Linguistics (MA)
The one-year master’s programme in Linguistics is concerned with the knowledge, structure and use of language, studied from a wide range of perspectives. It trains students to systematically identify, describe and analyse language phenomena and to apply this knowledge to a specific area of interest.
Please note: if you want to start in February 2019 you will need to apply for one of the ten Linguistics specialisations as listed above. From September 2019 the programme will consist of three specialisations, listed below. Within these specialisations you will be able to focus on your area of interest.
From analysis to practice
The master's in Linguistics at Leiden University offers a wide range of perspectives on language. Learn to systematically identify, describe and analyse language phenomena and to apply this knowledge to a specific area of interest, ranging from theoretical and experimental approaches to linguistics, to language documentation, language comparison, language learning, communication, or the translation between languages. The programme is situated within the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, which brings together renowned scholars from a variety of theoretical and applied perspectives.
Learn more about the study programme
Linguistics at Leiden University
- Enter the Linguistics field from your own main inspiration: a specific language, analytical curiosity, theoretical interest or translating ambitions.
- Follow one of our highlighted thematic routes through the programme, or create one according to their individual interest.
- In the Translation specialisation, expertise with the latest translation tools will launch your translator's career.
- The Experimental Linguistics labs include EEG, Eyetracking and a Babylab.
- Fieldwork, an internship, or an individual research project with a staff member, can be part of your programme.
- Become part of the linguistics community at Leiden University through the MA Linguistics colloquium, Linguistic Movie Nights, and the T.W.I.S.T. student body for BA and MA linguistics students.
More reasons to choose Linguistics at Leiden University
Language structure and use, linguistic analysis: the right master's programme for you?
The master's programme is aimed at students with basic demonstrable academic knowledge in the field of (theoretical) linguistics. You are interested in the structure of language because:
- you are interested in a specific language and might want to teach this language;
- you are interested in linguistic analyses, theoretical or experimental approaches to linguistics, or in the analysis of language use;
- you are eager to become a translator.
Spanish and Portuguese linguistics
Are you interested in Spanish or Portuguese linguistics? Please visit the website for Latin American Studies.
Degree
Linguistics at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited master’s degree in Linguistics and the title Master of Arts (MA).