Overview:
The Ph.D. program in Theoretical Linguistics offers advanced academic and research training in the field of linguistics. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary theoretical and analytical skills to explore the fundamental aspects of language structure, meaning, and use. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of linguistic theory, covering various subfields such as syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, morphology, and pragmatics. Students engage in rigorous coursework, seminars, and independent research projects to deepen their theoretical knowledge and develop critical thinking skills in the field.
Vision:
A pioneering and sustainable PhD program in Linguistics that fosters academic excellence, cutting edge research, robust job prospects, interlingual and intercultural communication and civic engagement.
Mission:
To produce world class postgraduates, researchers, scholars and academics well versed in both theoretical and applied aspects of language studies, teaching and research who can perfectly participate in university teaching, international research and various forms of linguistic community services.
Program Goals:
1. Enable students to scientifically evaluate and analyze various linguistic structures and themes.
2. Enable students to convert their linguistic knowledge into practical, applied, and analytical reality for language structures and their uses in various fields of life.
3. Provide students with a robust research environment that is conducive to applying research skills.
4. Engage students in international linguistic research activities and publication.
5. Provide students with modern techniques for data elicitation and analysis.
6. Improve students' critical thinking and creativity.
7. Prepare highly-qualified faculty members to teach linguistics in Saudi universities and serve in other sectors.
8. Prepare highly-qualified linguistics’ specialists who can participate in different linguistic community events and services.
Key features of the program:
1. The program encourages interdisciplinary perspectives by integrating insights from other related fields such as psychology, cognitive science, anthropology, and sociolinguistics.
2. The program places a strong emphasis on research, fostering students' ability to conduct original and innovative research in theoretical linguistics.
3. Students gain a solid foundation in linguistic theory, exploring different theoretical frameworks and methodologies. They engage with key theoretical debates and critically analyse linguistic phenomena across languages.
4. Regular seminars and workshops provide a platform for students to present their research, engage in scholarly discussions, and receive feedback from faculty and peers.
5. The program offers opportunities for students to develop teaching skills by engaging in teaching assistantships or delivering lectures under faculty supervision.
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in Theoretical Linguistics are equipped with advanced knowledge and research skills that prepare them for diverse career paths. They can pursue academic positions as professors or researchers in universities and research institutions, contribute to language-related policymaking, work in language technology and computational linguistics, or pursue careers in language consultancy and translation.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Graduates will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the major theoretical frameworks and concepts in linguistics, including syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, morphology, and pragmatics.
2. Graduates will possess advanced research skills necessary for conducting original and innovative research in theoretical linguistics. They will be able to develop research questions, design empirical studies, collect and analyse data, and interpret research findings using appropriate theoretical frameworks and methodologies.
3. Graduates will demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills, enabling them to critically evaluate linguistic theories, arguments, and empirical evidence.
4. Graduates will have developed effective written and oral communication skills for presenting and disseminating their research findings. They will be able to write scholarly articles, conference papers, and research proposals that meet the standards of academic publishing. They will also be adept at delivering presentations and engaging in scholarly discussions.
5. Graduates will understand the interdisciplinary nature of linguistics and be able to integrate insights from related fields such as psychology, cognitive science, anthropology, and sociolinguistics into their research.
6. Graduates will have gained experience in teaching and mentoring through teaching assistantships or other teaching opportunities.
7. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of ethical considerations in linguistic research, including issues of confidentiality, informed consent, and responsible dissemination of research findings.
8. Graduates will have developed the skills necessary for professional development in the field of linguistics. They will be familiar with academic publishing practices, conference participation, grant writing, and networking within the linguistic community.
Study:
| | The mode of interaction between students and supervisors in the Ph.D. program can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. Both online meetings and one-to-one meetings can be employed to facilitate effective communication and supervision.
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Supervision: |
| | Attending lectures is mandatory to ensure students receive a comprehensive education in the field. However, the program also encourages students to take advantage of lectures offered across the university that are relevant to their research. |
Lectures: |
| | The Ph.D. program actively encourages students to participate in various academic activities such as seminars, research groups, and conferences. Students have the opportunity to present their research through poster presentations or oral presentations.
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Posters and Presentation: |
| | Students receive feedback on their progress through regular meetings with their supervisors. Additionally, termly supervision reports are prepared and shared with students electronically. |
Feedback: |
Assessment/Thesis/ Dissertation:

The primary purpose of the thesis is to make a substantial and original contribution to knowledge by either discovering new information, establishing connections between previously unrelated facts, developing new theories, revising existing perspectives, or a combination of these elements. When writing the thesis, students are expected to consider relevant published works on the subject and present their findings in a clear and accurate manner, giving due attention to the use of English style and grammar. Following the submission of the thesis, an oral examination (viva) is conducted. During this examination, students defend their thesis and respond to questions from an examination panel consisting of experts in the field. The viva voce serves as an opportunity to assess the student's understanding of the research topic, their ability to critically analyze and discuss their findings, and their overall knowledge of the subject area.
Requirements:
General Admission Requirements:
1. Applicant must be Saudi; for non-Saudi, applicant must be a postgraduate scholarship-student.
2. Applicant must have an MA from a Saudi university or from another recognized university.
3. Applicant must be physically fit.
4. Two academic recommendations from professors.
5. Applicant must have a GPA of 80% + at the MA level.
6. Applicant must attach the result of the aptitude test.
7. Applicant must pass the written test and the interview conducted by the department.
8. Applicant must pay the tuition fees.
Required Documents:
• Copy of the degree and the transcript
• Two Academic recommendations from faculty members for PhD degree.
• A copy of the national identity card.Expected Academic Standard.
Applicants for this program should have achieved a
Masters in Theoretical Linguistics.
Expected Academic Standard
Language Requirements:
|
TOEFL |
IELTS (Academic) |
|
IBT |
CBT |
PBT |
| 90 | 232 | 575 | 6.50 |
For more detailed information regarding the fees and updated requirements, please refer to the website of the
Deanery of Registration.
خطة برنامج دكتوراه الفلسلفة في اللغويات النظرية مع توصيف البرنامج والمقررات - مناهج المستقبل-1.pdf