Masters Degrees in Linguistics & Classics, Netherlands

Judged Best in the Field

The highly regarded Keuzegids Master’s Selection Guide 2016 ranked Utrecht University’s Linguistics programme as the best in the field in the Netherlands.

In this Research Master's programme, you will learn how to conduct your own research in theoretical linguistics, psycholinguistics, and language use.

This two-year Research Master's programme in Linguistics brings together students from all over the world who combine their unique talents and backgrounds with shared curiosity into language and the way it is embedded in human cognition. The key focus of the programme is the question: which cognitive faculties underlie human language, and how do they interact?

The programme offers a broad focus on:
-theoretical linguistics (phonology, syntax, semantics)
-psycholinguistics (language acquisition, language processing)
-language use (discourse studies, bilingualism, phonetics, historical linguistics)

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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

World-leading research

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.

Specialisations

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.

Why study Linguistics at Radboud University?

- 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.

Uniquely flexible programme

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

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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.

Real language in real-life situations

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.

Challenging research environment

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

Why study Language and Communication (Research) at Radboud University?

- The Research Master's program in Language and Communication is a two-year course of study offered jointly by Radboud University Nijmegen and Tilburg University. Both universities combine leading-edge research with excellent education. This program, with its strong emphasis on empirical study, is unique in the Netherlands.
- In this programme, students explore language and communication as an integrated whole. Communication in face-to-face and multi-modal interactions at work is a central theme. Other topics include understanding how the use of language shapes institutional, cross-cultural, and international interaction.
- The current partnership between the Faculties of Arts at Nijmegen and Tilburg intensifies fifteen years of collaboration in the Centre for Language Studies (CLS), which is closely linked to the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI) and the Baby Research Centre. Students can profit from these partnerships with state-of-the-art education and individual research opportunities.

General requirements:

- Bachelor's degree
The graduation date of the last attained BA/BSc degree relevant for this programme must be within five years of applying to the programme.

- English skills
The Cognitive Neuroscience Master's programme (MSc CNS) is an English programme: all courses and examinations are taught in English. For the general language requirements of the Radboud University click here. Foreign students please note that the MSc CNS programme requires the following minimum scores: TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test), 100 (internet-based test); IELTS 7.0 or higher.

- Mathematics & Physics
Students who did not follow physics in their high school curriculum and/or who have not been trained in mathematics at level B (including concepts such as matrix algebra, differentiation, integration, complex numbers), are advised before the start of the programme to work on the assignment in Chapters 1, 2, 7, 8 and 11 (three chapters on physics and two on mathematics) of R.K. Hobbie: "Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology", Springer Verlag, New York, 1997; third edition, ISBN 1-56396-458-9).

Career prospects

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.

Our approach to this field

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.

Our research in this field

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

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Master's specialisation Eternal Rome

This course entails analysing Rome in terms of its impressive legacy to become well versed in its ancient history, medieval history, art history, classical philology, archaeology, and literary theory.

Surpassed by no other city in the Western world, Rome is renowned for its overwhelmingly rich history. The city embodies an architecturally magnificent metropolis, the impressive capital of the once mighty Roman Empire. Notions of change, continuity and eternity, have played a prominent role in the historic city. What is it that makes the image of Rome so pervasive in the past, as well as the present?

Eternal Rome's Master's programme offers an in-depth examination of the city of Rome as the capital of the Roman Empire, and of the representation of the ‘idea' of Rome throughout the centuries. Eternal Rome presents a unique programme that focuses as much on the transition between ancient and medieval history as on those periods themselves. A group of specialists from the fields of ancient and medieval history teach this specialisation. Their expertise also includes study of the status of Rome beyond the Middle Ages into the Renaissance and modern times as well.

Expanding your knowledge and ideas of Rome will deepen your insight into many questions relevant for the functioning of our modern society. An in-depth specialisation like this helps our students gain critical and thorough analytical skills that broaden the future options of our history graduates. Our graduates have found employment in public relations, industrial and public service management, librarianship, archive and museum work, teaching and lecturing and journalism.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/er

Why study Eternal Rome at Radboud University?

