Linguistics is the science-based study of human language. Its students seek to understand the context, structure, and meaning of languages by comparing existing human languages and studying their similarities and differences. Areas of study include phonology, semantics, and syntax.

Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth. To its east is the larger island of Great Britain, from which the Irish Sea separates it.

A master’s program is a focused degree that requires about two years of classwork, research, and possibly a thesis paper to earn. This advanced program of study allows students to further specialize their schooling in an area that interests them.