The MA in English Linguistics is a flexible distance-learning programme. You can work at your own pace fitting your study around work and other commitments. This programme will enable you to develop advanced analytical skills and in-depth linguistic knowledge and to gain experience as an independent researcher.It begins with the Language Description module, designed to give you confidence in working with the essential building blocks of linguistic analysis: grammar, morphology, and phonology. You’ll then study Data, Theory & Method, covering topics such as hypothesis testing, the role of linguistic theory, data collection, academic referencing and research ethics. There are optional modules too, covering topics such as sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, spoken discourse analysis, and the history of the English language. In choosing three of these modules you can tailor your studies to your individual interests and career aspirations. The final dissertation is a piece of original research on a topic of your choice.