- Our focus on Rome is unique as the specialisation captures both the Byzantine history as well Western European developments.
- In addition to critical knowledge of Rome, you’ll also gain important skills such as being able to select, analyse and interpret pertinent historical information.
- Our staff has a wide network that includes contacts at the Royal Dutch Institute in Rome and the Netherlands Institute in Turkey. They can point you in the right direction if you want do have an internship or other opportunities in the field during your studies.
- Students may also write their Master's thesis in French, Italian, or German if that is their native tongue.
- International students looking for a semester abroad could opt for half a year in this Master’s programme, namely by following the courses in the first semester at Radboud University.

Admission requirements for international students

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in History or BA/MA degrees in related fields like Greek and Latin or Archaeology
2. proficiency in English
In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
- A TOEFL score of >550 (paper based) or >213 (computer based) or >80 (internet based)
- An IELTS score of >6.0
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s specialisation in Eternal Rome are able to identify and contextualise the enduring impact of Rome, and the multiple roles of Rome as a political, religious and cultural centre. Our graduates are able to recognise how and why different users throughout the centuries have appropriated images and symbols of Rome. They are also able to analyse a historical debate and tackle a current problem related to historical developments.

The students in the programme concentrate on a very specific historical phenomenon and acquire skills that open a broad number of career options to them. Our specialisation has produced graduates that are appreciated by employers for their insight and analytical skills. They are able to delve into historical documents and extract the most useful parts. Our graduates have found employment in the following fields: public relations, industrial and public service management, librarianship, archive and museum work, teaching and lecturing and journalism.

Our research in this field

Education and research go hand in hand at Radboud University. All of the lecturers of Eternal Rome are members of the research institute Historical, Literary and Cultural Studies (HLCS) where there is a long tradition of research on the subject of European history in a variety of fields. The focus is on 'Europe and its Worlds' and researchers are brought together in 13 thematic research groups. Research groups that are interesting and particularly relevant for Eternal Rome students are the groups The Ancient World and Radboud Medieval and Early Modern Studies that study the ‘beginnings of Europe’.


See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/er

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Master's specialisation in Linguistics: General Programme

The course prepares you to 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.
The General Linguistics Master’s at Radboud University offers a wide range of advanced topics in fields as diverse as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, second language learning, language description, language testing and linguistic diversity. All our courses offer a nice mix of theoretical and practical knowledge: courses situate insights from linguistic and language acquisition theory within the context of everyday communication and contemporary language use.
For those with sufficient language proficiency, we also offer language-specific linguistics courses in Dutch, German, French and Spanish. 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.
The Linguistics Master’s programme at Radboud University will broaden your career prospects, because you can construct it to meet your own professional ambitions. With this degree, you could work as an editor, communication consultant, educational developer, teacher, translator and researcher.

Why study General Linguistics at Radboud University?

- With no mandatory courses, this specialisation offers plenty of opportunity to create your own programme.
- 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.
- The programme is connected to the research carried out at the Centre for Language Studies (CLS). This institution has a reputation in the Netherlands and far beyond for top quality and ground-breaking research. As a student you’ll have a chance to work closely with some of the best researchers in the field. Students at Nijmegen can also benefit from the wealth of other research done on campus by, for example, the world-renowned Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/linguistics/general

Admission requirements for international students

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Linguistics or related area
In order to get admission to this Master's you’ll need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in specific language, like German, Dutch and such, or with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Information Sciences can also apply, provided they took at least 60 ECTS worth of courses in the field of linguistics.

2. Proficiency in English
In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
- A TOEFL score of >600 (paper based) or >100 (internet based)
- An IELTS score of >7.0
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher
- A Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Culture from a research university.

Career prospects

The programme in Linguistics prepares for jobs in which linguistic knowledge is applied. With this degree you could work as an editor, communication consultant, educational developer, teacher, translator and researcher. This programme offers you an intensive learning experience in both linguistics and the English language. This will further enhance your language skills and may allow you to pursue a career working in both your native language and in English.

