Overview

The Linguistics programme at Memorial University of Newfoundland provides students with a comprehensive education in the scientific study of language, blending theoretical inquiry with data-driven research. This Master of Arts degree allows candidates to specialise in diverse areas such as language acquisition, variation, and change, particularly within the context of indigenous and local languages. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances core linguistic theories with practical, experimental methodologies.

Why Linguistics at Memorial University of Newfoundland?

The department maintains a powerful synergy between teaching and research, focusing on aboriginal languages, speech disorders, and articulatory phonetics. Students have access to specialised facilities, including the Memorial University Sociolinguistics Laboratory and the Speech Sciences and Language Acquisition Laboratory. These centres support cutting-edge research into Algonquian, Inuktitut, and Iroquoian languages, as well as local varieties of English and French. Unique projects like the Chisasibi Child Language Acquisition Study offer students the chance to engage with real-world linguistic data and contribute to the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 710 per semester
• National fee: CAD 420 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build expertise from a strong foundation in core theoretical frameworks. Depending on the chosen route, students will engage with advanced coursework and either a substantial thesis or a focused research project. Modules may include:

• Phonology
• Syntax
• Morphology
• First and Second Language Acquisition
• Acoustic and Articulatory Phonetics
• Speech Disorders
• Sociolinguistics
• Irish
• Japanese

Careers with Linguistics

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for a variety of professional paths across both public and private sectors. The analytical and research skills developed during the degree are highly transferable to roles in technology, education, and government.