You’ll choose one of two specialisms:
Linguistics (Applied)
To gain this qualification, you require 180 credits from the following modules:
Stage 1 (60 credits)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE817.
Stage 2 (60 credits)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE818.
Stage 3 (60 credits)
| Compulsory module |
Credits |
Next start |
- Linguistics dissertation (L807) PLANNED
|
60 |
Oct 2026 |
Linguistics (Artificial Intelligence)
To gain this qualification, you require 180 credits from the following modules:
Stage 1 (60 credits)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE817.
Stage 2 (60 credits)
Stage 3 (60 credits)
| Compulsory module |
Credits |
Next start |
- Linguistics dissertation (L807) PLANNED
|
60 |
Oct 2026 |
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Credit transfer
If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you may be able to count it towards Stage 1 of this qualification by applying for credit transfer, reducing the number of modules you need to study. Credit transfer will impact the time you have to complete this qualification, and the six-year time limit will start from the time the qualification submitted as credit transfer was completed. So, for example, if you use as credit transfer a qualification that you were awarded two years ago, you would need to complete the remaining 120 credits in four years.
You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, and before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Master of Arts in Linguistics. Your degree title will reflect your chosen specialist route:
- MA in Linguistics (Applied)
- MA in Linguistics (Artificial Intelligence)
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.
Career relevance
Throughout the world there is an increasing demand for professionals with a grasp of how language works. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills and develop your ability to respond to feedback as well as demonstrating your time management. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.
This qualification is designed to enrich your knowledge and improve your professional practice. On completing your studies, you should be able to:
- demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems at a professional or equivalent level
- reflect critically and constructively, in the light of ideas and frameworks presented in the modules, on how these apply to your practice and organisational context.
You will also acquire qualities and transferable skills that are highly prized by employers within education and related fields, such as:
- exercising initiative and personal responsibility
- the ability to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations
- the ability to draw on appropriate research and ethical understanding
- the capacity to produce reports/outputs for academic and professional purposes.
You will be guided through the materials and learn how you can recognise and acknowledge these additional skills.
Please note that this master’s degree does not qualify you for teacher registration in any country.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.