World-leading research

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.

All lecturers within the programme are affiliated with the Centre for Language Studies (CLS). This institute accomplishes nationally and internationally acclaimed cutting-edge research in the field of linguistics. The institute aims to gain a deeper understanding of the architecture of the language system and its interactions with processes at the individual and the social cultural level. Research conducted at CLS often results in valuable solutions for real-life problems in communication.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/linguistics/general

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Are you interested in a career as an English language and communication coach? Do you see yourself in a professional, competitive environment? Then a Master's degree in Language and Communication Coaching might be just the ticket for you.

You will learn to analyse a client's needs, and how to design the training module to fit those needs. Transferring language and communication skills through interactive methods, adapting quickly to groups of varying sizes and levels, and picking effective teaching methods are part of the course. Your internship as part of your graduation project will allow you to put into practice what you have learnt.

Combination of academic grounding and practical training

The Language and Communication Coaching Master's specialisation offers a unique and rigorous programme combining a solid theoretical basis in the follwing:
- English Linguistics
- Second Language Acquisition
- Business Communication
- Teaching English for Specific Purposes

with challenging opportunities to practise your training and coaching skills:
- Practical, hands-on training and coaching experience
- Peer teaching
- Internship at a language institute or corporate training department

World-leading research

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.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/linguistics/language

Admission requirements for international students

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Linguistics or related area
In order to get admission to this Master's you’ll need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in specific language, like German, Dutch and such, or with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Information Sciences can also apply, provided they took at least 60 ECTS worth of courses in the field of linguistics.

2. Proficiency in English
In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
- A TOEFL score of >600 (paper based) or >100 (internet based)
- An IELTS score of >7.0
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher
- A Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Culture from a research university.

Career prospects

Why join the Language and Communication Coaching Master's specialisation?
- Worldwide there are roughly 1 billion speakers of English as a foreign language
- Demand for qualified English language and communication trainers and coaches is huge:
- Business men and women, politicians, teachers, academics, students, doctors, office workers, tour guides, lawyers, practically everybody needs to use English in their jobs.
- There is a need for English language trainers and coaches who can quickly and effectively meet the training needs of course participants.


Graduates of the Master's specialisation Language and Communication Coaching work as:
- heads of their own business
- language and communication coaches for a language institute, communication office, teacher training programme, institute for secondary education
- advisors to an education consultancy
- developers of language tests
- policy staff members for international offices
- refresher course developers for English teachers (all levels)
- developers of learning tools (also digital) and curricula (also online) for English
- English editors, text writer (for instance websites in English) or text coach
education quality control officers
- managers or heads of department in language institute, translation agency, etc.
- project researchers (for instance into language acquisition processes, educational efficiency, learning method, specific components of language learning processes (pronunciation, etc.)
- English language specialists or consultants working in business or for the government


See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/linguistics/language

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Communication Design

One of the essential ways in which information is transferred and communicated is through text, whether verbal or written. Texts should inform or convince, depending on the communication objectives. Communication designers research different factors that can affect a text in order to create an effective communication tool. These factors can be characteristics of the text, such as style and structure, but also the conversation characteristics and the influence of non-verbal communication.

Furthermore, the context and purpose of a text and how readers process information also play a major role in communication. In the English-taught Master's specialization in Communication Design, you will research how communication processes work and how you can influence these processes effectively. You will learn to analyze texts and tailor them to different target groups and acquire knowledge about how to measure whether in practice a text has the desired effect.

Career Prospects Communication Design

After completing the Communication Design specialization, you will be able to conduct research on the transfer of information through text. Moreover, you will be capable of advising people about writing a clear, attractive and convincing text according to various communication objectives. You can embark on a career in different positions within profit or non-profit organizations, government agencies and related organizations or in the business world.

After graduating, you could also continue your career as an academic researcher in the broad field of communication.

This is a small selection of positions you may apply for after you have completed your programme:
•Communication Design Manager
•Communication Strategist
•Advertising Design Strategist
•Communication Design Engineer
•Device User Experience Design Specialist
•Design Researcher

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This two-year Research Master's programma covers Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Early Modernity. You will explore the similarities and differences between these periods. In addition, you will gain fundamental insights into the cultural changes that preceded the modern period.

