The programme is organised by the Centre of Language Studies. Within this research institute, language and communication specialists from Radboud University and the University of Tilburg work closely together. You will also be able to follow a number of lectures in Tilburg. Our programme is known to be challenging, but it also offers students a very large degree of choice.
Whenever we use language we are involved in communicating. How does this work and why is there miscommunication? How does language fit together and how do we learn to understand each other's language? This is the central theme of this unique programme. It is unique because language and communication are treated as a single unit with each field complementing the other. The programme is also special because it focuses strongly on empirical research. You will be studying real language in real-life situations and you will use your observation skills to develop possible theories. Later, you will test these theories against everyday reality. In this way you will discover the richness of both language and communication.
As a Master’s student in Language and Communication you will find yourself in a challenging research environment. The university has experts in topics such as language variation and language diversity, language technology, sign language, intercultural communication, persuasive communication, optimal communication and the ways in which language can be processed. These specialists work closely with colleagues in the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI) and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (FI BCB). As a result, Nijmegen can provide you with an exceptional opportunity to explore new avenues of knowledge and the chance to work alongside specialists who are leaders in their field internationally.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/language
3. Strong motivation
You have to be able to demonstrate your motivation for and affinity with international academic research. A selection committee will evaluate the motivation of each applicant separately.
The primary goal of the programme is academic training, which makes it ideal for those wishing to embark on a research career, for example by taking a PhD. But it also caters for the growing demand from the public and private sectors for people with academic insight and research skills. Many graduates will join research groups in the public and private sector. These may address a wide range of topics such as advanced Internet and enhancing professional communication in an international context.
Whenever we use language we are involved in communication with others - to persuade, to inform and to exchange ideas. How does this work and why is there miscommunication? How does language fit together in spoken language and non-verbal cues such as eye-contact or facial expression and how do we learn to understand each other's language? This is the central theme of this unique programme.
It is unique because language and communication are treated as a single unit with each field complementing the other. The programme is also special because it focuses strongly on empirical research. We invite you to discover exciting new areas of research, where language and communication are illuminated by developments in information and communication technology. You will be studying real language in real-life situations and you will use your observations to develop possible theories. Later, you will test these theories against everyday reality. In this way you will discover the richness of both language and communication.
As a Master’s student in Language and Communication you will find yourself in a challenging research environment. The university has experts in language variation and language diversity, language technology, sign language, intercultural communication, persuasive communication, optimal communication and the ways in which language can be processed. These specialists work closely with colleagues in the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI) and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (FI BCB). As a result, Nijmegen can provide you with an exceptional opportunity to explore new avenues of knowledge and the chance to work alongside specialists who are leaders in their field internationally.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/language
Studying the acquisition, understanding and production of language.
A mature language user has a vocabulary of about thirty to forty thousand words. Speech is produced at a speed of three to five words per second. How is it possible that, in such an amazingly short period of time, you can select the correct words, put them in the correct order and grammatical form, and pronounce them intelligibly? The acquisition and comprehension of language are based on extremely complex cognitive processes which are not yet entirely understood. It’s these processes, and their biological underpinnings, that form psycholinguistics’ field of study and are the basis of this specialisation.
A large majority of our graduates gain a PhD position, while other graduates find jobs in the commercial sector or at research institutes. Graduates of this specialisation can find a position with one of the psycholinguistic research institutes, a government institution or for example, in the care sector (rehabilitation centres) or in education (language disorders).
All specialisations in the Master’s programme have a common basis. In the first year you’ll become acquainted with the most important theories, models, techniques and analysis methods in Cognitive Neuroscience. Click here for an overview of the General programme outline.
As a student of the specialisation in Language and Communication you are obligated to take five of the following seven courses:
The second year of the Master’s programme is primarily spent in the laboratory so that you gain ample hands-on experience. You’ll execute practical training in one of the participating research groups under the supervision of a researcher. In this way you’ll acquaint yourself with the discipline in actual practice. You’ll:
You can read more about the research in this specialisation on the website of the Donders Institute: Theme 1.
Read more about the courses, reading requirements and course schedule in the online prospectus.
This respected programme provides advanced understanding of current research in psycholinguistics: the study of how the brain learns, uses and reacts with humanity’s most advanced and characteristic feature: language.
The programme is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of current research in psycholinguistics, and is aimed primarily at students who are considering advanced research in the area.
