Linguistics MA (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Linguistics Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code Q100 Award MA (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location Central Area Start date September 2026 School School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study abroad Available Placement No Open days and events Overview About the degree programme Linguistics explores how language works. It describes how we create meaning through:soundswordssignssentencesconversationsIt also studies:the uses of language in everyday lifeways in which language varies across society and evolves over timehow language is mastered by childrenWith a cohort of over 350 students currently studying linguistics or English language, you will find an intellectual and welcoming community offering you a wide choice of courses and the chance to develop your skills in a supportive environment.Find out more about Linguistics at Edinburgh in this video. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme is studied over 4 years.A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.How long it takes to complete our degree programmes Programme rankings 4th in the UK and 7th in the world for linguistics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Programme benefits We have one of the largest concentrations of university language scientists in the UK.We are a leading centre for the study of language change and historical linguistics.Linguistics has a long history at the University of Edinburgh, and our teaching staff have an excellent reputation for research in this area.Linguistics is a new subject for nearly all undergraduates, so you will not need any prior knowledge at the beginning of the programme. I wanted a lively, international university that allowed me to grow up quickly and independently. Edinburgh gave me just that. Alex Hersey MA (Hons) Linguistics graduate. Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. 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Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Programme details What you will study Year 1 You will take two semester-long introductory courses:Linguistics and English Language 1A offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general and of English in particularLinguistics and English Language 1B will help you develop the tools and knowledge needed to investigate different subsystems of languageIn this year, you will also study:regional and social variations of language in general (especially in the English language)semantics and pragmaticsYou will also choose from a range of option courses outside your primary subject. Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 2 You will take four semester-long courses.They look at:linguistic theory and the structure of Englishthe speech sounds of the world's languages and empirical methodsvariation in the languages of the worldthe history of EnglishAs in Year 1, you will choose from a range of option courses outside your primary subject. Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 3 Over the two honours years, you will take ten courses (six in Year 3 and four in Year 4). Courses you can take may include:First Language AcquisitionOrigins and Evolution of LanguageSpeech Production and PerceptionSociolinguisticsPragmaticsPhonological TheoryLanguage Variation and Change Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 4 You will continue to choose advanced courses according to your interests (see Year 3). You will also work on your honours dissertation. The dissertation is a piece of your own work and is an important part of your undergraduate studies. Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Study abroad You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.Your study abroad options Teaching and assessment Teaching Most courses are taught through a combination of: lecturestutorialsseminarssome small-group project work You will also do some independent practical work in Year 2 and more independent study in Years 3 and 4. In addition to classes, you will need to read widely to get the most out of your courses. Assessment During Years 1 and 2, you will have continuous assessment through tests and assignments. In Years 3 and 4, you will be assessed through:courseworkexamsprojectsyour dissertation Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.Support for your studies Our academic staff We have internationally recognised experts in the theoretical and empirical study of the main areas of language structure:syntax and semanticspragmatics and phoneticsphonology and morphologyWe also conduct world-leading research in:sociolinguistics and language variationthe history of linguistic thoughtlanguage acquisitionthe study of language in context Where you will study Study location Lectures and seminars take place in the University's Central Area.Other teaching will take place in the linguistics computer labs and other facilities in the University's Central Area. Academic facilities Our specialist linguistics and phonetics equipment ranks among the best in the world. It includes:recording studiosa perception experiment laboratoryan eye tracking laboratoryYou will also have access to the University's libraries and computer facilities. Virtual tour You can take a closer look at the University’s Central Area and explore our facilities on the Virtual Visit site. Take a virtual tour of the Central Area Career paths and further study Career paths Linguistics graduates work in a range of fields, such as:journalisminternational relationstranslationmarketingsocial researchRecent graduates have taken up funded places on MSc programmes or found employment in speech technology research.A linguistics qualification is also a good foundation for careers in professions such as:speech and language therapyadult literacyteaching English as a foreign language Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.With the Careers Service, you can:access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisionsVisit the Careers Service website Further study After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:a masters degreea postgraduate diploma or certificatea PhDa second undergraduate degreeFind out about options for further study Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs LingSoc, the Linguistics and English Language Society, is a society for the appreciation and study of language.The society was created by students who wanted to provide a supportive and friendly community for Linguistics and English Language students. It is a great way to meet like-minded people and get involved in your subject outside the classroom.LingSoc: find out more The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include:a student counselling servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events