The programme offers three different specializations: in History (croho code 60139), in Literary Studies (croho code 60814), and in Classics and Ancient Civilizations (croho code 60039). Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Studies offers a multidisciplinary environment. Depending on your background and research interests, you will decide on your main subject. You can focus on history and choose between Ancient, Medieval or Early Modern History. You can also focus on literature. Then your options are Latin, Greek, English or Dutch Literature.

You can design your own programme to fit your interests. You will take specialist tutorials and courses on theory and method, and finish the programme by writing a thesis.

Degree: MA in Classics & Ancient Civilizations (research), MA in History (research), MA in Literary Studies (research)

Why in Groningen?

- Intensive supervision by high-quality researchers in small groups
- Unique approach that allows you to embed your chosen discipline in wider diachronic or synchronic fields
- Research Assistantship Programmes and Talent Grants for excellent students

The programme, which is offered by the Graduate School for the Humanities, is linked to excellent, multidisciplinary research which is carried out at the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG) and the national research schools OIKOS (Netherlands Research School for Classical Studies) and Medieval Studies.

Research MA students are required to participate in seminars, courses and summer schools organized by the Dutch national research schools. These 'schools' are organized for the training of PhD students, but some activities are open to or specially set up for you. These events give you, as a Research MA student, the opportunity to deepen your disciplinary profile and to become acquainted with top researchers in your field.

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What are the antique roots of modern ideas on leadership, or how do you write a commentary on a classical text? This programme teaches you.

The Master's programme in Classical Studies comprises two variants:

* Greek and Latin Language and Culture
* Classical Antiquity

The programme in Greek and Latin Language and Culture teaches you how to tackle different themes from the Classical Antiquity in a scientific way. You will learn how to critically reflect and evaluate written and material sources. You may choose a more or a less linguistic approach.

The programme in Classical Antiquity focuses on the period from Hellenism to the Late Antiquity. Besides literary sources, you will use inscriptions, papyri and archaeological sources to shed light on the world of Classical Antiquity.

Job perspectives

As a graduate, you may work in an academic library or in museums. You can also work in journalism, the cultural sector or in publishing.

You will finish your programme by writing a thesis. This Master's degree is also offered on a part-time basis.

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This one-year Master's programme focuses on foreign language teaching. It offers theoretical insights to help assess language-teaching methods and applied linguistics research. You will study the process of learning and the use of second languages. The programme allows you to focus your research on your language of choice, for instance Dutch as a second language, but also French, German, Swedish, Chinese, or any other language.
You will approach second language acquisition from many different angles, including psychology, social interaction and language teaching. You will be introduced to the field of linguistics, language acquisition and language teaching theory.
The program focuses especially on Dynamic System Theory, which explains how cultural differences become bodily differences. You will learn about the social, cultural and political processes that play a role in using a language or that may cause the use of a second language to decline. You will explore didactic applications of recent research and theoretical developments, and learn about computer assisted language learning.

Why in Groningen?

The MA Applied Linguistics at the University of Groningen is a unique programme focussing on the processes involved in second language learning, as well as teaching theories. The programme encompasses various fields of study, as learning and using a second language may be approached from many different angles. Students will explore and discuss the factors that relate to second language development, including cognition, psychology, social interaction, language teaching, and culture.

In addition to theoretical and teaching paradigms, students will also take classes in the research practices and methodology essential for conducting applied linguistics studies and research. These classes will act as the foundation from which students will be able to conduct their own applied linguistics research in the form of the MA thesis in Semester 2.The MA Applied Linguistics is a truly international programme, welcoming students from all over the world. The classes are taught entirely in English, and students are encouraged to use their own language experiences as the basis for their individual linguistic enquiries and research.Our degree programme is small, which means that students benefit from small, intimate classes and close collaborative relationships with the other students as well as instructors.

