Discourse Studies

Entry requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a language/linguistics-related degree or one with a number of language/linguistics-related subjects.

We also welcome applicants from other subject backgrounds with linguistic knowledge commensurate with an undergraduate degree

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Take your Master's in Discourse Studies in one of the best Linguistics Departments in the world. We are placed 3rd in the QS World Rankings 2024.

Why Lancaster?

• Study at the first university in the UK to offer an MA Discourse Studies
• Be inspired by our world-leading experts in corpus linguistics and related areas such as health and science communication
• Join our Discourse & Text (DisTex) research group and benefit from a host of additional events, talks and activities to complement and enhance your course
• Enjoy the flexibility of designing part of your degree based on your specific interests
• Make the most of our outstanding resources including fully equipped labs for eye-tracking, phonetics and child language analysis
• Use your degree as a stepping stone to become an expert in communication in the public or private sector

Language is at the heart of human behaviour. We’ll show you methods and techniques for highly detailed analysis of communication, so that you can identify what works and what doesn’t, and help individuals and organisations get their message across more effectively.

Firm foundations

You’ll gain a solid grounding in the key theories and applications of Discourse Studies by studying three core modules. You’ll also be able to develop your research skills in our fourth core module, Research Methods in Linguistics and English Language. Plus, you can focus on one of your special interests in your dissertation. Previous students have chosen to focus on topics as diverse as cryptocurrencies and charities.

We’re well known for our extensive range of modules, from forensic linguistics to corpus linguistics. Through the core modules you’ll have the opportunity to apply discourse analysis methods to real-life contexts such as political communication or media reporting.

Outside the lecture theatre

We pride ourselves on offering much more than high quality teaching. Join one of our many different research groups, such as Discourse and Text, try one of the lively university societies or take part in one of our international summer schools.

Don’t worry if you’re returning to education or aren’t used to studying in the UK – we’re ready to provide extra support if you need it. You can get help with your academic reading, writing and presentation skills. There’s also the option to study part-time and combine your studies with a job.

Information for international students

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in listening and speaking. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Learn more on our fees and funding page.