skip to content

Postgraduate Study

Expected Academic Standard

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK First class Honours Degree.

If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.

Courses are highly competitive, and a first-class honours degree is required, although a high 2.i honours degree will be considered under exceptional circumstances.

The MPhil by Thesis is for students whose knowledge of linguistics is already substantial, and who already have advanced knowledge in the area they wish to research for their thesis.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed. If an applicant is deemed unsuitable for the MPhil by Thesis Course, it is possible they may be offered a place on the MPhil by Advanced Study.

University Minimum Academic Requirements


Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score
Listening 7.0
Writing 7.0
Reading 7.0
Speaking 7.0
Total 7.5

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score
Listening 25
Writing 25
Reading 25
Speaking 25
Total 110

C1 Advanced

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

C2 Proficiency

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).


Visa Information

No ATAS required

What Is An ATAS?


Apply Now

Key Information


9 Months full-time

21 months part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Philosophy

Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Feb. 26, 2026
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas , Lent and Easter .


Similar Courses