MA English Language
About this course
MA (Hons) in English Language, an English Language and Linguistics degree focusing on the form and social function of English varieties across the globe. The first year introduces the study of language through Linguistics and English Language 1A and Linguistics and English Language 1B. The second year examines linguistic theory and the structure of English alongside the history of English. The third year offers advanced study through modules such as Cognitive Linguistics, English Historical Syntax, Sociolinguistics, Stylistics, Scots and Scottish English, and Middle English.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 55%: 30 offers from 55 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 75%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 435 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 38%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 32%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Access course: 10%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Modules
- Linguistics and English Language 1A: offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general and of English in particular
- Linguistics and English Language 1B: will help you develop the tools and knowledge needed to investigate the different subsystems of language
- regional and social variations of language (especially in the English language)
- semantics and pragmatics
- linguistic theory and the structure of English
- speech sounds of the world's languages and empirical methods
- variation in the languages of the world
- the history of English
- Cognitive Linguistics
- English Historical Syntax
- Sociolinguistics
- Stylistics
- Scots and Scottish English
- Middle English
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA English Language at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £44,000. The £33,000 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for English language.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA English Language at University of Edinburgh?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA English Language at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 127 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA English Language at University of Edinburgh?
55% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 30 offers from 55 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA English Language at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA English Language at University of Edinburgh?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.