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Department Of
Humanities

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) English Linguistics

Program Overview

Program overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English Linguistics is a research-focused program that aims to prepare scholars with advanced expertise in the theoretical, applied, and interdisciplinary aspects of English linguistics. Offered at COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, this program is designed to develop critical thinkers, independent researchers, and future academic leaders who can contribute meaningfully to national and international linguistic research.

Program Structure

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English Linguistics is a rigorous research-oriented program with a minimum duration of 3 years (6 semesters) and a maximum duration of 8 years (16 semesters). Students enrolled under the same discipline are required to complete at least 7 courses (27 credit hours), including 1 core course (3 credit hours), 5 elective courses (15 credit hours), and a research thesis (9 credit hours). For candidates coming from an intra-disciplinary background, a minimum of 10 courses (36 credit hours) is required, including 3 deficiency courses (9 credit hours), 1 core course (3 credit hours), 5 elective courses (15 credit hours), and the research thesis (9 credit hours).

Program Objectives

The PhD in English Linguistics program aims to:

  • Equip students with advanced knowledge of key linguistic theories and analytical frameworks.
  • Train researchers to conduct independent, original, and ethically sound linguistic research.
  • Develop expertise in specialized fields such as discourse studies, ecolinguistics, corpus linguistics, and NLP.
  • Encourage interdisciplinary research that connects language with society, culture, technology, and the environment.
  • Prepare students for academic, teaching, and consultancy roles in higher education and research institutions.
  • Foster scholarly contributions that address local linguistic challenges within a global academic context.
  • Enhance the ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and participate in international academic discourse.

Field of Specialization and Research Areas:

  • Advanced Research Methods in Linguistics
  • Research Writing and Argumentation
  • Advanced Perspectives in Critical Discourse Analysis
  • Current Topics in Corpus Linguistics
  • Modern Trends in Syntax
  • Cutting-Edge Studies in Phonetics and Phonology
  • Contemporary Issues in Natural Language Processing
  • Studies in Forensic Linguistics: Investigating Language in Legal Contexts
  • Contemporary Issues in Computational Linguistics
  • Current Issues in Sociolinguistics: Exploring Language Variation in Modern Society
  • Advanced Studies in Morphology: Exploring Complex Word Structures
  • Intercultural Pragmatics
  • Contemporary Developments in Ecolinguistics: Exploring Language and the Environment
  • Current Trends in Applied Linguistics
  • Contemporary Studies in Semantics and Pragmatics
  • Advanced Studies in Bilingualism and Multilingualism
  • Modern Trends in Translation Studies
  • Critical Perspectives of Discourse Analysis
  • Advanced Approaches to Discourse Studies

Admission Requirements

  • A 16-year degree, in the relevant field, from an accredited educational institution.
  • Minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 (semester system) or First Division (annual system) with no third division (annual system) or 'D' grade (semester system) throughout the academic career.
  • Entry Test Requirements (For Same/Relevant Discipline):GRE/GAT/HAT General with at least 60% score.
  • Entry Test Requirements (Intradisciplinary):GRE/GAT/HAT General and Subject with at least 60% score.
  • Candidate has to pass the departmental interview.