The master’s programme in Linguistics at Leiden University is by any measure among the best in Europe, offering linguistics expertise that covers all corners of the world and the choice of ten areas of specialisation.
Within the master’s programme in Linguistics, you may choose one of ten specialisations, each offering a wide range of courses. You will examine issues from a broad range of perspectives and diverse theoretical approaches, including descriptive, experimental, theoretical and applied. You have the opportunity to choose from the widest selection of languages offered by any institution in the region. With an unmatched curriculum and flexible programme design, at Leiden you can truly customise your qualification to match your interests and career goals.
Academics from the renowned Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) teach in the master’s programme in Linguistics. During your studies, you will have access to a breadth and depth of expertise that is almost unmatched in Europe, as well as exceptional resources such as the famous collections at the Leiden University Library. All courses are taught by a diverse group of scholars, all of whom are engaged in international research, which is also part of the teaching syllabus. Their expertise incorporates the latest theoretical knowledge and practice-based skills, such as translation or text analysis.
At Leiden, our master’s students are considered valuable members of a close-knit academic community. Small classes, regular individual mentoring, and an informal, open-door policy, create an environment that is ideal for the exchange of ideas and the development of your knowledge and intellectual abilities. An important objective of the programme is to develop your aptitude for critical-thinking: in everything you do, from independent research to peer-to-peer feedback and in-class debates, you will learn to take a broad, investigative and critical approach to problem solving that can be applied to any future challenge, within any role.
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.
- 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
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.
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.
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
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
The very fact that we have and use languages is part of what makes us human. Many different languages are spoken in the world. In this programme, you get to reflect on their structures and what drives language variation and change.
Communicating by means of language is a crucial ingredient of success in modern society. You will learn the principles of first language acquisition, and what is special about learning more languages. The programme also satisfies your curiosity to know more about the way language is processed in the brain and how we use it. The key focus of the Research Master’s programme in Linguistics is on the cognitive faculties underlying human language, and their interaction.
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 a shared interest in languages, and the way language is embedded in human cognition.
The programme offers a broad focus on:
You will acquire a solid background in all three domains, and then choose a series of elective courses in order to specialise in one area. You will receive training in empirical, computational, and experimental methodology, and you will practice designing, planning, and carrying out a research project during your internship and thesis work.
As a graduate of the Research Master Linguistics, you will be highly eligible for a PhD position or for a position within a public or private organisation. Many alumni pursue academic careers, while others obtain traineeships in natural language resource firms, junior research positions in international organisations and research facilities, teaching positions in secondary schools and colleges, etc. Read more about possible career prospects.
Combine a solid theoretical basis in Language for Specific Purposes, Second Language Acquisition and Language Testing with challenging opportunities to design language courses and practise your coaching skills.
There’s an increasing demand for language and communication trainers and coaches: business people, pilots, politicians, hospital porters, teachers, hotel staff, academics, cab drivers, athletes, doctors, office workers, tour guides, lawyers, catering staff, nurses, practically everybody needs to use English in their jobs. The Master’s specialisation in Language and Communication Coaching offers you a thorough academic grounding to pursue a career as a language and communication coach who can quickly and effectively meet the training needs of a wide variety of clients.
The specialisation offers a unique and rigorous programme combining a solid theoretical basis in Language for Specific Purposes, Second Language Acquisition and Language Testing with challenging opportunities to design language courses and practise your training and coaching skills. You’ll also get some practical, hands-on training and coaching experience in the form of peer teaching and an internship at a language institute.
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
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:
Graduates of the Language and Communication Coaching Master’s will be able to deliver a wide range of language and communication services: language teaching, text consultancy, in-service training, development of course and test materials, language policy and communication advice.
Graduates could work as:
Teacher in the Netherlands
Want to become an English teacher in secondary or further education? After completing your Master's you can get your ‘eerstegraads bevoegdheid’ to become a teacher in the Netherlands (leraar Engels). With this degree, you can teach the higher grades of secondary school in the Netherlands (HAVO and VWO). The combination of the specialisation in Language and Communication Coaching and the ‘eerstegraads bevoegdheid’ will make you a particularly attractive candidate for Universities of Applied Science (HBO).
This one-year-postgraduate programme (Lerarenopleiding Taal- en Cultuurwetenschappen) is offered in Dutch by the Radboud Docenten Academie.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/linguistics/language
The research master’s programme in Linguistics at Leiden University combines leading expertise with a flexible programme format.
During this two-year research master’s programme you will be able to choose from the largest selection of languages offered in Europe and an exceptional range of linguistic approaches including historical, descriptive, formal, cognitive, sociolinguistic, experimental and corpus-based studies. You will be able to explore sub-fields including phonetics, phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, discourse, or pragmatics.
An important aspect of this programme is developing your ability to conduct original and innovative research. You will have to opportunity to attend conferences, workshops and lecture series organised in Leiden, all of which will help you forge an outstanding start to your career. Small classes ensure that you have plenty of direct contact with your lecturers and a high level of guidance and support throughout your studies.
Academics from the renowned Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) teach in the master’s programme in Linguistics (research). During your studies, you will have access to a breadth and depth of expertise that is almost unmatched in Europe, as well as exceptional resources such as the famous collections at the Leiden University Library. The courses are taught by a diverse group of scholars, all of whom are engaged in international research, which is also part of the teaching syllabus. Their expertise incorporates the latest theoretical knowledge and practice-based skills, such as translation or text analysis.
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.
Artificial Intelligence is a fast-paced and challenging field that is making visible inroads into our everyday life. This Master's programme focuses on the theoretical symbolic foundations within Artificial intelligence. We examine the semantics of natural language and of reasoning and argumentation. Moreover, we also look at the foundations of autonomy and collaboration between distributed software systems. These are applied for instance in virtual characters in serious games, in logistic applications like train schedules and in autonomous cars. Other application areas are social simulation for policy management and change of behaviour.
The Master’s in Artificial Intelligence offers you an integrative and cutting-edge approach to the field from the viewpoints of Informatics, Logic, Cognition, Psychology, Philosophy, and Linguistics.
Students can choose from three tracks:
Choosing from a broad range of courses you can tailor the programme to your personal interests within Artificial Intelligence.
As a graduate of the Artificial Intelligence programme, you will have a solid understanding of the logical, philosophical, and cognitive foundations of AI research. You will also have a good overview of the main AI techniques and an in-depth understanding of how to apply these techniques in at least one of the areas within multi-agent systems, reasoning, or cognitive processing. In addition, you will have the skills to carry out AI research in academic or R&D environments and to identify how AI techniques can provide intelligent solutions to IT problems in companies and organisations.
