Overview
Philosophy
What is an MA in Linguistics? Linguistics can include the study of specific languages, comparing languages, language acquisition, communications, theory, and cognition. Students may choose to focus on the description of language or language theories. Study of language variation and language change takes an in-depth look at phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Linguistics can also emphasize more practical components of language, such as translation and text analysis for those who want careers in communications
Rationale
The rationale of this programme is to train competent teachers and lecturers of various subjects in theoretical and applied linguistics, competent researchers in the same areas, and people capable of describing any language spoken in Kenya
Objectives
The aim of this syllabus is to train competent teachers and lecturers of various subjects in theoretical and applied linguistics, competent researchers in the same areas, and people capable of describing any language spoken in Kenya. Its specific objectives are:
- to offer students an advanced knowledge of the main areas of theoretical linguistics and applied linguistics, namely
- Phonetics,
- Phonology,
- Morphology,
- Syntax,
- Semantics,
- Pragmatics,
- Discourse Analysis,
- Sociolinguistics,
- Psycholinguistics;
- to equip the students with the necessary knowledge to help solve language related problems in society;
- to equip students with the necessary knowledge to do research in linguistics and language related areas.
Schedule of Intakes
The Department admits new students at the beginning of every academic calendar year (which is usually September)
Application Information
You will be required to enter some basic information, including your email address and to choose a password. We will then send you an email to the address you entered, so that we can validate your account. When you have clicked on the validation link (sent to you in the email), you will be able to log in to the application system using the "Login" box below
For instructions on how to apply click here
To apply online here
Mode of Delivery
- Face-to-Face Mode
This is through lectures and tutorials using notes, electronic presentations, instruction manuals, group discussions, practical laboratory demonstrations and fieldwork.
- Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning
In case of delivery through ODeL, special arrangements shall be made for the practical laboratory, field work and computing sessions. Where not feasible alternative arrangements will be made to do them on campus.
- Blended Learning
This is a hybrid of face to face with Open, Distance Learning and e-learning.
Contact of Support Persons
Prof. Alfred Buregeya - dept-linguistics@uonbi.ac.ke (+254722657587)
Email: dept-linguistics@uonbi.ac.ke
Tel:020-4918214
Website: linguistics.uonbi.ac.ke
Physical location: Education Building 3rd Floor, Main Campus
Notable Alumni
- Prof. Mohammed Abdul Aziz
- Prof. Okoth Okombo
- Prof. Kithaka wa Mberia
- Prof. John Habwe
Admission Requirements
Minimum Admission Requirements
The common regulations governing the Master’s degree in the University of Nairobi shall apply.
A candidate seeking admission to the program shall be required to have a first degree in Linguistics.
Subject to the common regulations governing the Master’s degree in the University of Nairobi, the minimum qualification for the M.A. in Linguistics shall be a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or equivalent, obtained from an institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
Careers
Attachment Opportunities
MA in Linguistics can apply their learning in many career fields. Having thoroughly studied language acquisition, linguists are especially qualified to teach language.
- They can either teach English as a second language or teach a foreign language.
- Working in the computer industry can give linguists a chance to better computer-mediated language learning.
- Language documentation and preservation is another great option, as well as translating in settings such as courtrooms and government hospitals.
- Verbal lingual skills give linguists an advantage in positions for editing, publishing, and writing.
Career Prospects
- Editing
- Translation and Interpretation Services in AU
- University teaching
- Communications officers
- Editors
Fees and Funding
| TUITION | 21,000.00 | |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 1,000.00 | |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000.00 | |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 5,000.00 | |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250.00 | |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | |
| THESIS EXAMINATION | 30,000.00 | |
| Semester totals | ||
| Sem1 | 2 units | 73,750.00 |
| 3 units | 95,750.00 | |
| 4 units | 117,750.00 | |
| Semester totals | ||
| Sem2 ,3,5 or 6 | 1 unit | 24,250.00 |
| 2 units | 46,250.00 | |
| 3 units | 68,250.00 | |
| 4 units | 90,250.00 | |
| Semester totals | ||
| Sem4, 7, or 10 | 1 unit | 46,750.00 |
| 2 units | 68,750.00 | |
| 3 units | 90,750.00 | |
| 4 units | 112,750.00 | |
| Project =4units | ||
| Project in sems 4 or 7 | 142,750.00 | |
| Other sems | 120,250.00 | |
| SUMMARY OF TOTAL FEES | ||
| Sem1 | 4 units | 117,750.00 |
| Sem2 | 4 units | 90,250.00 |
| Sem3 | 4 units | 90,250.00 |
| Sem4 | PROJECT | 142,750.00 |
| Totals | 441,000.00 |
Structure
MA. IN LINGUISTICS
CLL 6101 - Phonetics
CLL 6103 - Grammatical Theories
CLL 6105 - Research Methods
CLL 6107 - Applied Linguistics
CLL 6102 - Phonology
CLL 6104 - Morphology and Language Description
CLL 6106 - Syntax
CLL 6201 - Communication
CLL 6202 - Semantics and Pragmatics
CLL 6203 - Sociolinguistics
CLL 6204 - Comparative and Historical Linguistics
CLL 6205 - Stylistics
CLL 606 - Project
Mode of Delivery
- The program shall be offered through face-to-face interactions between the instructor and the learner.
- The program shall be offered full-time, part-time and through Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (OdeL) mode of study.