M.A. Entry requirements Normally a good undergraduate degree from a recognised university, or its equivalent, is required. For the M.A. by research and the M.Litt., the first degree should normally be in linguistics or a linguistics-related discipline. In-sessional courses are also available for those with borderline test scores following a degree lasting longer than one year. In some instances it may be possible for candidates who have entered the department intending to study for an M.A. or M.Litt. Detailed regulations concerning postgraduate research are laid down in the University Guidelines for Postgraduate Students and Supervisors.
Candidates work as early as possible with their supervisor to formulate a thesis proposal.
Students and supervisors meet at the beginning of each term to agree a plan of work. Each has 3 meetings per term with each supervisee. In their first year, research students must complete a research paper whose topic is approved by their supervisor. Each July, the student and supervisor jointly submit an annual progress report to the University's Graduate School. Each year members of staff offer several advanced 9-week seminars.