervisor. Previous dissertations include:
- Language and Climate Crisis
- The Language of Memes
- The Language and Semiotics of Milk Advertising
This is your opportunity to undertake independent research, from developing a clear thesis to designing your study and collecting original data. You'll build essential skills in critical thinking, organisation, and time management. All are highly valued in both PhD study and a wide range of careers.
Discuss contemporary linguistic themes
We have a Linguistics Reading Group, in which our English Language and Linguistic students play an active role. The group meet to discuss articles on important and controversial linguistic topics. Recently the group have read papers on:
- Ecolinguistics and Discourses of Oil Production
- Iconicity in Sensory Words
- Island as Sources of Linguistic Diversity
Comprehensive employability and skills programme
Our employability and skills programme helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. In the Faculty of Arts and Humanities we have a dedicated Employability and Skills Officer. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
Research in the Division of Literature and Languages scored impressively in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, with 67% of our research viewed as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of their originality, significance and rigour. In the 'Research Impact' category of the assessment, over 80% of our work was considered world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Our Masters in English Language and Linguistics can be taken as a full-time or part-time programme and is designed to cover the foundations of linguistic study as well as offer the opportunity to specialise in options representing a wide range of linguistic specialisms. In the first semester, you will take a core module (Linguistic Structures) which will equip you with the foundational skills of Linguistics (Phonology and Syntax). These skills will then be applied and developed in option modules taken alongside the core module and in the second semester. The third semester will be spent researching and writing the dissertation – an original and sustained piece of work in an area of linguistics of your choosing.
Modules
Teaching
Teaching takes place in the form of small group tutorials, seminars and lectures. All modules offer close and careful supervision from tutors, but you’re also expected to take responsibility for your own studies. You’ll be able to access online course content such as study resources, lecture slides and discussion boards via the University’s online learning platform.
You’ll play an active part in our regular Language Research Group meetings, which discuss articles on important and controversial linguistic topics. You’ll also have the opportunity to introduce articles of your choice to the group, and will develop important skills in leading and managing open-ended discussions.
Assessment
Assessment is via module coursework and your dissertation. Each module is assessed by means of at least one assignment, some of which may involve practical research investigations. The most significant piece of work on the course will be a 15,000-word dissertation that you’ll write under supervision during the summer.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduates of MSc English Language and Linguistics find opportunities in diverse industries that value advanced communication skills, linguistic analysis, and critical thinking. You may decide to go on to study at PhD level to specialise in an area of linguistics of particular interest to you.
Typical sectors that English Language and Linguistics graduates work in include:
Education and Academia
- Teaching including English Language Teaching or TESOL
Research
- Linguistic development in higher education or language institutions
- Translation and Interpreting
- Providing language expertise for international organisations, government agencies, and private firms
Publishing and Editing
- Content creation
- Editing, and proofreading for books, magazines, and digital publications
Marketing and Public Relations
- Crafting brand messaging
- Conducting consumer research
- Engaging audiences through strategic communication
Technology and AI Research
- Developing natural language processing (NLP) models, linguistic AI systems, and speech recognition technology.
The types of roles pursued by graduates within these sectors are varied. Here’s some examples along with national average annual salaries:
- Language specialist - £34,927
- Policy Analyst – £36,917
- Technical Writer – £36,107
- English as a second language (ESL) teacher - £28,214
- Translator – £27,450
(Indeed.com March 2025)
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