[EllieZ]

Hello everybody!
I have got an offer to this program, 2012 entry. But I find litterally nothing on the internet about it, the size of class, whereabout of the graduates, focus of the program, etc. I am convinced that UCL boasts of a prestigous lineage of linguisitics research, still, it wouldn't hurt to know more
It would be nice to listen to a graduates or a current student talking about what the study in UCL phonetics is like. Does it demand proficiency in physioloy and programming ( not that I will not enjoy studying them ), or is it more focused on the practical part? And how well is it recognized by other institutes since I probably might go for PHD?

Thanks!

[victorliu]

(Original post by EllieZ)
Hello everybody!
I have got an offer to this program, 2012 entry. But I find litterally nothing on the internet about it, the size of class, whereabout of the graduates, focus of the program, etc. I am convinced that UCL boasts of a prestigous lineage of linguisitics research, still, it wouldn't hurt to know more
It would be nice to listen to a graduates or a current student talking about what the study in UCL phonetics is like. Does it demand proficiency in physioloy and programming ( not that I will not enjoy studying them ), or is it more focused on the practical part? And how well is it recognized by other institutes since I probably might go for PHD?

Thanks!

Well, as far as I know, UCL is world-renowned for its phonetics. Though I haven't been a student in UCL yet, but I can tell that the class size of MA Phonetics is small. Actually, the department previously had 4 specialised MA programmes -- MA Phonetics, MA Pragmatics, MA Syntax, MA Semantics -- before last year. They changed the rest 3 programmes to MRes Linguistics (with specialisation in Pragmatics, Syntax and Semantics) but kept MA Phonetics. I don't know why... I recived an offer of MRes Linguistics (Syntax) last year though I rejected it afterward. I was told that the specialized MA programmes are research-driven, unlike MA Linguistics which is purely taught. So the size of the class is very small, probably 2-3? You need to take few courses, attend seminars and write many papers.

I'll start my PhD there from this fall. I think probably we'll be in the same department, or at least the same division. Hope to see you in Chandler House.

[EllieZ]

(Original post by victorliu)
Well, as far as I know, UCL is world-renowned for its phonetics. Though I haven't been a student in UCL yet, but I can tell that the class size of MA Phonetics is small. Actually, the department previously had 4 specialised MA programmes -- MA Phonetics, MA Pragmatics, MA Syntax, MA Semantics -- before last year. They changed the rest 3 programmes to MRes Linguistics (with specialisation in Pragmatics, Syntax and Semantics) but kept MA Phonetics. I don't know why... I recived an offer of MRes Linguistics (Syntax) last year though I rejected it afterward. I was told that the specialized MA programmes are research-driven, unlike MA Linguistics which is purely taught. So the size of the class is very small, probably 2-3? You need to take few courses, attend seminars and write many papers.

I'll start my PhD there from this fall. I think probably we'll be in the same department, or at least the same division. Hope to see you in Chandler House.

Thanks for your information and advice!
So that's why i find little information about it. But the contrast is staggering! I know there are 30-40 students in MA linguistics, but only 2-3 in MA phonetics?! How unpopular can phonetics be?!
Yes, i found it peculiar too, the whole program renovation thing. It seems that ma phonetics is once named ma phonetics & phonology. For a time, i am terribly concerned that they will not deliver any courses on phonology, but the timetable assures me that there are still a big proportion of phonology lessons.
I received an offer of MA linguistics, but i changed it to phonetics after serious consideration. I like phonetics and phonology as much as I hate some of the other branches, so i can't see why i have to put up with them any more in further studying.

PHD?! Cool!! Twice so in UCL!! Definitely my goal in the near future! Is it really as hard as it's said to apply for a place and funding? Different from the schedule in my country, UK has only one year for master courses so i am quite uncertain with the application arrangement. I can't possibly have my MA test results at the time of PHD application ( is that about octobor to feburary?), so what do i have in convincing the professor and the admission office? Only words?!
Thanks again! Look forward to meeting you in UCL

[victorliu]

(Original post by EllieZ)
Thanks for your information and advice!
So that's why i find little information about it. But the contrast is staggering! I know there are 30-40 students in MA linguistics, but only 2-3 in MA phonetics?! How unpopular can phonetics be?!
Yes, i found it peculiar too, the whole program renovation thing. It seems that ma phonetics is once named ma phonetics & phonology. For a time, i am terribly concerned that they will not deliver any courses on phonology, but the timetable assures me that there are still a big proportion of phonology lessons.
I received an offer of MA linguistics, but i changed it to phonetics after serious consideration. I like phonetics and phonology as much as I hate some of the other branches, so i can't see why i have to put up with them any more in further studying.

PHD?! Cool!! Twice so in UCL!! Definitely my goal in the near future! Is it really as hard as it's said to apply for a place and funding? Different from the schedule in my country, UK has only one year for master courses so i am quite uncertain with the application arrangement. I can't possibly have my MA test results at the time of PHD application ( is that about octobor to feburary?), so what do i have in convincing the professor and the admission office? Only words?!
Thanks again! Look forward to meeting you in UCL

Not only MA Phonetics has a small class, but also previous MA Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics (now MRes Linguistics with specialisations). Actually I'm not that sure MA Phonetics only has 2-3 students, but at least it was the case for MA Syntax (as I was told by a Professor). But definitely it will be a small one, not as big as MA Linguistics...

Yes, if you're going to apply for a PhD, your schedule will be extremely tight since you have to do extra reading and write proposals. So balancing your time is very important. Probably you can't get your test results at the time of your application. Actually it is not compulsory to submit them. Your undergraduate transcript can be a good evidence for your academic background as well. Discussing a research proposal with your potential supervisor is the critical thing to do. If you're enthusiastic enough, you can start to find your research interest now.

[EllieZ]

(Original post by victorliu)
Not only MA Phonetics has a small class, but also previous MA Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics (now MRes Linguistics with specialisations). Actually I'm not that sure MA Phonetics only has 2-3 students, but at least it was the case for MA Syntax (as I was told by a Professor). But definitely it will be a small one, not as big as MA Linguistics...

Yes, if you're going to apply for a PhD, your schedule will be extremely tight since you have to do extra reading and write proposals. So balancing your time is very important. Probably you can't get your test results at the time of your application. Actually it is not compulsory to submit them. Your undergraduate transcript can be a good evidence for your academic background as well. Discussing a research proposal with your potential supervisor is the critical thing to do. If you're enthusiastic enough, you can start to find your research interest now.

I have already begun to look into my interest and possible professors! Thanks!
But just like what you've said, the schedule is tight, even starting now. The undergraduate courses in my uni are astoundingly PRIMITIVE, and one can barely get a general scheme of the subject. Lucky that my grades are quite gratifying
It comes to me that research proposal can be a determining factor in the application, so I presume I should look into its writing and stuff.
Thanks again! I am more than grateful to your advice! It's so assuring to talk to an expert!

[kappla]

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