Take your MA 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.