PhD Analysing Language Use - Analysing Language Use Degree
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-23 | - |
| 2025-01-20 | - |
| 2025-04-14 | - |
| 2025-10-13 | - |
| 2026-01-19 | - |
| 2026-04-20 | - |
Program Overview
The PhD Analysing Language Use at the University of Essex is a research-based degree focusing on the analysis of language use in various contexts. Supervised by experts, students develop a deep understanding of language, conducting independent research that culminates in an 80,000-word thesis. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and various other fields, including publishing and administration.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD Analysing Language Use is a full-time, 3-4 year research degree offered by the University of Essex. It is based in the Department of Language and Linguistics and focuses on the analysis of language use in various contexts. The program offers supervision in areas such as:
- Conversation analysis
- Language variation and change
- Dialects and language contact
- Gender differentiation in language
- Multilingualism
- Intercultural pragmatics
- Language maintenance and shift
- Pidgin and Creole linguistics
- Language and human rights The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of language use and its complexities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for independent research and academic careers.
Assessment:
The program's assessment is based on a thesis, with a maximum length of 80,000 words. The thesis is the culmination of the student's independent research, guided by their supervisor. Throughout the program, students' training needs are regularly assessed through:
- Supervisory panel meetings held every six months
- Progress reports submitted twice a year
- Face-to-face meetings to discuss progress
Teaching:
The program is primarily research-based, with minimal taught components. Students are assigned a supervisor who guides them through the different stages of their research. In some cases, students may have joint supervision by two members of the department's staff. The Department of Language and Linguistics provides research students with:
- Work and storage space
- Laboratory facilities
- Access to online bibliographies, corpora, and other resources
- Open access computing labs with various software packages
Careers:
The program prepares students for careers in:
- University lecturing
- Research
- Other fields such as publishing, social work, administration, and retail The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows graduates to pursue careers in departments of English, linguistics, education, sociology, or cognitive science.
Other:
- The University of Essex is ranked 1st in the UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
- The department has a strong research group culture and hosts regular departmental seminars with invited external speakers.
- The program also offers an MPhil in Analysing Language Use.
- Part-time research study is available.
Home/UK fee £4,786 per year International fee £18,750 per year Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
University of Essex
Overview:
The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.Student Support:
A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Careers and Employability:
The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.Essex Sport:
A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.Faith:
The university provides support for students of all faiths.Cost of Living Support:
The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Excellent Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Excellent Student Support:
The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.Beautiful Campus:
The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.Academic Programs:
The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.Postgraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.Short Courses and CPD:
The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.Other:
The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.
The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.
Entry Requirements:
- UK entry requirements:
- A 2.2 Honours Degree, or equivalent, in a related subject.
- A four-year integrated PhD is available, allowing students to spend their first year studying at Masters level to develop the necessary knowledge and skills before starting independent research in year two.
- International & EU entry requirements:
- The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- If English is not your first language, then you will require IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.
