Postgraduate degrees in Language & Cognition 

at Bangor University

| PhD | MA in Cognitive Linguistics | NEW: MA in Anthropological Linguistics  |
 MA in Language, Communication and Cognition |
 
| Module Descriptions | MA admissions criteria  | Fees |
| Bangor University | School of Linguistics & English Language |
| Scholarships for MA and PhD students | UK/EU fees | International fees |

 | Bangor & the area | Money advice | Funding advice for international students |


 

NOTE: The MAs detailed below are being transferred from the University of Brighton, and will be available from September 2008.  This is due to the

appointment of Vyv Evans, as Professor of Linguistics in the

School of Linguistics & English Language at the Bangor University.

Applications are now open. 
International students may apply on-line.  On-line application details are available here.

UK and EU applicants must apply via a conventional application form.  These can be downloaded

from here. 


 

PhD in Linguistics

Vyv Evans supervises PhD’s in the general area of cognitive linguistics at Bangor University.  PhD study in the UK involves devising and pursuing an individual programme of research mentored by a supervisor.  In order to work with Vyv first ensure that your proposed research project relates to his area(s) of research expertise (see www.vyvevans.net).  Feel free to get in touch to discuss an idea for doctoral-level research if you are unsure (vyv.evans@brighton.ac.uk). 

 

The stages involved in application are as follows:

1.  Send Vyv (via email) an up-to-date CV, and a brief (e.g., 2-3 page) proposal detailing the research problem to be addressed, the theoretical framework to be employed, the data type you will be collecting/examining, details of hypotheses or research expectations, and an approximate research schedule. 

2.  If Vyv agrees to supervise the project, you may apply to Bangor University. 
International students may apply on-line.  On-line application details are available
here. 

UK and EU applicants must apply via a conventional application form.  These can be downloaded

from here.

 

Note. One of the three Master's level programmes, detailed below, or equivalent, will normally be required as a pre-requisite for PhD supervision by Vyv.

 

Further information on the PhD programme is available here.

 


 

Summary of MA programmes and taught modules

 

Module title

Semester

Tutor

MA Cognitive Linguistics

MA Language, Communication & Cognition

MA Anthropological Linguistics

Intro to Cognitive Linguistics

1

Vyv Evans

Compulsory

Compulsory

Option

Intro to Linguistic Anthropology

1

Stéphanie Pourcel

Option

Compulsory

Compulsory

Language, Thought & Reality

1

Stéphanie Pourcel

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

Metaphor & Thought

1

Vyv Evans

Compulsory

Option

Option

Language, Culture & Society

2

Stéphanie Pourcel

Option

Option

Compulsory

Grammar & Mind

2

Vyv Evans

Compulsory

Option

Option

Language, Mind & Brain

2

Stéphanie Pourcel

Option

Compulsory

Option

The Language of Space & Time

2

Vyv Evans

Compulsory

Option

Option

Linguistic Ethnography

2

Stéphanie Pourcel

Option

Option

Compulsory

 


 

MA in Cognitive Linguistics (course code: MA/COGLING  Q1AH)
Full-time: 12 months (Sept-Sept), or part time over 2 years.

 

Course description

The MA in Cognitive Linguistics is primarily aimed at those students who wish to undertake a taught programme of graduate-level study in order to pursue research in some aspect of Cognitive Linguistics.   

 

Cognitive Linguistics is a modern and innovative approach to the study of language and mind, and their relationship with embodied experience and culture. The MA provides a focused and comprehensive programme of graduate-level training in the core subject matter of Cognitive Linguistics, including the most important theoretical frameworks.  The subject matter covered includes conceptual structure and organisation, figurative language, grammar and mind, the relationship between language, thought and culture, lexical and cognitive compositional semantics, the issue of embodiment, and contemporary methodology in Cognitive Linguistics.  The MA also provides students with the opportunity to apply Cognitive Linguistics methodologies.  The MA includes a 20,000 word dissertation in which students design and undertake a piece of individual research.  The MA also provides a platform for those interested in pursuing an advanced research degree such as the PhD in Cognitive Linguistics.


