UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · UNITED KINGDOM
MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
21 mo
Duration
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IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 21 monthsFull-time duration
- c. 11Places available
- Schwarzman Centre for the HumanitiesModern Facilities
- Extensive library collectionsResearch Resources
The MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive taught master's course designed for students seeking advanced specialization in various branches of linguistics. You can choose to focus on general linguistics (including phonetics but not applied linguistics), historical and comparative linguistics, or the linguistics of specific languages. This 21-month full-time program, starting in October 2026, requires you to attend classes in Oxford and actively participate in a rich academic environment. You will engage with core linguistic theories and have the flexibility to select optional modules that align with your research interests, culminating in a thesis submission in your final term.
Curriculum
The MPhil course combines a compulsory paper in linguistic theory with specialized options. You will choose one of three specialisation tracks: general linguistics (B), Indo-European historical and comparative philology and linguistics (C), or the linguistics of one or two selected languages (D). The program culminates in three examination papers and a thesis.
- Year 1
- Linguistic Theory
- Year 2
- Option B: General Linguistics (choose three from: Phonetics and Phonology, Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Historical and Comparative Linguistics, Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics, History and Structure of a Language, Experimental Phonetics, or Computational Linguistics (for students with substantial previous training))
- Option C: Indo-European Historical and Comparative Philology and Linguistics (two ancient Indo-European languages/groups, with papers on comparative grammar, historical grammar, and set texts)
- Option D: Linguistics of Languages (ancient (e.g., Latin, Sanskrit) or modern (e.g., French, Italian, German, Slavic languages) languages)
- Thesis
Careers
Graduates of the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics pursue a variety of paths. Many continue their academic journey by undertaking doctoral work at Oxford or other institutions. The analytical and research skills developed during the MPhil are also highly valued in diverse professional sectors.
- Doctoral Researcher
- Academic
- Publisher
- Secondary Education Teacher
- Further Education Teacher
- Finance Professional
- IT Professional
Frequently asked questions
- What are the estimated living costs for an international student at the University of Oxford for the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics?
- Estimated living costs for a single student in Oxford for 12 months in 2025-26 are between £17,100 and £24,420. This estimate includes food, accommodation, personal items, social activities, study costs, and miscellaneous expenses. Note that visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are not included in these figures and must be paid upfront.
- What is the duration of the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics programme?
- The MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics is a full-time programme with a duration of 21 months. The course is scheduled to start in October 2026.
- What are the entry requirements for the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics?
- To apply, you must meet the University of Oxford's academic and English language proficiency requirements. A 'Higher level' English language proficiency is required.
- How do I apply for the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics, and when is the application deadline?
- Applications are submitted online through the University of Oxford's graduate admissions portal. You will need to prepare supporting documents such as academic transcripts, references, and a statement of purpose. The University application deadline for 2026-27 entry is in January.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics?
- Graduates often pursue doctoral research at Oxford or other institutions. The programme also prepares students for careers in academia, publishing, secondary and further education, finance, and IT.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students in this programme?
- The New College Graduate Awards offer generous college awards for tuition and/or living costs. To be considered, you must select New College as your first-choice college on your University application by the January deadline.
Entry requirements
University RequirementHigher level required
The University has an 18-month suspension on student visa applications from nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University of Oxford's official fees page for international tuition rates specific to this program.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University of Oxford's official fees page for home tuition rates specific to this program.
LivingEstimated living costs for a single student in Oxford for 12 months in 2025-26 are between £17,100 and £24,420. This includes food, accommodation, personal items, social activities, study costs, and miscellaneous expenses. These figures are based on a survey and existing expenditure data.
Living costs are estimates and can vary based on individual lifestyle. Accommodation costs include utilities. International students will also need to budget for student visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which must be paid upfront for the entire course duration and any additional visa allowance. These extra costs are not included in the estimated living costs.
How to apply
1. Find your courseBrowse the complete list of postgraduate courses to find the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics.
2. Check entry requirementsConfirm you meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements for the MPhil program. Note the 'Higher level' English requirement.
3. Prepare your application documentsGather all required supporting documents. Specific documents typically include academic transcripts, references, a CV/resume, and a statement of purpose or research proposal. If applying for New College scholarships, ensure New College is your first choice.
4. Complete the online applicationSubmit your application through the University of Oxford's graduate admissions portal. Pay the application fee.
5. Await decisionAfter applying, you will receive updates on the status of your application. If successful, you will receive an offer of admission.
Scholarships
New College Graduate AwardsGenerous college awards
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated living costs for an international student at the University of Oxford for the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics?
+
Estimated living costs for a single student in Oxford for 12 months in 2025-26 are between £17,100 and £24,420. This estimate includes food, accommodation, personal items, social activities, study costs, and miscellaneous expenses. Note that visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are not included in these figures and must be paid upfront.
What is the duration of the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics programme?
+
The MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics is a full-time programme with a duration of 21 months. The course is scheduled to start in October 2026.
What are the entry requirements for the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics?
+
To apply, you must meet the University of Oxford's academic and English language proficiency requirements. A 'Higher level' English language proficiency is required.
How do I apply for the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics, and when is the application deadline?
+
Applications are submitted online through the University of Oxford's graduate admissions portal. You will need to prepare supporting documents such as academic transcripts, references, and a statement of purpose. The University application deadline for 2026-27 entry is in January.
What are the career prospects after completing the MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics?
+
Graduates often pursue doctoral research at Oxford or other institutions. The programme also prepares students for careers in academia, publishing, secondary and further education, finance, and IT.
Are there any scholarships available for international students in this programme?
+
The New College Graduate Awards offer generous college awards for tuition and/or living costs. To be considered, you must select New College as your first-choice college on your University application by the January deadline.