Online application issues
Q: I can’t get the system to accept my application. What shall I do?
A: If you have any technical problems with your application, see the University’s Technical Help for step-by-step instructions to fix common issues: https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/media_wysiwyg/TechnicalHelpv3.2.1_0.pdf
General questions
Q: Can I apply for the M.St./ M.Phil. if my first degree is not in Linguistics?
A: Please see the Graduate Admissions website for entry requirements to our M.St. and M.Phil. courses:
- M.St. courses https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/mst-linguistics-philology-phonetics
- M.Phil. course https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/mphil-linguistics-philology-phonetics
Q: Please send me a prospectus.
A: We do not publish a printed prospectus. All the information you need is online at https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/humanities/linguistics-philology-and-phonetics
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: Application deadlines for graduate courses can be accessed via https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/humanities/linguistics-philology-and-phonetics
For Master’s courses, applications must be submitted for either the November or the January deadline. No Master’s applications can be considered after the January deadline.
For the D.Phil. course, applications must be submitted by the November, January, or March deadline. Depending on availability of places, D.Phil. applications may also be considered after the March deadline.
Studentship applications for all degrees must be submitted by the January deadline.
Q: Are there any courses in English Language?
A: No, the Faculty does not teach English for learners of the language. There are many reputable English Language schools in Oxford. See http://www.englishuk.com/en for help in choosing a school.
The Oxford University Language Centre runs courses in the use of English for academic purposes, and intensive improvers’ courses in August, for students entering in October. We recommend students take advantage of these opportunities, where appropriate.
Q: Are there any short courses or summer courses?
A: No.
Q: Can I do the M.St./M.Phil. part-time, by distance learning?
A: No. You must be resident in Oxford and attend teaching in person.
Q: What are the University and colleges doing to increase the number of postgraduate students from groups that are under-represented at Oxford?
A: You can read more about graduate access at https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/access
Q: Please send me an application form.
A: The Faculty does not send out application forms: applications must be made online. A guide explaining how to apply for graduate study at Oxford, including how to complete the application form and provide supporting documents, is available at https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford/application-guide
Q: Shall I send my application to you in the Centre for Linguistics and Philology?
A: No. It must be submitted online to the Graduate Admissions Office. See the University’s Application Guide for graduates at https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford/application-guide
Q: Which college shall I choose? I don’t understand which college offers the best Linguistics course.
A: The colleges do not provide the teaching for our courses. The teaching is done in the Faculty. Everyone who studies at Oxford has to be linked to a college for administrative reasons. See https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/colleges
Q: When happens after I apply?
A: After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions office to make sure that it is ready for assessment. If it was submitted on time, with all the necessary supporting documents, and you’ve paid the application fee, it will be sent on to the academic department for assessment. For more on what happens after you apply, see https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/after-you-apply
Q: If I am offered a place, can I defer my entry for a year?
A: Not normally. You must take up the place for the year of the offer. See the University’s guidance on your offer and contract for help with this question: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/after-you-apply/your-offer-and-contract
Q: What is PRS?
A: A PRS student is a Probationary Research Student, who will later be confirmed as a D.Phil. student, if all goes well.
Q: Can you consider an application after the final deadline?
A: All applications must come through the route described above, following the deadline dates given. No one can be given priority or preference. For the M.St. and M.Phil. courses, there is only one starting date — October — for which the latest application date is mid-January. For the D.Phil. only, in exceptional circumstances and if places remain, it may be possible to consider an application after March.
Q: Can I study Applied Linguistics? What about second language acquisition?
A: You cannot study Applied Linguistics in this faculty. The Department of Education works in this field and offers an M.Sc. degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition: https://www.education.ox.ac.uk/study/msc-alsla/
International applicants
Q: Do I need to take a test for my English?
A: Information about English Language Requirements is available at: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/international-applicants/english-language-requirements
Q: Do you have any scholarships for international students to help finance my studies?
A: For information about funding, see https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/oxford-funding