For further information on cognitive linguistics see:
www.vyvevans.net

Course modules:

The MA in Cognitive Linguistics involves 4 compulsory modules, 2 options plus a research dissertation of 20,000 words. 

 

 

MA Cognitive Linguistics

6 modules, plus dissertation in semester 3

 

1. Intro to cognitive linguistics

2.  Metaphor & thought

3.  Grammar & mind

4.  Language of space & time

Options

+2 options, from:

Intro to linguistic anthropology

Language, thought & reality

Linguistic ethnography

Language, mind & brain

Language, culture & society

 

 

Part time MA students structure:

Year 1:            Semester 1: 2 modules

Semester 2: 2 modules       

 

Year 2:            Semester 1: 1 module
                        Semester 2: 1 module

June-Sept      Dissertation                          

 

Application deadline: There is no specific deadline for applying for the MA, however, early applications are encouraged, not least to guarantee a place, and to ensure the timely processing of application materials.


To discuss the MA, send an email to Vyv Evans Vyv.Evans@brighton.ac.uk).

 

Applications are now open. 
International students may apply on-line.  On-line application details are available here. 

UK and EU applicants must apply via a conventional application form, which are then sent by post.

These can be downloaded from here.  Please quote the relevant course code on the application

form.

 


 

MA in Language, Communication and Cognition (course code: MA/LCC  Q1AJ)
Full-time: 12 months (Sept-Sept), or part time over 2 years.

 

Programme description

The relationship between language, communication and cognition is central to many of the disciplines in the humanities as well as the social and cognitive sciences, including studies relating to language, culture, media and mind. The MA in Language, Communication and Cognition is aimed at those students who wish to undertake a taught programme of graduate-level study in the interdisciplinary area of language and mind which is not limited to a specific theoretical perspective.   The course provides a comprehensive programme of graduate-level training in various topics associated with the study of language, culture, communication and cognition, approached from the perspective of theories in cognitive linguistics, as well as cultural and communication studies.  The purpose of the MA is to provide students with the necessary tools and skills to undertake advanced research in some area of language, culture, communication and mind.

Topics covered will include linguistic meaning and structure, cognitive linguistics, embodied cognition, linguistic relativity, the nature of spatial and temporal representation, the socio-cultural nature and basis of language and communication, cross-cultural and cross-linguistic diversity especially in communication practices, data collection techniques including the collection of qualitative data and experimental design, how the mind and brain process language, and linguistic anthropology. Students will have ample opportunity to conduct their own research, both in module projects and in the final dissertation. The MA also provides a platform for those interested in pursuing an advanced research degree.

 

Course modules:

The MA in Language, Communication and Cognition involves 4 compulsory modules, 2 options plus a 20,000 word research dissertation. 

 

 

MA Language, Communication & Cognition

6 modules, plus dissertation in semester 3

 

1.  Intro to cognitive linguistics

2.  Intro to linguistic anthropology

3.  Language, thought & reality

4.  Language, mind & brain

Options

+ 2 options, from:

Metaphor & thought 

Grammar & mind 

Language of space & time 

Linguistic ethnography 

Language, culture & society

 

Part time MA students structure:

Year 1:            Semester 1: 2 modules

Semester 2: 2 modules       

 

Year 2:            Semester 1: 1 module
                        Semester 2: 1 module

June-Sept      Dissertation                          

 

Application deadline: There is no specific deadline for applying for the MA, however, early applications are encouraged, not least to guarantee a place, and to ensure the timely processing of application materials.

 

To discuss the MA, send an email to Vyv Evans (Vyv.Evans@brighton.ac.uk).

 

Applications are now open. 
International students may apply on-line.  On-line application details are available here. 

UK and EU applicants must apply via a conventional application form, which are then sent by post.

These can be downloaded from here.  Please quote the relevant course code on the application

form.

 


 

 

MA in Anthropological Linguistics  (Course code: MA/ANTHLING  Q1AL)

Full-time: 12 months (Sept-Sept), or part time over 2 years.