Students are actively encouraged to join in the activities of the Language, Cognition and Communication research group, and to collaborate with staff (many of whom are international experts in the field) and senior postgraduates.
You will gain perspectives on the latest developments, and gain the necessary statistical and methodological skills to conduct your own novel research.
This programme comprises two semesters of taught courses, followed by a dissertation.
The taught component consists of a number of lecture- and tutorial-based courses, which are assessed by essay or exam.
For the dissertation (which centres on original research) you will work in close collaboration with members of staff and senior postgraduates engaged in research in similar areas.
Compulsory courses:
You will also choose from the following:
Under exceptional circumstances, alternative courses may be substituted with the permission of the programme director.
On successful completion of this programme you will have developed an up-to-date knowledge of a broad range of areas relating to the psychology of language. The programme is also designed to help you acquire the statistical and methodological skills that allow you to conduct novel research in the field.
Many MSc dissertations lead to conference presentations or journal publications and typically over half of the students proceed to study for PhDs at Edinburgh or elsewhere.
This programme has been designed to help you progress your research career and offers a firm basis for further postgraduate study.
This course helps you become a competent linguist who has an understanding of a wide array of topics ranging from how people learn and use language, to how the brain processes language, and how language and people influence each other.
Radboud University is renowned for its research and teaching in the field of linguistics. We have a dedicated research institute Centre for Language Studies (CLS) and also work closely with the Max Planck Institute and Donders Institute. You can choose from a wide range of advanced topics in fields as diverse as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, language description, language testing and linguistic diversity. There is also a range of combined courses that allow students to learn about the very latest findings in interdisciplinary areas such as cognitive neuroscience.
All of our courses offer a nice mix of theoretical and practical knowledge: the courses situate insights from linguistic and language acquisition theory within the context of everyday communication and contemporary language use.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/english/education/masters/linguistics
Linguistics research at Radboud University was recently rated number 1 in the world wide university ranking. The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) publishes annual rankings of the best universities world wide. Withing the subject field of Linguistics, our research topped the list. Research and education are closely intertwined in Nijmegen: in lectures and through research internships and assignments, students become familiar with the latest developments in linguistics research.
Radboud University offers two specialisations within the Linguistics programme.
- General Linguistics: With no mandatory courses, this specialisation gives you the most freedom to create your own programme.
- Language and Communication Coaching: This specialisation is for students wishing to learn how to teach English for specific purposes and to a wide range of target groups. You’ll learn to analyse a client's needs, how to design a training module to fit those needs, and how to teach it. Your knowledge in English linguistics will also be enhanced.
- You’ll be part of a truly international classroom with students from all over the world, speaking and learning all different languages. This will not only provide you with an interesting experience on the social and cultural front, it will also allow theoretical and practical insights into the linguistic issues you’ll be studying, as you consider how these apply to the various languages and language learners represented in your class.
- This programme offers the opportunity to do an internship in the second half of your programme. If you wish, this can also be done abroad. Our professors have access to a large national and international network and can assist you in finding a position that fits your interests.
- At Radboud University we can ensure that you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time with your thesis advisor.
- We pay special attention to the (practical) needs of international students. We have considerable experience with students from all over the world coming here to study and we help you settle into life in the Netherlands.
If you choose to study Linguistics in Nijmegen you will have a unique opportunity to put together your own programme. With the exception of your thesis, all subjects are optional. You can choose from a wide range of interesting advanced topics in fields as diverse as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, second language learning, language description and linguistic diversity. You will be working closely with top researchers. In fact, you will be in the middle of a research environment where important discoveries are being made and the chances are high that you will be involved in some of them.
We take care of our students and pay special attention to the (practical) needs of international students. We have a lot of experience with students from all over the world coming here to study and we help you to hit the ground running. The courses are very intensive and you will learn a great deal in one year. You can also expect to ‘grow' academically. There are great opportunities for internships at leading institutes in the Netherlands.
Linguistics is taught at a very high level in Nijmegen, and we are known for our excellent teaching and research. We have our own dedicated research institute and also work closely with the world-renowned Max Planck and Donders Institutes. There are a range of combined courses that allow students to incorporate the very latest insights in crossover areas such as cognitive neuroscience. The great thing about studying here is the integrated approach. There are no purely theoretical courses; everything is taught in the context of every-day communication.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/english/education/masters/linguistics