Job perspectives

After completing this programme, you can pursue a career in research, or set up language teaching projects. You are also equipped to take positions on the European level that deal with issues of language policy.

Job examples

- Linguist (L2)
- language research
- language education
- language policy
- language testing
- curriculum development
- publishing

Research in Applied Linguistics focuses on the process of learning and using a second language. It covers various fields of study because learning and using a second language can be approached from many different angles, including cognition, psychology, social interaction, language teaching and culture.

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European Linguistics is a one-year Master's specialization of the MA Lingustics which is based on the strengths of the Groningen linguistics sections.
It gives students a broad and attractive, but coherent and cohesive, range of options, oriented along the following approaches:
* Empirical investigation of the structure of the European languages, with focus on synchronic and diachronic variation
* Theoretical study of syntax, semantics, morphology, and phonology/phonetics
* Use of a variety of data (native speaker intuitions, corpus data, language acquisition data) and methods

The programme focuses on language with all its complexities. The main focus is how to make sense of complex data in order to be able to study the structure, variation, change, and development of language, so as to obtain a better understanding of the human language faculty.

It covers the principal subfields of linguistic study (sound, structure, meaning), and offers plenty of opportunity for students to focus on a particular language or language family (working with specialists in different modern European languages) or to pursue their interests in general linguistics.

Why in Groningen?

- Intensive supervision by high-quality researchers in many different lanugages as well as in theoretical linguistics
- A challenging multidisciplinary approach
- Unique combination of theoretical and descriptive linguistics in a multi-lingual setting
- Area of study with excellent career opportunities, both in industry and academia
- Excellent preparation for a PhD

Job perspectives

A Master's degree in European Linguistics (MA Linguistics) is:
- a solid foundation for future teachers, editors, communication experts, etc.
- an excellent preparation for a social career related to the areas of theoretical linguistics, descriptive linguistics, language development, speech technology, communication and computer linguistics
- a stepping stone to further study and training with a view to writing a successful PhD thesis.

Job examples

- Editor
- Communications expert
- Linguistics researcher

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There's no doubt that multilingualism has important implications for communication, identity, social and cultural integration, development and education.

With its world-leading expertise in the fields of cognition, society and language the University of Groningen now offers a one-year Master's programme in Multilingualism in co-operation with University Campus Fryslan (UCF) and NHL University of Applied Sciences.

The Multilingualism Master is unique in combining teaching of many societal, individual, educational, cultural and historical aspects of multilingualism with a practical, research-driven approach.

Students learn to deal with day-to-day issues such as helping companies overcome communication problems, design language policies or give schools advice on how best to teach children with foreign language backgrounds. They receive a MA degree in Linguistics.

The challenging Master's specialization in Multilingualism is situated in the picturesque town of Leeuwarden, capital of the officially multilingual province Fryslân in the Netherlands. Frisian is the second official language of the country. This setting allows students immediate access to a multilingual laboratory.

Why in Groningen?

- Not taught in Groningen but in the wonderful city of Leeuwarden (nomination European Cultural Capital 2018)
- Easy access to multilingual communities for research
- Excellent combination of knowledge of multilingualism and practical research skills
- Truly international environment
- Career perspectives for enterprising minds

Job perspectives

With your MA-degree you could become a policy consultant, or an advisor to national and international governmental organizations and NGOs. You could also become an expert on how to deal with multilingualism in education, or on how to approach language planning for governments.

Upon graduation students hold a (60 ECTS) MA degree in Linguistics with specialisation in Multilingualism from the University of Groningen. A student's career after that depends on the kind of person they are. The field of multilingualism is open for enterprising minds. Being one of the main challenges in a globalizing world multilingualism creates many issues, situations and problems that can be solved only by experts.

Linguistics is a field of science that is becoming increasingly important to other fields. Language is central to the study of human behaviour and activities. A degree in Linguistics can therefore also see you into a career in related fields such psychology, sociology, computer science or education sciences. Many of the skills you are taught in an MA in Linguistics are transferable. You will probably find that your analytical competence, ability to write, as well as your capacity to solve problems will significantly improve after studying towards an MA degree.

