PhD Applied Linguistics - Applied Linguistics Degree

Program Overview

The PhD in Applied Linguistics at the University of Essex is a research-intensive program focusing on second language acquisition and learning. Students conduct independent research under expert supervision in areas such as language testing, individual differences in learning, and language processing. The program offers a flexible structure with both three and four-year pathways, fostering advanced skills, professional development, and career opportunities in academia and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD Applied Linguistics program at the University of Essex is a research-based degree that focuses on second language acquisition and learning. The program offers supervision in areas such as:

• Second language syntax
• Explicit and implicit knowledge and learning
• Vocabulary learning and use
• Individual differences in second language learning
• Language testing
• Figurative language and discourse processing
The program is available as a PhD by Supervised Research (three years) and as an Integrated New Route PhD (four years).

Outline:

The PhD Applied Linguistics program does not have a taught structure, allowing students to investigate their chosen topic in depth. The program is designed to help students develop new high-level skills, enhance their professional development, and build new networks.

Year 1:

• Component 01: COMPULSORY - Language and Linguistics: Research (0 CREDITS)
• Component 02: COMPULSORY - Professional Development for Research Students (0 CREDITS): This module aims to help students transition to independent postgraduate scholarship through workshops and activities related to research in the Department of Language & Linguistics.
Topics include:
• Identifying research problems
• Formulating hypotheses and selecting appropriate methodologies
• Conducting literature searches
• Choosing methods for data transcription
• Quantitative analysis techniques in linguistics research
• Lab facilities in the department
• Ethics in linguistic research
• Writing and reviewing conference abstracts
• Preparing 20-minute conference presentations
• Writing for publication

Assessment:

• On the four-year route (Integrated ‘new route' PhD): Students take six taught modules and write an assessed MRes dissertation in their first year.
• On the three-year supervised research route: Students immediately begin independent research under the guidance of their supervisor.
• Throughout the program: Students' training needs are regularly assessed every six months through a supervisory panel consisting of their supervisor, an adviser, and a chairperson.
• Thesis: The thesis has a maximum length of 80,000 words.

Teaching:

• Students are taught, supported, and supervised by staff with an international reputation for being at the forefront of research in their areas of expertise.
• The Department of Language and Linguistics has a strong research group culture and runs regular departmental seminars featuring invited external speakers.
• Students are allocated a supervisor who guides them through the different stages of their research degree.
In some cases, students may have joint supervision by two members of staff.
• Regular one-to-one meetings with the supervisor are held to discuss progress on research.
• Twice a year, students have a supervisory board meeting to discuss progress and agree on plans for the next six months.

Careers:

• Many former PhD students work in higher education institutions around the world as teachers and/or academic researchers.
• Other career paths include publishing, social work, administration, and retail.

Other:

• The University of Essex is 1st in the UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021).
• The Department of Language and Linguistics provides research students with work and storage space, including laboratory facilities and access to online bibliographies, corpora, and other resources.
• The University of Essex has excellent library holdings in all areas of linguistics, with online access to many periodicals and resources.
• Open access computing labs running many software packages are available for research students.

Home/UK fee £4,786 per year International fee £18,750 per year Fees will increase for each academic year of study.