The one-year Master's programme in General Linguistics has a typological focus: you will explore how the systems of the languages of the world can vary and to what extent this variation is constrained.
In the Master's in General Linguistics, you will first come to understand how human language works by comparing as many language systems as possible, including spoken languages from all continents, sign languages, child language, and language as used by people with a developmental or acquired disorder. You will then have the opportunity to specialise in one of four linguistic sub-areas: phonetics & phonology, syntax & semantics, language acquisition & disorders, or sign linguistics.
In this video the teacher and student of the programme explain in 4 minutes how this programme is structured and what the unique aspects are.
Consistently rank highest in Continental Europe
Four specialisations
Become a ‘Clinical Linguist’
Learn and apply statistical methods
The General Linguistics programme offers you the freedom to specialise in your area of interest. If you take as many courses as possible in your sub-area of interest and also write your term paper and thesis in that area, you will be able to spend approximately two-thirds of your time on your area of specialisation. You can also opt for a broader programme by writing your term paper in a different area than your specialisation and writing your thesis on a subject that crosses the boundaries of the four linguistic sub-areas.
The Master's in General Linguistics prepares you for a broad range of career opportunities. Depending on the area of specialisation, the Master's in General Linguistics provides a solid foundation for a career in various areas, such as clinical linguistics, curriculum development, language engineering, speech technology, language planning and artificial intelligence.
General Linguistics is an accredited degree programme of Linguistics. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Linguistics and the title Master of Arts (MA).