Linguistics

Language is at the heart of human life and is crucial to our understanding of ourselves as individuals, as members of society, and as a species. 

Study this most complex form of human behaviour at the University of Reading. You can choose to study Linguistics within either the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, or the School of Humanities.

In the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics, connect theory to practice. MA Applied Linguistics is designed for graduates who wish to develop a career in the language-related industries, where you’ll learn both established and cutting edge research methodologies, and study topics such as second language learning principles and sociolinguistics.

MA TESOL is suitable for graduates already working or just starting a career in the field of English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL). You’ll develop your teaching expertise and learn about areas such as language curriculum design and language testing principles.

You will have access to our outstanding TESOL/applied linguistics corpus and well as specialist facilities such as our self-access language learning centre.

In the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, explore the science behind language. You will benefit from our world-leading research in linguistics, language development and language disorders in monolingual and bilingual children and adults. 

100% of the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences’ research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience). The School is home to the Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism that researches multilingualism, language and literacy.

You will study in a rich, multidisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities, including sound recording rooms, a speech research laboratory, and an in-house speech and language clinic on campus. Many of our staff are practising speech and language therapists – giving you direct insight into the latest developments in the clinical aspects of linguistics.

Looking for postgraduate research opportunities?

Come to Reading for your PhD or professional doctorate and join a talented and diverse community of fellow researchers working to improve lives across the globe.

• Postgraduate research at Reading