MPhil in Linguistics and Language Sciences (Research)

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.

An application is only complete when:

1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

We strongly recommend that students (even those not seeking funding) submit their application by the funding deadline at the beginning of December. If places are still available beyond this deadline, self-funded applicants may apply until 26 February.

Application Support

Applicants to this course may be eligible to receive support with their application via the AIM: Master's programme. Find out more about AIM: Master's here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/aim-applicant-support-programme/aim-masters.

Selection Process

Applicants who apply for US Gates funding by the October funding deadline may normally expect to receive an admissions decision in December. All other applicants who apply by the funding deadline in December may normally expect to receive a decision before the end of March, and the majority of offers are made in February and March. Following the funding deadlines, applications are processed on a rolling basis. Applicants may expect a decision within 12 weeks after submitting their completed application and required supporting documents. Occasionally, applicants may not receive a decision within the expected timeframe due to being placed on a reserve list. If this is the case, then the Faculty will get in touch to let applicants know. Usually, the latest date for decisions to be communicated is the end of June.

Further information on How To Apply

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Things You'll Need

You should start preparing the things that you'll need when you apply. These will be mandatory, unless specifically flagged as optional.

• Two referees willing to give you a reference
  Either academic or professional – please see our References guidance for more information about which type you need. Your referees will need to have submitted their reference by the course deadline.
• Transcript  
• CV/resume
• Evidence of competence in English
  If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information.
• Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
  A research proposal, a maximum of one page.
• Proposed Supervisor (200 characters) (mandatory)
  It is strongly recommended that you informally approach a potential Supervisor to discuss your proposed research project in advance of applying. Usually one principal supervisor is appointed. However, in exceptional circumstances, second supervisors are appointed (for example, agreed interdisciplinary or collaborative projects). For more information on finding a Supervisor, refer to the 'How to Apply' section of the course page.
• Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
  A sample of writing relevant to (applied) linguistics of approximately 3,000 words. The sample can be either an essay produced during undergraduate studies or a section of a dissertation and must be a single-authored work in English.
• Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
• Research Summary (2500 characters) (mandatory)
• Reasons for Applying (1000 characters) (mandatory)
• Research Experience (2500 characters) (optional)
  Optional: describe any research experience you may have. Maximum 250 words.
• School of Arts and Humanities - Widening Participation Questionnaire
  Applicants to this course are being asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/contextual-data

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

• Gates Cambridge Reference  
• Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.

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How to Find a Supervisor

All applicants who are admitted to the Faculty will be assigned a Supervisor to work with them and support them in their research. It is strongly recommended that applicants informally approach a potential Supervisor to discuss their proposed research project in advance of applying. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Academic staff pages to help identify a suitable potential Supervisor. If needed, advice may be requested from the Postgraduate Teaching and Examinations Officer (PTEO) in the relevant area of study – please see the Academic Contacts section of the Postgraduate Contacts page.

When completing the online application for admission, applicants must nominate a Supervisor with whom they wish to work. The Faculty will take this preference into account as much as possible.