The programme is primarily designed for those interested in the scientific investigation of language and has the following main objectives:

• To offer students a solid foundation and deepen their knowledge in the main areas of English grammar and the structure of language.
• To acquaint students with different areas in the field (such as syntax, semantics, phonology, applied linguistics, etc.).
• To provide guidelines for students conducting research in the field of Linguistics, and consequently encourage them to further their studies.

The programme is divided into two components: The taught component covers the main areas of Linguistics and familiarises students with research methodology; the thesis component gives students the opportunity to undertake research in a specialised area of interest.

Structure

First Semester  

• ENG 741 Trends in Applied Linguistics (10 ECTS)
• ENG 743 Principles of Linguistic Analysis I  (10 ECTS)
• ENG 766 Portfolio Development I  (10 ECTS)

Second Semester

• ENG 748 Principles of Linguistic Analysis II (10 ECTS)
• ENG 742 Research Methodology  (10 ECTS)
• ENG 767 Portfolio Development II (10 ECTS)

Third Semester    

• ENG 749  First and Second Language Acquisition (10 ECTS)
• ENG 750  Topics in Linguistics (10 ECTS)
• ENG 768  Portfolio Development III (10 ECTS)

Fourth Semester

• ENG 769 Master Thesis in TAAL (30 ECTS)

Total ECTS 120

Assessment

Each taught course is usually evaluated through continuous assessment which may include a mid-term exam, a final exam, a research paper and various others assignments. Students are also required to write a 15,000-word thesis on some aspect of linguistics.