Course Summary
The programme provides postgraduate level training in linguistics, and is specifically designed to develop students' knowledge in the various areas of language and linguistics (e.g. syntax, semantics, language acquisition, discourse among others). The programme also affords students the opportunity to focus the development of their research skills on and within their chosen sub-discipline.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
A successfully completed undergraduate Honours degree with a final classification of 2:2 or higher.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Application Details
Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.
Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.
Start Date: September 2026.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The programme develops students knowledge in the study of language and can hence lead to the following career options:
• PhD in Linguistics
• Publishing
• Teaching
Many of our past graduates have chosen this course as a first stepping stone towards a career in Speech and Langauge Therapy.
There are also other generic and transferable skills that the student will develop from studying a linguistics degree. They include:
• the ability to construct and manage an argument;
• working as a team to achieve common goals;
• the ability to recognise and solve problems;
• using initiative and working independently;
• self-management with the ability to carry out personal reflection;
• time management and organisation skills.
Duration
The course is taught during the day and it normally requires attendance to classes over 2 or 3 days a week. The timetable changes every year and the course director can be contacted to gain more information about this.