PhD cover letter.. is it any good?

Hello guys! I've been applying for quite some time now to several PhD programs but without (much) luck! So I'm trying to figure out if I did something wrong.. Could you please take a look at my cover letter and tell me what you think? Feel free to correct any mistakes! Many thanks!

I graduated with a Master’s degree in Language Sciences in September 2012 from XXXX. My postgraduate studies have enabled me to engage myself into the field of Linguistics and the current trends of research. While my Bachelor degree was on Linguistics, taking a module on Neurolinguistics has made me realise that I wanted to specialise in Neurolinguistics and Experimental Pragmatics. Due to this I read for the MSc in Linguistics and Neuroscience, throughout which I have become familiar with a broad range of topics, studying in depth Linguistics, while acquiring knowledge on how the human brain works in terms of language and linguistic deficits.

I was especially interested when I found that this PhD programme will investigate topics in the field of Special Needs Education, still allowing students to be able to specialise in the subject of their choice. From the time I was an undergraduate student I was drawn to both Pragmatics and Neurolinguistics, especially in the area of Language Acquisition and Language Development.

My suggested topic for postgraduate studies lies within the field of Experimental Pragmatics and involves the study of metaphor processing in children with communication problems, such as autism and Specific Language Impairment, while investigating children’s working memory. Experimental Pragmatics is an exciting new field of Linguistics that is radically developing through the last decades, in which models of language and meaning are tested and compared using techniques from Psycholinguistics. Thus, the practical element of this branch is vital for the successful conduction of the study.

During my postgraduate studies I developed several practical skills, such as presentation and persuasion skills, statistical analysis and the ability to conduct independent research. Research methodology was a crucial part of the MSc programme as being acquainted with most of the available statistical models was a prerequisite in conducting a successful research project. Under the supervision of Dr. XXXX I conducted a behavioural study in order to investigate the role of working memory in metaphor comprehension. This study provided excellent foundation for doctoral work. In addition to acquiring advanced research skills, this project increased my adeptness in the practical elements of the discipline.

Extraneous to my curricular studies I enjoy learning new languages, something that has proven to be very helpful in studying Linguistics in general and Pragmatics specifically. I was very lucky to be a member of the editorial team of the University of XXX magazine, “Kaleidoscope”, for three years. This experience taught me new skills in promoting, managing and negotiating with people, something that I saw as a practical aspect to my otherwise academic background.

I believe that the University of XXXX will be the perfect academic environment for me to carry on with my PhD. The on-going research at the Department of Special Needs Education is in perfect match with my research interests and I am confident I will benefit the most from being a part of this adverse academic community. I find the work of Professor XXXX in the area of language and reading development in children with dyslexia very inspiring, as well as the work of Professor XXX focusing on language and communication. These topics were covered extensively in my Master’s programme and it would help significantly my research to be a part of this group.

The amount and the quality of research and the excellent research facilities at the University of XXXX are definitely some of the most important reasons I want to continue my postgraduate studies in this environment.

Thank you very much for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.