MA Linguistics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Linguistics, a linguistics degree examining how human language functions, varies across society and evolves over time. The course includes an optional year abroad. The first year introduces general language study and regional and social variations through Linguistics and English Language 1A and Linguistics and English Language 1B. The second year explores the speech sounds of the world's languages and empirical methods alongside linguistic theory and the structure of English. The third year offers advanced study in subjects such as First Language Acquisition, Origins and Evolution of Language, Speech Production and Perception, Sociolinguistics, Pragmatics, Phonological Theory, and Language Variation and Change.
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 45%: 41 offers from 92 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 63%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 65%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 65%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
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 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 50%
- Baccalaureate: 20%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
- No formal qualifications: 15%
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 different subsystems of language
- regional and social variations of language in general (especially in the English language)
- semantics and pragmatics
- linguistic theory and the structure of English
- the speech sounds of the world's languages and empirical methods
- variation in the languages of the world
- the history of English
- First Language Acquisition
- Origins and Evolution of Language
- Speech Production and Perception
- Sociolinguistics
- Pragmatics
- Phonological Theory
- Language Variation and Change
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Linguistics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £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 £15,500 less than the UK median for Artificial intelligence.
What do graduates of MA Linguistics at University of Edinburgh do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 142 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
45% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 41 offers from 92 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Linguistics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.