Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months (3–4 years)
- Part-time: 72 months (6–8 years)
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting January 2027: apply before November 2026 (International); apply before December 2026 (National)
We recommend that you apply as soon as you are able to as courses may occasionally close early.
Language
English
- PTE Academic: 76
- IELTS: 7
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Colchester, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Sociology, Linguistics
Overview
Examples of PhD projects which the students have undertaken include studies of the consequences of language contact between Arabic and Cypriot Greek, dialect contact and acquisition of American children in British schools, responses to different types of announcements, and linguistic resources to express agreement.
Many of the former PhD students work in higher education institutions around the world, as teachers and/or as academic researchers. Other career paths the former PhD students have taken include publishing, social work, administration, and retail.
Your future
Given the breadth of the provision within the Department of Language and Linguistics, career prospects for the graduates of the PhD Sociolinguistics from University of Essex vary depending on the study undertaken. Often the career destination of the PhD students is university lecturing or research. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the areas of linguistics they cover, this could be in departments of English, linguistics, education, sociology or cognitive science.
Programme Structure
- A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.
- In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge.
- A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- PTE Academic: 76
- IELTS: 7
Other requirements
General requirements
- You will need a good Masters degree or equivalent, in a related subject. A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
- You may be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.
- IELTS 7.0 (6.0 in writing, with a minimum of 5.5 remaining components).
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (non-residents): 39,253 AUD / year (≈ 20,625 GBP / year)
- Domestic (citizens or residents): 9,969 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Additional Details
Part-time:
- Home/UK fee – £2,619 per year
- International fee – £10,313 per year
Living costs
Colchester, United Kingdom
1,256–2,170 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.