MA Discourse Studies

Top reasons to study with us

• Boost your CV with a higher level degree from a world-class department

• 2nd in the UK for overall Research Quality, in Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)

• 12th in the world for Linguistics(QS World University Rankings 2022)

Take your Master's with one of the best Linguistics departments in the world. We are ranked joint 12th in the world for Linguistics by the QS World Ranking 2022.

The MA in Discourse Studies gives you the opportunity to engage closely with up-to-date developments in Discourse Studies. The programme includes three core modules designed to give you a solid grounding in the key theories, methods and applications of Discourse Studies; and one core module on Research Methods in Linguistics and English Language, which provides an essential grounding in the research skills you will be using in the programme.

You will develop skills in discourse analysis drawing on a range of methodological sources including pragmatics and conversation analysis, argumentation theory, functional grammar, cognitive linguistics and corpus linguistics. You will have the opportunity to apply these skills in analysing a range of spoken and written data from different social contexts including politics, media, literature and education as part of your coursework.

This programme requires you to complete a 12,500-word dissertation relating to any area of Discourse Studies that we teach. Working on your dissertation will help you develop valuable research and transferrable skills regardless of whether you consider continuing to doctoral studies or progress in your chosen career. You may opt to complete an extended dissertation (20,000-25,000 words) subject to satisfactory performance on the programme.

Supporting your studies

If you’re returning to education or you’re not familiar with academic conventions used in UK, we’ll provide the support you need to successfully complete your MA. We will help you to polish your academic reading, writing and presentation skills, sharpen your critical thinking skills and help you to work more effectively.

Outside the lecture theatre, we encourage you to join our diverse departmental research centres, vibrant student and university societies to share ideas, socialise and make friends. With research groups in corpus studies, discourse studies, language testing, literacy studies, second language learning and teaching, the opportunities for learning extend far beyond the classroom. Past students tell us that the opportunity to participate in the various activities of our research centres and groups is one of the most valuable aspects of studying in the department.

You may have the opportunity to attend one of our international summer schools, where you can experience the local culture, enhance your academic knowledge and potentially work on your dissertation.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have a range of transferable skills sought after by employers across different sectors.

Our MA Discourse Studies graduates find rewarding roles in a range of areas including:

• Public relations

• Advertising / Marketing
• Social media
• Business
• Journalism
• Interpreting & intelligence
• Research

Enjoyed carrying out your own research? Some of our students decide to continue their linguistic and language studies and develop their expertise further with a PhD.