Applied Linguistics MPhil, PhD
- Typical entry requirements
- View full entry requirements
- Course delivery
- On Campus
Course information for entry year:
Overview
As a postgraduate researcher in applied linguistics, you'll carry out a major research project working with supervisors who are experts in your field.
Newcastle University is one of the largest centres for linguistic research in Europe, giving you the chance to study applied linguistics in a vibrant and supportive environment.
On this programme you’ll:
- explore a wide range of research methods and learn how to apply them to real-world language and communication issues
- engage with different perspectives and ideas
- develop your own interests and confidence as a researcher
Members of staff in the Applied Linguistics and Communication (ALC) subject area deliver these programmes. In ALC we explore how language shapes communication across cultures, communities and professional settings. Combining research-led teaching with real-world application, students examine topics such as intercultural communication, language education, TESOL and digital communication
With an international learning environment and strong links to global research networks, the subject area equips students with analytical, cultural and communication skills. These skills prepare you for careers in education, international communication, research and beyond.
Our school website shows the research themes we can offer supervision in.
Key areas within these themes:
- language education
- technology and education
- intercultural communication
- social interaction and professional communication
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by professional bodies to ensure they meet the latest industry practices and regulatory standards. This keeps your degree rigorous, relevant, and highly valued by employers, providing a clear pathway into your chosen career.
If you are studying an accredited degree and considering a career in Europe after graduation, it is important to stay informed about international standards. The best resource for current information is the UK Government's guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states.
This official resource provides essential details on:
- whether your profession is regulated in another country.
- the specific steps you need to take to practice abroad.
- which organisations you should contact to begin the process.
What you'll learn
Our school website shows the research themes we can offer supervision in.
Key areas within these themes:
How you'll learn
Research study offers some flexibility, particularly if you are undertaking fieldwork or collecting data. However, you are still expected to engage regularly with your programme and stay in close contact with your supervisory team through scheduled meetings, email, and Teams. All students must meet the University’s attendance requirements, including any visa obligations.
You'll have opportunities to take part in research seminars across the disciplines of:
- linguistics
- applied linguistics
- speech and language sciences
- education
This allows you to engage with staff and fellow students. Many of our students already have well-developed professional careers and are inspired to explore research questions arising from their experience.
You'll work with supervisors who are responsible for guidance and advice. They will be your first point of contact if you have any academic issues. If you are based in the UK and wish to maintain your professional employment, part-time study is a flexible option.
You can choose to enter the annual competition for ESRC-funded studentships through the ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership. You should contact us well in advance of the February deadline if you are planning to apply.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
The Applied Linguistics MPhil involves research leading to the completion of a 50,000-word thesis. This is ideal if you do not need formal training (eg established scholars). You could also use the MPhil as the first stage of registering on the PhD.
The PhD is an independent, supervised research project. This leads to the production of a 100,000-word thesis. You'll develop your own ideas and explore the field of knowledge to which your thesis topic relates. This involves:
- critical engagement with relevant literature
- selection and/or collection of data
- analysis and interpretation of the data within a specific theoretical framework
- further development of that framework
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Your development
Research groups
Our research groups also facilitate researchers with common interests to share ideas, develop new skills and gain feedback on their work. The groups meet regularly and include:
- Language & Cognition Research Group
- Sociolinguistics Discussion Group
- Romance Linguistics Circle
- North East Syntax Seminar
- Phonetics and Phonology Research Group
In addition to these formal groups, there are a number of informal research clubs that meet on an ad hoc basis.
ECLS seminar series
Throughout each semester we host a regular seminar series where internationally renowned researchers give presentations on their recent research, in the fields of applied linguistics, education and speech and language sciences.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
Your future
Career development
You'll develop your career within a research-led community and benefit from funding opportunities. Our recent MPhil and PhD graduates have gone into a variety of careers, including:
- academia
- education
- publishing
- university administration
Additionally, you can involve yourself in a range of activities and events.
Our Careers Service
Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.
You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.
We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.
Facilities
As a student, you'll have access to high-quality facilities in King George VI Building and across the University.
Visit the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences website to find out more about the facilities that are available.
Fees, Funding and Scholarships
Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
Search for funding and scholarships
Find funding available for your course
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
How to apply
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
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Overseas events
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Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Dr Sara Ganassin
Director of Postgraduate Research
School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 6583
Email: pgrecls@ncl.ac.uk
Enquiries
If you've got a question about your application, send us an enquiry via the application portal you applied through.
If you haven't applied yet, or have a general enquiry, you can send your questions via our enquiry form.
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