 

Course description

The MA in Anthropological Linguistics provides a taught programme of graduate-level study in the interdisciplinary area of language and culture, which is not limited to a specific theoretical perspective. The MA provides a comprehensive, varied and flexible programme of training in multi-disciplinary topics associated with the study of language, culture, communication, behaviour, society, and cognition. The purpose of the MA is to provide students with the necessary theoretical, analytical and methodological tools and skills to undertake advanced research in an area of language, culture and communication.

 

The taught component of the MA takes place over semesters 1 and 2. In semester 1, students take two foundational modules: Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology and Language, Thought and Reality. The Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology module introduces students to key subjects areas, theoretical approaches and methodologies in the discipline, ranging from evolutionary questions to culture theories, and social models of understanding. Language, Thought and Reality is a theoretical and experimental module addressing the triangular relationship between language, culture and thought. This module incorporates a methodological element. In semester 2, students take two modules covering additional core subject areas, including Linguistic Ethnography (a specifically methodological module), and Language, Culture and Society. This latter module addresses key concerns and facts in linguistic anthropology, including diversity, development, multilingualism, and sociolinguistics.

 

Course modules:

The MA in Anthropological Linguistics consists of a taught component of 4 required modules, two option modules and a 20,000 word research dissertation.

 

 

 

MA Language, Communication & Cognition

6 modules, plus dissertation in semester 3

 

1.  Intro to linguistic anthropology

2.  Linguistic ethnography

3.  Language, thought & reality

4.  Language, culture & society

Options

+ 2 options, from:

Metaphor & thought 

Grammar & mind 

Language of space & time 

Language, mind & brain

Intro. to cognitive linguistics

 

 

Part time MA students structure:

Year 1:            Semester 1: 2 modules

Semester 2: 2 modules       

 

Year 2:            Semester 1: 1 module
                        Semester 2: 1 module

June-Sept      Dissertation                          

 

Application deadline: There is no specific deadline for applying for the MA, however, early applications are encouraged, not least to guarantee a place, and to ensure the timely processing of application materials.

 

To discuss the MA, send an email to Vyv Evans (Vyv.Evans@brighton.ac.uk).

 

Applications are now open. 
International students may apply on-line.  On-line application details are available here. 

UK and EU applicants must apply via a conventional application form, which are then sent by post.

These can be downloaded from here.  Please quote the relevant course code on the application

form.

 


 

Admissions criteria for the MAs

Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate honours degree (at second class honours level (upper division) or better) or equivalent in a relevant single discipline or a subject area.

 

English language requirement:
If you are a non-native speaker of English, you will be required to have achieved one of the following minimum scores:

·         An overall score of IELTS 6.0 with no individual score lower than 5.5

·         TOEFL   560 with a TWE (written score) of 4

·         Computer Based TOEFL 220

Students who have undertaken 2 years of education entirely through the medium of English directly prior to entry to Bangor University, will not be required to submit an English Language test certificate.  Further information may be obtained from the Postgraduate Admissions Office on postgraduate@bangor.ac.uk

Students wishing to arrange an IELTS test can do so by contacting the IELTS testing centres in your country or the British Council

Students who have not achieved the above scores can apply to undertake English Language courses at the University's English Language Centre in order to achieve these levels, prior to the beginning of the academic programme.

Level

Course

IELTS 4.5

9 month course

IELTS 5.0

6 month course

IELTS 5.5

3 month course

 

 


 

Module Descriptions  [Download core readings]

 

Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics
This module provides an introduction to and overview of the Cognitive Linguistics enterprise.  In particular it provides an introduction to the historical origins of the approach known as Cognitive Linguistics, including its basic assumptions and key theoretical commitments, an overview of the range and nature of the theoretical paradigms which make up the Cognitive Linguistics enterprise, and the range and nature of phenomena investigated by cognitive linguists and applications.  In addition, a significant part of the course is concerned with the theoretical and empirical methods employed in cognitive linguistics.  For instance, recent work has placed special importance on securing convergent evidence from a broad empirical basis, including using samples from unrelated languages, corpora, and employing methods from cognitive sciences such as Psychology, Neuropsychology and Computer Science.

