Linguistics PhD
University of Bristol
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.1)

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
6 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

location-pin
Location

University of Bristol

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

JAN

time
Duration

4 years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

4 years

SELECTED

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN-26

Duration

4 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN-26

Duration

8 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

8 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

8 years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

OverviewLinguistics is the study of human language, how it functions in the brain and how it is used in society. Studying linguistics allows you to develop your understanding of language, and therefore learn more about people, both as individuals and societies. This level of in-depth knowledge about the human condition is increasingly vital in a world facing a broad array of societal and environmental challenges.At the University of Bristol, we have a strong research focus on sociolinguistics, ...Read more

Overview

Linguistics is the study of human language, how it functions in the brain and how it is used in society. Studying linguistics allows you to develop your understanding of language, and therefore learn more about people, both as individuals and societies. This level of in-depth knowledge about the human condition is increasingly vital in a world facing a broad array of societal and environmental challenges.

At the University of Bristol, we have a strong research focus on sociolinguistics, which is the study of language in society. We are deeply interested in how the study of language sheds light on social issues, both present and past, and we use a broad range of methods and approaches, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of recordings, surveys, corpora, and historical documents. We examine language variation and change, using both present-day and historical data. We also adopt critical approaches that study the attitudes, belief systems and policies that influence the way people use language on a daily basis. As a PhD student, you will be able to apply all these approaches to your own data and develop your knowledge collaboratively with us as a team.

In our team, we have published extensively on many different language situations around the world, and our skills and expertise cover several languages: Catalan, English, Esperanto, French, German, Irish, Occitan, Portuguese, Scots, Spanish and Welsh. We also welcome working with students on other languages.

Based in the School of Modern Languages, the staff in the Linguistics team collaborate nationally and internationally. We are connected with many professional bodies and networks, including the Association for French Language Studies, the International Association for the Study of Spanish in Society, the Forum for Germanic Language Studies, and the Historical Sociolinguistics Network. We work with colleagues from across the university (for example, in Anthropology and in English) and we contribute to the research centres in the Faculty of Arts. These connections, our research events, and the support of our team offer an excellent research environment.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
86/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
16th

Entry requirements

A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,850 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

£21,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

£21,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

IDP Connect

Uni info

University of Bristol
Beacon House Queen’s Road Bristol BS8 1QU United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Clifton Down  0.2 miles away
Thinking of studying in Bristol?

Check out our

Bristol city guide

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate