This programme requires students to collaborate with their supervisor to identify a topic of interest and then design and execute their own research programme in the chosen area. The dissertation topics are extremely varied, ranging from experimental and corpus-based studies to more theoretical work. Ultimately, whether or not a topic is accepted depends on the ability of a student and supervisor to collaborate on identifying a topic that is of interest to both of them.

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of one of the following qualifications: (a) a Bachelor degree with at least Second Class Honours in Linguistics or in an area of study that includes a substantial amount of study-units in Linguistics or an area related to Linguistics or (b) a Bachelor degree with at least Category II in an area of study that includes a substantial amount of study-units in Linguistics or an area related to Linguistics, provided that such applicants may be required to complete a preparatory programme as specified below. Preparatory Programme The preparatory programme shall comprise study-units to which not less than 40 credits and not more than 60 credits are assigned and shall also be governed by the Principal Regulations. Students shall be required to successfully complete the preparatory programme of study with an average mark of 70% or better prior to their registration for the Course.