Course Summary
This doctoral programme in Applied Linguistics is a four-year, full-time programme which includes a combination of taught modules (in Year 1 of the programme) and individual research, the principal component being the doctoral thesis. In tandem with the doctoral thesis, this programme aims to enhance the professional knowledge of language teachers and language professionals by focusing on the core features of language as a system (grammar, lexis and phonology), language learning and acquisition, as well as language in its broader societal context.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
A first class honours primary degree in Applied Linguistics or a related area.
A 2.1 honours Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics or a related area.
A 2.2 honours Master’s degree, plus two years’ experience in Language Teaching, publishing or translation, or related fields.
Alternatively, if you meet the below criteria, you may apply for MIC's MA in Applied Linguistics. You may then transfer to Year 2 of the Structured PhD in Applied Linguistics if you meet progression requirements including required grade average on this programme:
A 2.2 honours primary degree, plus two years’ experience in Language Teaching, publishing or translation, or related fields
or
Relevant prior experience in Language Teaching, publishing or translation, or related fields considered on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of their proficiency level in English in the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any one component, or IELTS equivalent accepted by UL. Such applicants will also be required to undergo an interview through English.
Application Details
How to Apply
Autumn semester 2024 intake is now open for applications.
Please send proposal drafts for review to Programme Coordinator, Dr Joan O'Sullivan, before submitting your application. Email: [email protected].
Closing date for applications is 31st May 2024.
Non-EU Applicants
For advice on visas and the practicalities of living in Ireland, please contact the International office at [email protected].
After you have read How to Apply for a Research Postgraduate programme at MIC,
Download and complete the application form from our website.
Entry requirements and the application process may vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country, see our website.
The application form must also include your university transcripts.
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) is required.
Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using TransferMate here and return the completed application form by email to: [email protected], copying [email protected].
EU/Non-EU Status Assessments
The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third level studies and would qualify for EU fees, for example
Autumn semester 2025 intake is now open for applications.
Fees
Closing date for applications: please email [email protected].
EU Applicants
- After you have read How to Apply for a Research Postgraduate programme at MIC, download and complete the application form. For applications in Irish, download and complete the application form.
The application forms can be downloaded from our website.
- The application forms must also include any supporting documentation requested.
- In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) is required.
Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and return the compleetd application form by email to: [email protected], copying [email protected].
Non-EU Applicants
For advice on visas and the practicalities of living in Ireland, please contact the International office at [email protected].
- Entry requirements and the application process may vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country, click here.
- After you have read How to Apply for a Research Postgraduate programme at MIC, download and complete the application form.
- For applications in Irish, download and complete the application form.
The application forms can be downloaded from our website.
- The application form must also include your university transcripts.
- In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) is required.
- Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using TransferMate here and return the completed application form by email to: [email protected], copying [email protected].
EU/Non-EU Status Assessments
The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third level studies and would qualify for EU fees, for example.
For more information on EU/Non-EU assessments which will be conducted by MIC International office please go to our website.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
The programme creates a structured professional development opportunity for those working in the following areas:
- Language teaching and language education in general
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) / Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Learning materials editing and publishing
Language course development
- Translation
The PhD AL is also key in the development of a structured pathway to an academic career in the area of Applied Linguistics and in building a strong research profile. A doctorate is required for most higher education faculty members, which includes both lecturers and researchers. The programme will also enhance opportunities in teaching and programme design at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in third level institutions.
Other careers associated with Applied Linguistics lie in the areas of communications, journalism, speech and language therapy, media and public relations.