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MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

MA (NFQ Level 9)
Internships Available
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This programme provides a flexible learning environment. It encourages students to identify and pursue their own research interests in relation to language through a wide range of option modules, while at the same time acquiring in-depth subject knowledge, competency in applying methods and approaches and indispensable transferable skills such as critical investigation, presentational skills and critical research skills. These skills are acquired through module-based learning, work on independent research projects, and research for a minor MA thesis during semester three.

The MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics gives students a solid grounding in current research, approaches, methods and theories in core areas of linguistics (Sociolinguistics, Syntax, Corpus Linguistics, Phonetics) and encourages their effective application to language-based phenomena in a range of areas such as language technology, translation, language learning and teaching, the psychology of language, language planning and development, and to Law.

The MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics does not focus on any specific language, but explores phenomena across a range of languages.

 

About This Course

  • Students will be able to critically analyse secondary sources, primary empirical data and existing research methods.

  • Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and the ability to systematically apply ethical standards in Human Subject research.

  • Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the scientific principles, processes and approaches that underpin linguistic reasoning, analysis and research.

  • Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to use electronic research tools commonly used in linguistics.

  • Students will be able to design coherent studies on a wide range of language-based phenomena, systematically analyze such phenomena and coherently communicate the findings.

  • Students will be able to systematically apply language-based theories, approaches and research methods to a wide range of related contexts such as language learning, language documentation, language awareness, language technology, language planning

  • Students will be able to •demonstrate the ability to apply key transferable skills – presentation, information gathering and assessment, group-work and academic writing skills.

Linguistics interfaces with a range of areas. It can lead to careers in:

  • Data management

  • Data mining

  • Language industries (e.g. localisation, language teaching, language technology, speech processing)

  • computer science (natural language processing, artificial intelligence)

  • cognitive science

  • education

  • speech and language therapy

  • publishing  and media

Students receive training in how to source internships and have the option to do an internship in trimester 3.


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LING40370 Research Skills 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LING40440 Corpus Linguistics (MA) Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LING40450 Syntax (MA) Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LING40360 Research Skills 2 Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LING40460 Phonology (MA) Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LING40470 Sociolinguistics (MA) Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 EDUC50190 Key Issues in Second Language Development Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 IS20140 Exploring Text with Python Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 IS40730 Quantitative Data Analysis Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 LING20080 Meaning in Language Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 LING20120 Second Language Teaching & Learning Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 LING20130 Multilingualism Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 LING30190 Translation: Methods & Skills Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 LING30220 Intercultural Communication Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 EDUC50200 Experimental designs and psycholinguistic research methods Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 LING30200 Research Creole Languages Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 LING30210 World Englishes Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Select 10 credits of option modules from the list below.
 POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:
Students must choose 1 module from the list below.
 LING40240 MA Thesis Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:
Students must choose 1 module from the list below.
 LING40380 MA Internships Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:
Students must choose 1 module from the list below.
 LING40390 MA research papers Summer  30

Sustainability is taken into account at all levels: relationships among researchers and between researchers and those whose practices are researched and institutions, ways of accessing and engaging with communities, speakers and industries, data collection and management, research production, foci and dissemination.

The first time I visited UCD, I immediately fell in love with the University’s warm international community atmosphere. The MA was appealing to me as it covered many areas of my primary degree which mainly related to languages (Portuguese and English). I had great interest in learning more about language acquisition, teaching and learning a second language and therefore this masters programme was the perfect fit for me. I also thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the new reality I was experiencing in multicultural Dublin. The MA has helped me in a variety of areas related to languages. Thanks to the MA, I have worked as an interpreter, translator and a teacher of Brazilian Portuguese as a foreign language and I have since chosen to be a university lecturer.
(Clarissa de Sousa Oliveira, Brazil, PhD Candidate)

I was always obsessed with languages. Not only the language itself, but also language acquisitions and use in various contexts. After completing my BA in Russian Literacy, I spent a year working for a language school in China before deciding to do my masters. The year in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics is one of my most cherished experiences. An important element distinguishing UCD from other universities is its flexible curriculum. Doing my MA Applied Linguistics, I also chose modules from Linguistics and TESOL, which enriched my knowledge and enhanced my language teaching skills as well. I really appreciated the support offered as the courses are taught in small groups, with professional and accessible teachers.
(Yawen Ren, MA 2017)

When I applied for the MA Linguistics at UCD, I had ideas and assumptions of what kind of linguistics I would be studying. All of them did not turn out to be true as the programme exceeded my expectations and covered different angles of linguistics I never thought of before. Since it deepened my appreciation of linguistics, I am now looking for opportunities to take a PhD in linguistics.
(Jonathan Hardjopranoto, MA 2018)

MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics (Z360) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9100
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics (Z361) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4550
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

  • No prior knowledge of Linguistics is required for admission to the MA programme. The MA is an ab initio degree, applicants who have already completed a BA in Linguistics are not eligible to apply.
  • Competence in a language other than English is not required but useful.
  • Applicants must have a BA or equivalent, having normally reached a 2H1 or better. Applications with a 2H2 average are considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • All students must normally supply references from two academic referees who are able to provide details about the applicant’s academic abilities and motivations. Work references are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • Students whose first language is not English and who did not complete their prior education through English (or Irish) must take an IELTS test to provide proof of their English language skills. Students are expected to reach a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.5 (particularly in writing and speaking).[1]
  • Students who fall a bit short (0.5 in one band) of the required scores may consider attending a a 10 week and 7 week course in the Applied Language Center prior to the start of the MA programme.[2]

    [1] The School may decide to waive the requirement for an IELTS or equivalent test score (normally 6.5 in all four skills) if the candidate provides evidence of having completed one of their university degrees (BA, BSc, MA) through English or at an English-speaking university. Please submit evidence to support your claim that you have completed your entire degree through English along with all the other documents. The School will assess the evidence and let you know.

    [2] Students joining the 10 week programme are required to have an IELTS of 5.5 with no component below 5.0 (or equivalent). Students joining the 7 week programme are required to have an IELTS of 6.0 with no component below 5.5.

Documents to be submitted:

  • Cover Letter
  • CV
  • Two academic references
  • Transcript (English translation) showing final grade
  • IELTS test results (for non- native speakers)

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No


The MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics is open to graduates (BA or equivalent) from all disciplines who have an interest in Language. It is suitable for those with some prior knowledge of Linguistics as well as those with little or no prior knowledge of Linguistics.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt Z360
MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Master of Arts		 Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt Z361
MA in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Master of Arts		 Part-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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