PhD Applied Linguistics in Swansea United Kingdom | Swansea University

Pursuing a PhD or MPhil in Applied Linguistics allows you to engage in an extensive research project driven by your personal academic interests. The PhD program spans three years for full-time students or six years part-time, while the MPhil requires two years full-time or four years part-time. Candidates must submit a thesis of up to 90,000 words for PhD evaluation or 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, showcasing original research that makes a meaningful contribution to the field. This culminates in an oral defense of the thesis (known as a viva voce or viva). Our faculty members belong to the Language Research Centre (LRC), with particular expertise in areas such as: Computer Assisted Language Learning, Cognitive Psychology of Language, Discourse Analysis, Lexical Studies, Pragmatics, Psycholinguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Sociolinguistics, and Vocabulary Learning. Prospective students should develop their project in consultation with potential supervisors, ideally initiating these discussions prior to application to refine their research proposal. Throughout your studies, you'll receive guidance from two academic supervisors with relevant expertise, beginning with biweekly meetings in your first term and continuing at scheduled intervals. While there are no mandatory PhD classes, you may opt to attend MA modules that complement your research. The program typically involves conducting multiple interconnected studies that contribute to your final dissertation. You'll cultivate advanced research skills applicable to various areas of Applied Linguistics, supplemented by campus-based skills development programs.
The program offers opportunities to present your work at departmental seminars and the College of Arts and Humanities Postgraduate conference. From your second year onward, you may also teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars, receiving both training and compensation. Subject to approval, financial assistance is available for conference attendance or off-site research activities.