English Language & Linguistics MA
English Language & Linguistics combines the study of the structure and meaning of the English language, past and present, to see what all this tells us about our culture, our society and ourselves.
We have been teaching English Language & Linguistics for more than 75 years and our staff are leaders in their fields.
We created the world-leading Historical Thesaurus of English, a unique resource charting the semantic development of the huge and varied vocabulary of English, as well as other world-leading resources such as the Metaphor Map of English and Speak for Yersel . We also have dedicated laboratories for analysing spoken and written language.
- September start
- Session dates
- English Language & Linguistics MA (Hons): Q300 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
You will learn about the structure, meaning and history of the English language: how our language, both now and in the past, influences our interactions with each other and with the world.
Year 1
In your first year we give you a taster of every part of language study: how language can be analysed systematically and scientifically, and how meaning is created through manipulating sounds, words and sentences. You will look at how different varieties of English and Scots, a particular speciality at Glasgow, can convey identity across Scotland and the world, and you can examine how English as a language developed from its earliest roots, through Chaucer and Shakespeare, to its current form.
Year 2
Here we explore English in all its guises in more depth. You will learn how we colour our speech with melody and rhythm; convey unspoken meaning in conversation; and transform thought into words in our minds. You will also trace the earliest forms of the language through texts, artefacts and the histories of the words and names themselves and discover what it all reveals about society, culture and the labels we assign to the world.
You will also study other subjects in Year 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will choose from a variety of advanced courses, including Corpus linguistics, History of English, History of Scots, Manuscript studies, Medieval literature, Name studies, Old English, Old Icelandic, Phonetics, Pragmatics, Professional discourse, Psycholinguistics, Semantics, Sociolinguistics and and Stylistics. All courses are taught by staff who are active researchers and leading scholars in their fields.
Course details
Year 1
In Year 1 of the programme, the following courses will be offered:
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LINGUISTICS 1A: Language, Meaning, and Power
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LINGUISTICS 1B: Language, Society, and Change
Year 2
In Year 2 of the programme, the following courses will be offered:
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LINGUISTICS 2A: Language, People, and Culture
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LINGUISTICS 2B: Language, Mind, and Expression
Years 3 and 4
We cannot guarantee that all the following courses will run in Years 3 and 4 of the programme, but we expect most or all of them to be offered:
- Contemporary Issues in Semantics
- Corpus Linguistics
- Culture and English Language Teaching
- Dissertation in English Language (40 credits)
- Heroes, Outlaws, and Outsiders: Old English and Old Icelandic Literature in Translation
- Editing Historical English Texts
- History of English
- History of Scots
- Medieval Multitudes: Exploring Middle English Texts
- Medieval Literature: Other Worlds
- Methods in Sociolinguistic Variation
- Name Studies
- Old English Language
- Old Icelandic Language
- Phonetics 1: Introductory Concepts
- Phonetics 2: Advanced Concepts
- Discourse in Professional Contexts
- Reading the Past: From Script to Print
- Semantics of English
- Sociolinguistics
- Reading with Style
- ENGLANG 4056 Honours Core Course
- Dissertation in English Language (20 credits)
- Introduction to Psycholinguistics
- The Language of Laws
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis
- Applied Dissertation with Placement in English Language and Linguistics (Year 4 only)
- Dictionaries and Thesauruses
- Bad Language: From Taboo to Prescriptivism
- Pragmatics: Language use in context
- Language and Identities
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
You will have an opportunity to study for a year at universities across the world. There are dozens of options to choose from, including our European partners as well as institutions further afield. You could benefit from spending your time abroad in your third year, before returning to Glasgow for Senior Honours.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
+++
Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
---
+++
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
---
+++
Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
---
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Account Executive
- Associate Bid Writer
- Client Documentation Officer
- Editor
- Lecturer
- Marketing & Communications Officer
- Online Learning Associate
- Operations Analyst
- Teacher
- Subtitler.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
-
Analysing spoken and written English systematically using linguistic frameworks and terminology.
-
Evaluating language variation across time, place and social context using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
-
Communicating linguistic insights clearly and persuasively across a range of academic and professional genres.
-
Using specialist digital, corpus and computational tools to research language structure and use.
-
Conducting independent linguistic research, synthesising theory, data and critical interpretation.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Isabella Linton, Policy Assistant, School of Critical Studies, 2025
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Helen: Entrepreneur
Helen used the skills she gained in writing, marketing and design through her English Literature/English Language degree to launch her own distillery company from her family farm in Pitlochry.
Subject league tables
QS World University Rankings [English Language & Literature]
