The MPhil by Thesis is offered by the Linguistics Section within the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics (MMLL) as a full-time or part-time research period. It introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge.

The full-time course runs from October to June, with a submission date of early June.

It is also possible to take a part-time route. The expected timeframe would be 21 months, with a thesis submission date of early June in the second academic year of study.

The course aims:

• to prepare students for the next stage in a potential research career, whether they are pursuing a further research programme or entering research-based employment, or to enable those undertaking the programme to contribute towards research in the subject area
• to give students with a strong background in linguistics the opportunity to experience the kind of independent, focused research they would pursue in a PhD
• to provide students with the necessary background in linguistic theory and related topics at an intermediate and advanced level using a range of approaches and methodologies
• to give students the opportunity to acquire expertise in their specific research interests
• to provide foundations for continuation to PhD research
• to offer the opportunity to participate in research culture within and beyond the Faculty by attending and contributing to postgraduate seminars and reading groups
• to develop the research skills required to conduct independent study such as:
  • formulating a realistic research proposal with suitably delineated aims, objectives, methods, scope and expected outcome
  • preparing written work based on the proposal
  • mastering the construction of a valid theoretical argument
  • selecting and mastering suitable research methods
  • collecting relevant bibliography
  • using computer databases and corpora
  • using the relevant software, including statistical packages where appropriate
  • presenting well-argued academic material to the wider research community

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• developed a deeper knowledge and understanding of linguistic theories and problems addressed in cutting-edge research in theoretical and applied linguistics and related areas
• developed the skill of critically assessing current research and methods in theoretical and applied linguistics and related areas
• acquired the methodological and other technical skills necessary for research in their chosen area
• improved their presentation skills by presenting their research in progress
• acquired the skills and confidence to engage in scholarly debate
• managed a sizeable research project (culminating in a 30,000-word thesis), which will represent a considerable achievement in its own right and prepare students for longer research projects (in particular a PhD)

These outcomes are achieved through participation in lectures, research seminars, individual supervisions, and additionally through subject reading groups, discussion groups and meetings of scholarly societies.

In addition to these subject-specific skills, the following general transferable skills are also acquired.

General transferable skills

• The MPhil by Thesis, with its focus on independent scholarly enquiry, demands that students develop exemplary organisational and time-management skills. They work in collaboration with their supervisors to devise an appropriate research plan, including research questions, methodology, and timetable. They have to demonstrate originality and initiative in pursuing their line of enquiry and ensure that they meet all formal and informal deadlines.
• The compulsory research methods course includes transferable skills, such as how to organise writing, how to formulate research questions appropriate to different methodologies, and general problem-solving skills. Written work is required to be concise, cogent, appropriately structured, and to adhere strictly to word limits, as in most areas of activity.
• Students may be expected to make presentations in seminar situations. This develops their oral presentation skills and prepares them for academic activities such as presenting conference papers.

Continuing

Continuation from the MPhil by Thesis to PhD is possible, although it is not automatic. All applicants are judged on their own merits, and students must demonstrate their suitability to undertake doctoral-level research. Students wishing to progress to PhD study will also be required to pass the MPhil.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments: