Linguistics PhD

The School of Literature and Languages is internationally regarded, and our research takes a strong multi-disciplinary approach, and covers languages and linguistic settings all over the world. We have been ranked as one of the top ten Linguistics departments in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2022 for our undergraduate programmes.

Most of our research in theoretical and applied linguistics focuses on the consequences of linguistic diversity. Our postgraduate research looks at the grammatical structure of languages and the ways in which language-related research can have practical applications, with applied linguistics research considering topics such as:

• multiculturalism and mobility 
• multilingual practices in business and educational contexts 
• intercultural pragmatics 
• second and foreign language learning and teaching 
• lexicography and corpus linguistics.  

We’re also home to the Surrey Morphology Group, a linguistics research centre that focuses on theoretical morphology, morphological interfaces, linguistic typology, and documenting and describing languages. We’ve been awarded over £2m in external funding since 2012, with funding coming from the European Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust, among others. We’re part of several externally funded doctoral training partnerships, and you might be able to benefit from a studentship from us if you’re suitable qualified.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School of Literature and Languages 10th for research impact, with 75% of our case studies rated as having outstanding impacts, in terms of reach and significance (4*). REF is the UK’s system for independently assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions. Our submission to REF included contributions from the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

It normally takes three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study to complete our PhD in Linguistics. You’ll take a confirmation viva at 12-15 months (or 24-30 months part-time) and then be assessed by a thesis and viva examination.

You’ll be assigned two supervisors, who you’ll meet with monthly to discuss your progress. Your supervisors will guide you through your PhD and will give you feedback and advice on your work.

As a doctoral student in the School of Literatures and Languages, you’ll receive a structured training programme covering the practical aspects of being a researcher, including grant-writing, publishing in journals, and applying for academic jobs.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.