School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

What you'll study

The programme combines core research methods and a 10,000‑word dissertation with a range of taught modules. Core and frequently offered options listed on the course page include:

• Core: Dissertation in Linguistics (60 credits); Research methods in linguistics (15 credits).
• Guided options (choose minimum 75 credits from List A): Language, Society and Communication; Linguistic Typology; Historical Linguistics; Language Planning and Policy; Language Support and Revitalisation; Approaches to Syntax; Approaches to Phonology; Meaning and Interpretation. (Most options are 15 credits each.)
• Students may take up to 30 credits from School-wide open options, including language modules.

Instruction includes core lectures introducing concepts, theory and methodology, plus seminars that extend these topics; the dissertation is completed over the summer and develops original research.

Entry requirements

Applications are considered from candidates holding a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. Admissions also take the supporting statement into account. References are optional but can strengthen an application, particularly for those below a 2:2 or with non‑traditional qualifications. See the course page for international and English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with theoretical and practical linguistic skills, plus experience of working with diverse language resources. Recent employers of graduates from the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics include organisations such as Africa Matters, Amnesty International, Arab British Chamber of Commerce, BBC World Service, British High Commission, Council for British Research in the Levant, Department for International Development, Edelman, Embassy of Jordan, Ernst & Young, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Google, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, Middle East Eye, Saïd Foundation, TalkAbout Speech Therapy, The Black Curriculum, The Telegraph and United Nations Development.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

SOAS advertises a range of scholarships and studentships relevant to masters applicants. Examples listed on the course page include Tibawi Trust Award, ESRC Studentships (deadline shown: 10 November 2025), Felix Scholarships and Felix Non‑Indian Scholarship (deadline: 2 March 2026), Sasakawa Studentships (20 March 2026) and SOAS Masters Scholarships: Home (30 June 2026). Prospective applicants should consult the SOAS scholarships pages for eligibility details and application procedures.