 

Metaphor and Thought
This module represents an introduction to the main theoretical paradigms in cognitive linguistics that investigate figurative language, particularly metaphor.  These include conceptual metaphor theory, approaches to conceptual metonymy, Mental Spaces Theory, Conceptual Blending Theory and the Theory of Lexical Concepts and Cognitive Models.  This course introduces students to the main motivations, architectures and methodologies associated with these theories, as well as considering applications and descriptive and theoretical problems and challenges for these approaches.  The course also considers recent experimental approaches to metaphor.

 

Grammar and Mind
This module provides an overview of approaches to grammar in cognitive linguistics.  Such approaches are characterised by assigning meaning a central role in the nature and organisation of grammar, and viewing grammar as an outcome of the nature of our embodied experience and our cognitive apparatus.  Moreover, such an approach views grammar as an outcome of situated language usage.  This module introduces the student to some of the main theories and methodologies characteristic of this approach, and also addresses the relation between grammatical organisation and conceptual structure and the way grammatical structure derives and evolves, as motivated in part by experience of the world and cognitive mechanisms.

 

Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
Linguistic anthropology is a module adopting a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of language. It considers various topics through the prism of language as related to biology and evolution, and ultimately to society and culture. The module introduces and reviews key notions in the discipline, such as the origins and evolution of language, linguistic diversity, language death, theories of culture, cultural and linguistic relativity, ethnography and communication, sociolinguistics, structuralist anthropology, and cognitive psychology.

 

Language, Mind and Brain
This module looks at the psychology of language, with a focus on the relationship between language and cognition. The first part of the module introduces the study of the brain and of the neuropsychology of language. The second part examines models of language processing. That is, we try to explain how speech gets perceived and words recognised, how reading tasks are completed, how sentences and discourse get comprehended, and how speakers produce speech. From this neurocognitive perspective, the module questions the nature of the relationship between language and thought, and debates the controversy of the direction of this relationship, based on the ideas developed by Chomsky, Fodor, Jackendoff, Levinson, Whorf, and cognitive linguistics approaches. 

 

The Language of Space and Time
This module constitutes an introduction to the nature of and relationship between time and space.  It also introduces the manner in which language is employed in cognitive linguistics to investigate how these domains of experience are conceptualised.  The module focuses on the way in which space and time have been investigated as distinct domains of experience, as well as the way in which they appear to interface.  The module introduces students to cross-linguistic and experimental approaches that have been deployed within cognitive linguistics in investigating time and space, as well as specific theories of linguistic and conceptual organisation and structure, which attempt to provide accounts of the nature of spatial and temporal conceptualisation.

 

Linguistic Ethnography
Linguistic ethnography is a module which focuses on research methodology. Ethnography is particularly relevant as a qualitative approach to behaviour studied in its socio-cultural context. In this module we are concerned with linguistic behaviour: the specific type of behaviour under investigation. Students are introduced to qualitative methodologies of fieldwork, ranging from participant-observation to semi-structured interviews. The module also introduces students to the professional code of conduct in ethnographic fieldwork, and in particular, to the importance of ethical considerations. The course will endow students with the necessary skills for implementing a micro-scale linguistic ethnographic study.

 

Language, Thought and Reality

This module introduces students to issues pertaining to the relationship between language, thought, and our perception of reality. Its central debate addresses whether language may influence our thinking, including our understanding of the world. This important debate is also known as the linguistic relativity question, and is central to the fields of linguistics and cognition, especially in cognitive linguistics and cognitive psychology.

 

Language, Culture and Society

Language, Culture and Society is a survey module reviewing facts and processes involved in ethno-linguistic diversity, in language and development, in multilingualism, and in sociolinguistics.  It is concerned with contemporary issues pertaining to language and society. It relates the daily practice of language to individual lives, socio-economic dynamics, political agendas, planning policies, and more.


 

Funding Opportunities

 

Scholarships for MA and PhD students
Funding advice for international students
Overseas Research Students Award Scheme


Citizens of European Union member states can apply to the Arts and Humanities Research Council, AHRC, one of the UK’s major research funding councils, for master’s level research training programmes, or for PhD funding.