We advice our students to complete an internship in the field of their interest. In term one of the MA a career class is organised with more information.

Job examples

- Consultant
- Teaching specialist
- Researcher
- Civil servant
- Communication specialist
- Publishing
- Technical Writing
- Copywriter
- Translation expert

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In the two-year Research Master's specialization Language and Cognition (MA Linguistics), you will study patterns of language and speech and the way our brain employs and organizes them. The programme offers a unique combination of n euro- and psycholinguistics, theoretical linguistics, developmental linguistics, computational linguistics, and communication science.

The programme is meant for talented students who aspire to do research in the field of Linguistics. After finishing the degree, you will have acquired essential research skills and fundamental knowledge of linguistic analysis, language development, and language processing. In addition, you will be able to study language at different levels, such as words, sentences, meaning and interaction.

The programme is linked to the excellent, multidisciplinary research carried out at the Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG) and the Groningen Research School for Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience (BCN).

After finishing the programme you receive a Master of Arts degree in Linguistics.

Why in Groningen?

- Intensive supervision by high-quality researchers in small groups
- A challenging multidisciplinary approach
- Partial Talent Grants and Research Assistantships

Job perspectives

After graduation, you are well prepared for a career in research. In fact, this programme is an ideal stepping stone to a PhD position at a university. You can conduct research in Linguistics, such as Neuro- or Clinical Linguistics, Language Development or Theoretical Linguistics. Other options are Speech Technology, and Communication and Computer Linguistics.

Job examples

- Research oriented career in Linguistics

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In the two-year international Research Master's programme in Clinical Linguistics, you will study Linguistics and Neuroscience. You will explore subjects such as neuro-imaging, language processing and developmental language disorders.

The programme is meant for talented students who aspire to do research in the field of Clinical Linguistics. After finishing the degree, you will have acquired essential research skills and fundamental knowledge of Clinical, Neuro- and Psycholinguistics.

The two-year training is currently part of the prestigious international Erasmus Mundus programme in Clinical Linguistics. It is offered by the Universities of Groningen, Potsdam (Germany) and Eastern Finland (Joensuu). In the first year, you will start the programme at the university of Eastern Finland (Joensuu) during the first term. You will continue your training in Potsdam during the second term. During the third term all students will study in Groningen. You will finish your studies by writing a Master's thesis during your fourth term.
After finishing this programme you will receive a joint degree.

[[Job perspectives]
After graduation, you are well prepared for a career in research. In fact, this programme is an ideal steppingstone to a PhD-position in the field of Clinical Linguistics.

Speech and language therapists who take this programme, will be better equipped to assess and treat people with a language impairment.

Importantly, the programme is not meant to train students to become speech and language therapists.

Job examples

- Research oriented career

The Clinical Linguistics/EMCL programme in Groningen, which is offered by the Graduate School for the Humanities, is linked to excellent, multidisciplinary research which is carried out at the Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG) and the Groningen Research School for Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience (BCN).

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The programme in Language and Communication Technologies combines Theoretical Linguistics and Computer Science. You will study language technology in a multi-lingual setting.

The two-year training is part of the prestigious international Erasmus Mundus programme. The first year you will start in Groningen. You will finish the programme with a stay at one of our partner universities in the second year. After completing the programme, you will receive two Master's degrees: a degree in Linguistics in Groningen and a second Master's degree depending on the partner university you chose to stay at.

The programme consists of compulsory and optional courses. In this way, you can design the programme to fit your interests. In addition, you will do a research project and write a Master's thesis.

Language and Communication Technologies is a Erasmus Mundus programme.

Why in Groningen?

- Unique combination of theoretical linguistics and computer-science research in a multi-lingual setting.
- Rapidly evolving area of study with excellent career opportunities, both in industry and academia.
- Erasmus Mundus Master's Programme.

Job perspectives

After graduation, you are well prepared for a career in Information Technology. You can work on subjects such as web search, information management and human-computer dialogue systems. You can also continue your career in research, for instance as a PhD student at a university.

Job examples

- Career in the IT industry

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