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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Theoretical and Applied Linguistics by thesis is no longer accepting new applications.

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.

An application is only complete when:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

We strongly recommend that, even if self-funded, applicants submit their applications by the funding deadline. Self-funded applicants may apply up until the final application date in February, but offers will be made subject to limits on projected student numbers.

Selection Process

Applicants who apply for US Gates funding by the October funding deadline may normally expect to receive an admissions decision in December.  All other applicants who apply by the funding deadline in December may normally expect to receive a decision before the end of March, and the majority of offers are made in February and March. Following the funding deadlines, applications are processed on a rolling basis and applicants may normally expect a decision within 12 weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents. Occasionally, applicants may not receive a decision within the normal timeframe due to being placed on a reserve list.  If this is the case then the Faculty will be in touch to let applicants know.  Normally the latest date for decisions to be communicated is the end of June.

Further information on How To Apply


Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

  • Two academic references  
  • Transcript  
  • CV/resume
  • Evidence of competence in English  
    If required - you can check using our tool
  • Research proposal (M)
    Those applying for the MPhil By Thesis should also submit a research proposal, maximum one page.
  • Sample of work (1)
    Please upload a sample of writing, relevant to (applied) linguistics, of approximately 3000 words. The sample can be either an essay produced during undergraduate studies or a section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work in English.
  • Proposed Supervisor (M)
  • Project title (M)
  • Research summary (M)
  • Research experience (O)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

All applicants who are admitted to the Faculty will be assigned a Supervisor to work with them and support them in their research. It is recommended that applicants informally approach a potential Supervisor to discuss their proposed research project in advance of applying.  Applicants are encouraged to consult the Academic staff pages to help identify a suitable potential supervisor.  If needed, advice may be requested from the Postgraduate Teaching and Examinations Officer (PTEO) in the relevant area of study - please see the Academic Contacts section of the Postgraduate Contacts page.

When completing the online application for admission, applicants must nominate a Supervisor with whom they wish to work, and the Faculty will take into account this preference as far as possible.

Key Information


9 Months full-time

21 months part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Philosophy

Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Feb. 22, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

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

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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