University of Szeged

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework, research methods training and sustained independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Core elements include research methodology in applied linguistics, advanced topics in second language acquisition, discourse analysis, corpus linguistics, psycholinguistics and language assessment. Students typically take seminars in specialist areas such as multilingualism and migration studies, classroom interaction and pedagogy, pragmatics and conversation analysis, computational approaches to language and experimental methods for language research.

Programme structure normally comprises an initial period of taught doctoral seminars and research methods modules, a qualifying/comprehensive assessment, supervised independent research, participation in research seminars and conferences, and preparation and defence of the doctoral thesis. Practical components may include teaching practice, designing and piloting empirical studies, working with large corpora, experimental work in audio/eye‑tracking/behavioural labs, and interdisciplinary collaboration with cognitive science and language technology units.

Typical modules and activities

• Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (qualitative and quantitative methods)
• Second Language Acquisition and Instruction
• Corpus Linguistics and Computer‑Assisted Language Analysis
• Discourse, Conversation Analysis and Pragmatics
• Language Assessment and Testing
• Psycholinguistic and Experimental Approaches
• Academic Writing and Publication Strategies
• Professional Development: grant writing, teaching skills and research dissemination

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (MA/MSc or equivalent) in Applied Linguistics, English Studies, TESOL, Language Education, Linguistics, or a closely related discipline. A clearly defined research proposal that demonstrates an understanding of the literature and feasible methodology is required, and applicants should identify potential supervisors whose expertise matches the proposed topic.

Selection typically considers academic transcripts, the quality of the research proposal, letters of recommendation, and prior research experience such as a master’s thesis or publications. Evidence of proficiency in English is required for candidates whose previous instruction was not in English. Candidates may also be invited for an interview or viva with faculty to discuss the proposal and research fit.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme move into a range of careers in academia and beyond. Common paths include university lecturing and postdoctoral research posts, positions in university language centres, roles in national and international research institutes, and work in language testing and assessment bodies. Other opportunities arise in curriculum and materials development, teacher education, educational policy and consultancy, language technology companies (corpus developers, NLP roles), publishing, and NGO or governmental positions related to migration and multilingual education.

The programme emphasises publication and conference activity to prepare candidates for competitive academic careers, while applied elements and partnerships with external organisations support transitions into professional and industry roles.

Why study at University of Szeged

The University of Szeged has a long academic tradition in linguistics and English studies, with an active Doctoral School of Linguistics and experienced supervisors across applied and theoretical areas. The university offers access to specialised research infrastructure, including phonetics and experimental labs, well‑developed corpora and language resources, and interdisciplinary links with cognitive science and language technology groups.

Doctoral candidates benefit from a research‑rich environment with regular workshops, colloquia and opportunities for international collaboration and mobility. Close ties with national research institutions and an engaged community of language researchers make Szeged a supportive setting for developing a high‑quality, impactful doctoral project in applied linguistics focused on English.