The Maseno University PhD in Linguistics programme is consistent with Maseno University’s vision premised on discovering and dissemination of knowledge. This research-based programme exposes its doctoral students to linguistic inquiry using diverse methodologies within General, Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. The research areas are diverse and primarily focus on Syntax, Morphology, Phonology Semantics, Sociolinguistics, Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Cognitive Linguistics, Translation, Language Planning and Policy, among other subfields of Linguistics. Since linguistic forms occur in contexts where they interact, the interface areas relating to the foregoing subfields have become focal points of linguistic inquiry in the PhD programme in linguistics.

This programme strives to develop academic excellence in Linguistics by training learners who can contribute effectively to intellectual, academic and social developments in academia both locally and globally on the core concepts in General Linguistics.

M.A in Theoretical Linguistics offers postgraduate students an opportunity to spearhead research into linguistic phenomena manifested in language typology. Accordingly, the focus issues include but are not limited to the core models and theories of linguistics such as Generative grammar which has evolved through various stages to become the Minimalist Programme for linguistic inquiry, Functional Grammar, Systemic Functional Grammar, Scale and Category Grammar, among others.

This programme offers an interdisciplinary solution to language problems. This multidisciplinary subfield of linguistics exposes learners to language related problems within the fields of language learning and acquisition, foreign language learning, error analysis, language policy, classroom instruction and forensic linguistics. The programme is designed to harness academic excellence in language and pedagogy, and mentor postgraduate students who can contribute effectively to academic and social developments in Applied Linguistics.