PhD in Applied Linguistics

PhD in Applied Linguistics

Program profile

Our new PhD in Applied Linguistics aims to produce active researchers who can act as leaders in their workplace and wider society. You will learn about current trends in applied linguistics research and will be able to choose from a range of different research areas. We will also develop your ability as a writer so that you are best able to publish your work in international journals.

The program is intended for anyone interested in acquiring expertise in applied linguistics research, for example:

  • University lecturers
  • Researchers
  • Leaders in education (e.g. school director, teacher educator)
  • Leaders in policy (e.g. government official, NGO worker)

Location

Online or onsite at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus

Study Duration

3 Years (full-time)

Study Schedule

Flexible

Application and Study Period

  • Apply by April 2026 (date TBC) for entry in June
  • Apply by September 2026 (date TBC) for entry in November

Why should I choose this program?

Research
excellence

Our university is ranked 1st in Thailand for publications in top-ranked journals and our goal is to develop graduates who can publish their work internationally. Read more

International visibility

We regularly participate in international conferences, organize international events and host visiting lecturers from across the globe. Read more

Study
areas

Our staff support students to specialize in a range of different study areas, including applied language studies, language education, language and technology, and translation and literary studies. Read more

Where and when will I study?

Where?

Either onsite at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, or online via distance study (Zoom + Moodle).

The study schedule is flexible and individualized. By agreement, you can study either during work hours (weekdays, 9am-4pm) or after work hours (weekdays, 6-9pm, and weekends) or a combination of those.

When?

How will I study?

Our program is offered in two different structures:

We recommend the Research with Coursework Plan (2.1) to students who have experience in research, have a general idea of the project they would like to pursue, but need further guidance as they develop their thesis.

More about Coursework

Take four core courses (Current Issues in Applied Linguistics, Research Seminar in Applied Linguistics, Research Methodology in Applied Linguistics) and two electives in different areas of applied linguistics. The courses are offered on an individualized basis, combining traditional and project-based approaches and can be delivered both onsite or online.

We recommend the Research Only Plan (1.1) to students who are ready to start writing their thesis and have already published their research (e.g. as Masters students).

Please contact the programme chair if you are unsure of which study plan is right for you: kristof.s@psu.ac.th

What research areas can I choose from?

Students in our programme can choose to focus on any combination of our four core areas:

  • Applied language studies (sociolinguistics, critical discourse analysis, conversation analysis)
  • Language education (language teaching, language acquisition, language testing)
  • Language and technology (language and AI, language on social media, technology in language education)
  • Translation, culture and literary studies (classical and critical approaches to translation and culture, translation, literature and technology)

Click to see profiles of our lecturers

How do I apply?

  • Please contact the programme chair to introduce yourself before submitting an application: kristof.s@psu.ac.th
  • Apply online at https://grad-mis.psu.ac.th/admission/home.php
  • Prepare electronic versions of these important documents before beginning the process:
    • Degree certificate and transcript from a Master’s degree in a related field (English, Linguistics, Education, Intercultural Communication, etc.) or any other field if you have relevant experience. Contact us if you are not sure about your qualifications.
    • 2,000 word research proposal (click here to see instructions)
    • Valid English proficiency certificate with a score equivalent to CEFR B2 from a recognized test which includes a writing component, for example IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PSU-TEP.
    • If applying for Research Only Plan: Evidence of existing experience in research publication (e.g. manuscript published in a journal indexed in Scopus, Web of Science or other recognized database).
  • You will be contacted for an interview with the programme committee.

Tuition fees

Domestic students: 27,000 Thai baht per semester (regular program)

International students: 54,000 Thai baht per semester (regular program)

Scholarship opportunities

The Faculty of Liberal Arts and Prince of Songkla University are offering various scholarships:

  • The Faculty of Liberal Arts offers tuition fee waivers (100% scholarships at domestic rate) per year. Students who commit to publish their work in international journals are also eligible for 50% coverage of tuition fee cost (domestic rate). To apply for this scholarship, prepare (1) a motivation letter and (2) a resume and submit them with your application for PhD study. For more details, see Faculty of Liberal Arts Research Funding for Graduate Students.
  • The PSU Graduate School periodically offers full scholarships for PhD students (fees at domestic rate and monthly expenses). To apply for this scholarship, you must first be accepted in our PhD programme and must then prepare a research proposal (approximately 10 pages). For details, see: Academic and Research Scholarships Information at the PSU Graduate School
  • Tuition fee scholarships (50%) may also be awarded by the Research Center for Language, Culture, and Human Development in Lower ASEAN. For information about these scholarships, contact the center or the lecturers affiliated with it directly.