Linguistics (MA)
In our linguistics MA, you’ll have the opportunity to study disciplines from language variation to theoretical linguistics. You’ll also study topics such as language revitalization and community-based research.
This degree program combines coursework with a thesis and a public presentation. You’ll receive mentorship from a supervisor with expert knowledge in your research area.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Yes | No |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Students in this program will:
- appreciate the complexity of linguistic representation in the human mind, and how this representation is shaped, as we acquire and use language
- develop a solid grounding in core areas of linguistics: phonology and syntax
- have an opportunity to further explore phonology and syntax as well as phonetics, morphology, sociolinguistics, language documentation and acquisition, or Indigenous language revitalization as research areas
- develop an ability to articulate an appreciation for the richness and diversity of languages
- develop skills in a variety of research methodologies and their use in linguistics
- develop skills in describing, analyzing, explaining, interpreting and evaluating various linguistic data and phenomena
- develop an ability to contribute to the field of linguistics
Find a supervisor
All graduate students in this program must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. We recommend listing a potential supervisor on your application.
To find a potential supervisor, review the faculty contacts.
Alexandra D'Arcy
Professor, Associate Dean Research, Humanities Variationist sociolinguistics
Hua Lin
Associate Professor Second language phonetics and phonology, Chinese linguistics
Li-Shih Huang
Professor, Learning & Teaching Scholar-in-Residence, Undergraduate Advisor Applied linguistics
Suzanne Urbanczyk
Associate Professor, Advisor - Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization Phonology, morphology, language revitalization
Show me program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Your program details
Application deadlines
Admission requirements
- completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), preferably in linguistics, from a university recognized by UVic
- a minimum overall B+ average in the final year of your bachelor’s degree
- proof of English language proficiency if first language is not English*
*The minimum required scores to be admitted to this program are:
- TOEFL: the minimum score is 600 on the standard paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the internet-based test
- IELTS: the minimum score is 7 on all components of the test
Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.
Review our general admission requirements for more information.
Program specific requirements
You must include the following with your application:
- a letter of intent (maximum 2 pages) outlining:
-
- why you chose to apply to the UVic linguistics graduate program
- how your background has prepared you for this program
- what area of study you want to specialize in
-
- transcripts from the post-secondary institutions at which you have studied
- two letters of reference
- your most up-to-date curriculum vitae (résumé)
- a writing sample: maximum 5 pages of a publication or major term paper that represents your experience in linguistics (and/or related fields), and writing style. Partial papers are acceptable.
- completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), preferably in linguistics, from a university recognized by UVic
- a minimum overall B+ average in the final year of your bachelor’s degree
- proof of English language proficiency if first language is not English*
*The minimum required scores to be admitted to this program are:
- TOEFL: the minimum score is 600 on the standard paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the internet-based test
- IELTS: the minimum score is 7 on all components of the test
Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.
Review our general admission requirements for more information.
Program specific requirements
You must include the following with your application:
- a letter of intent (maximum 2 pages) outlining:
-
- why you chose to apply to the UVic linguistics graduate program
- how your background has prepared you for this program
- what area of study you want to specialize in
-
- transcripts from the post-secondary institutions at which you have studied
- two letters of reference
- your most up-to-date curriculum vitae (résumé)
- a writing sample: maximum 5 pages of a publication or major term paper that represents your experience in linguistics (and/or related fields), and writing style. Partial papers are acceptable.
Completion requirements
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Need help?
Contact Emmanuelle Guenette at linggradsec@uvic.ca