The MPhil by Thesis is offered by the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics within the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics (MMLL) as a full-time or part-time research period. It is intended for students who already have a solid background in Linguistics, Language Sciences or Computational Linguistics, and have some research experience, and who already have advanced knowledge in the areas they wish to research for their thesis. The research topic should fall within the research profile of the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics (see Research Clusters). Applicants should first contact a potential supervisor to check that their topic is appropriate.
The full-time course runs from October to June, with a submission date in June.
It is also possible to take a part-time route. The expected timeframe would be 21 months, with a thesis submission date of June in the second academic year of study.
The course aims:
to give students with a strong background in Linguistics, Language Sciences or Computational Linguistics the opportunity to experience the kind of independent, focused research they would pursue in a PhD
to provide foundations for continuation to PhD research
to offer the opportunity to participate in a research culture within and beyond the Faculty by attending and contributing to postgraduate seminars and reading groups
to further develop their research skills required to conduct independent research such as: computational and corpus-based methods, statistics, on-line and lab-based behavioural experimental methods, eye tracking, electroencephalography (EEG), phonetics and speech sciences skills. machine learning
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 linguistics and the language sciences or computational linguistics.
developed the skill of critically assessing current research and methods in these 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), showing preparedness for conducting longer research projects (in particular a PhD)
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 will be expected to give an oral presentation on their thesis, and they may also be asked to present material during seminars they have chosen. This develops their oral presentation skills and prepares them for academic activities such as presenting conference papers.
Continuing
Students wishing to progress to PhD study will be required to pass the MPhil, but over and above this requirement, they must demonstrate their suitability to undertake doctoral-level research.
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
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.
For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.