PhD Analysing Language Use - Analysing Language Use Degree

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.