Linguistics (MA)
About the Programme
The master's in Linguistics is a one-year programme that offers a wide range of perspectives on the history, structure and use of language, and teaches you to contribute to this broad field in your own area of interest.
Programme overview
Starting in February 2019:
The Linguistics master’s programme offers ten specialisations.
- Chinese Linguistics
- Comparative Indo-European Linguistics
- English Language and Linguistics
- French Language and Linguistics
- German Language and Linguistics
- Italian Language and Linguistics
- Language and Communication
- Language Diversity of Africa, Asia and Native America
- Theoretical and Experimental Linguistics
- Translation in Theory and Practice (Dutch/English)
From September 2019:
The programme has three specialisations, and offers sub-specialisations (thematic programmes) within these specialisations.
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In the specialisation Modern Languages, a language, either English, French, German, Italian or Chinese is the object of study and, except for Chinese, courses are offered in the language of study. Second language learning, Language & Literature and Language in Society are possible sub- specialisations. This programme also prepares for the educational Master at ICLON.
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In the specialisation Linguistics a linguistic theme forms the basis of the different sub-specialisations: language description and documentation, theoretical or experimental approaches to linguistics, language use and communication, language acquisition, and forensic linguistics and sociophonetics.
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In the specialisation Translation you receive a step-by-step academic training in the art of translation, its theoretical underpinning and practice.
Programme structure
The master's programme Linguistics comprises 60 ECTS credits:
- 40 credits for core courses, electives, an internship
- 20 credits for a Master's thesis.
For a more detailed programme structure, please check the specialisation of your interest.
Electives
You can tailor the programme to your own curiosities through a range of electives that cater to various topical and disciplinary interests.
Internships and individual projects
In order to gain work experience or to explore the professional field a 10 EC internship outside of the university can be arranged through the Career Service of the Humanities faculty. Within the LUCL research institute, an internship at one of the Linguistics labs, or exploring the world of scientific research together with an experienced researcher is possible through an Individual Project.
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Master's thesis
The programme is concluded with a Master's thesis (of 20 EC). The thesis reflects your thematic specialisation. A thesis topic may require knowledge of a specific research method, and a 5 EC course on this method may count towards the 20 EC. Within Modern Languages the thesis can be written in the language of specialisation, German, French, Italian or English.
The thesis may reflect a wide range of topics, ranging from a linguistic analysis of a language, a linguistic comparison of languages, an experiment performed in one of the Linguistics Labs, an analysis of political speeches, a study of language policies, an annotated translation, to a language description, and more. Below are some inspiring examples of Thesis titles that appeared in the past two years:
Educational methods
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Self-study
- Fieldwork
- Internship
Assessment methods
- Exams
- Peer feedback and assessment
- Essays and reports
- Oral presentations
- MA thesis
Detailed programme
For a detailed programme, see the e-Prospectus. Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Claartje Levelt
Professor
"We offer an exceptional range of subject areas and theoretical approaches, due to our affiliation with the Leiden University's Centre for Linguistics (LUCL). The Linguistics specialisation offers thematic programmes that you can choose from, which represent the different specialisations within the university's centre for linguistics and the programme. There are also a lot of experimental labs within the institute and programme. This way, you can as a MA student get hands-on experience with experimental research in several labs. You also have to possibility to do field work, such as individual projects or an internship."
Claudio Di Felice
Researcher and University Lecturer
“The learning dynamics within this MA will help you build your curriculum, developing in you the language and editorial skills that employers are looking for, as well as the strong analytical skills needed for a career in research.”
Mark Rutgers
Dean
“Many of our master’s students discover the quality of our programmes only after they join us. In the Netherlands, self-promotion is not a big part of our culture, yet Leiden University’s Humanities Faculty ranks alongside the most prestigious universities in the world, and is the established leader in continental Europe. What can our students expect from this programme? An education on par with the world’s best, with teaching by top researchers.”
Alumni: close-knit global community
“Your graduation from a master’s programme marks a new chapter in your relationship with Leiden University. Our alumni community is highly active in terms of network-building and development. They are valued by the university, and we support them with personal and professional development and free use of our facilities such as the Leiden University Library. This close-knit global community offers life-long support for all our former students in terms of reaching goals, maintaining friendships and expanding networks.”
Research: encouraging you to think beyond your own discipline
“Some of the most high-profile humanities research produced today is conducted at Leiden University’s Humanities Faculty. These faculty members are among a handful worldwide who can lay claim to such a depth and breadth of academic expertise. One example is our centre of excellence on Native American cultures, languages and history – a research group that is one of the best in the world. At Leiden, we can offer students expertise in most niche areas of interest. Our faculty members often work together across disciplines, and encourage students to think beyond the limits of their own discipline, which is where the future of innovative research lies.”
Careers: opportunities to develop your talent
“Decisions made during your studies have a big impact on your future. We offer you many opportunities to develop your talents both within and outside of the classroom, including internships, study trips abroad, student committees, and minors. These opportunities help define your objectives for after your studies, and equip you with additional skills and experience.”