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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Linguistics - Research
Header image Linguistics

Linguistics

Language is a central topic in cognitive science, computer science and the study of human behaviour. The research tracks of Linguistics study these fields in depth.

Language can be studied in many ways. You can, for example analyse texts or computer corpora, listen to people speak, or measure properties of sound waves in the lab. You can choose from:

All research tracks are taught in English.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Linguistics (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60817
Language of instruction
English
Start
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Intensive supervision by high-quality researchers in small groups
  • A challenging multidisciplinary approach
Programme
Programme options
Clinical Linguistics (EMCL+) (track)

How is language stored in the brain? What effects can brain damage have on our ability to use language? And why do some children have difficulty learning language? Find it out in this track.

The two-year international Research Master's track in Clinical Linguistics is part of the prestigious international Erasmus Mundus programme in Clinical Linguistics, EMCL++. EMCL++ is an integrated two-year Master's programme offered jointly by a consortium of the Universities of Groningen (NL), Ghent (B) and Eastern Finland (FI) and 26 associated partners from the academic, R&D, and clinical sector, finishing with a joint Msc degree from the three institutions. It is a full-time interdisciplinary and transnational university programme at the Masters level, providing integrated training in neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and clinical linguistics.The regular study period is 24 months. It consists of 4 semesters; 2 teaching semesters, the third semester is a combination of a teaching semester and internship, the fourth semester to finish the masters thesis. After finishing this track you will receive a joint degree.Most recent information on the EMCL++ programme can be found at: emcl.eu

More information about this option

Language and Communication Technologies (track)

How do we cope with the information overload of modern media? What is the best way to collect data in a multilingual environment? Find out in this international Double Degree track.

The track 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 track, 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 an Erasmus Mundus programme.

More information about this option

Language and Cognition (track)

How is language stored in the brain? How do we acquire a foreign language? How can we explain patterns of language use in terms of underlying structures, and also the role of language in society?

The Language and Cognition programme offers training in linguistics which reflects the areas of expertise among linguists at the University of Groningen. In addition to required courses, which cover core areas of the discipline, students may choose from courses in neuro- and psycholinguistics, theoretical linguistics, developmental linguistics, computational linguistics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics and communication studies. These are the focus areas of excellent, multidisciplinary research carried out in the Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG) and the Groningen Research School for Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience (BCN).The programme is meant for talented students from all over the world 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. This programme is a selective admission two-year Research Master's programme that prepares you for entry into a related PhD program, or other research positions.Are you curious if you are eligible for the Research Master's programme? Check the entry requirements. While admission for the second semester is possible, we advise most students to begin in the fall so that they can follow the course sequence with their cohort.

More information about this option

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Duitse Taal en CultuurAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Engelse Taal en CultuurAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Minorities & MultilingualismAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

ClassicsAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Information ScienceAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Dutch Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Romaanse Talen en CulturenAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Scandinavische Talen en CulturenAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Slavische Talen en CulturenAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Middle Eastern StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Communication and Information StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

LinguisticsAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Language and Cognition, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/language-and-cognition-research/?lang=en#!requirements

For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Clinical Linguistics (EMCL), see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/clinical-linguistics-emcl-research/#!requirements

For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Language and Communication Technologies, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/language-and-communication-technologies-double-degree-programme-research/#!requirements

grade list

Excellent academic record.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 on writing skills), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

reference letter

Two letters of recommendation from relevant experts.

(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.

other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Language and Cognition, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/language-and-cognition-research/?lang=en#!requirements

For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Clinical Linguistics (EMCL), see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/clinical-linguistics-emcl-research/#!requirements

For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Language and Communication Technologies, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/language-and-communication-technologies-double-degree-programme-research/#!requirements

grade list

Excellent academic record.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 on writing skills), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

reference letter

Two letters of recommendation from relevant experts.

(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.

other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Tuition fees

Please check the individual MA track pages for the right amount of tuition fees and deadlines.

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

All research masters are good stepping-stones to a PhD position, or other research careers. Depending on your choice of programme, you are also prepared for a career in the IT industry, in speech technology, clinical linguistics or speech and language therapy.

Research

Research institute CLCG

The Center for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG) is a research institute within the Faculty of Arts of the University of Groningen. It is the institutional home for all the linguistic research carried out within the faculty. Within the CLCG there are four different research groups:

Computational linguistics

Discourse and Communication

Neurolinguistics and Language Development

Theoretical and Empirical Linguistics

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

  • Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Caroline Dijkema (Study Advisor Language and Cognition & Language and Communication Technologies)
    Email: rema.linguistics.advice rug.nl
  • Mireya Harmsen BSc (coordinator: for all questions regarding application)
    Email: rema.arts rug.nl

PhD at the University of Amsterdam

While I was in the third year of my Bachelor's degree programme in English Linguistics in Serbia, two of my classmates did a 1-year exchange at the University of Groningen. They were so enthusiastic about everything to do with Linguistics in Groningen: the programme, the lecturers, the new things they learned.

That’s why I chose the Research Master’s in Linguistics at the University of Groningen following my Bachelor’s programme. It sounded like a great opportunity to get into the field of linguistic research. And I have never regretted my decision.

In the two years of the programme I learned all the research skills that I was going to need for my PhD, from critical thinking to writing research papers. I conducted a number of small, practical research projects, so the programme felt very interesting and dynamic, and the lecturers were always incredibly enthusiastic and ready to help. Not only was the programme itself good, I also very much enjoyed living in Groningen, a small but beautiful and vibrant student city.

I am currently studying for a PhD at the University of Amsterdam, conducting research on language learning in adults. My MA programme and the lecturers involved in it were ideal preparation for my PhD research; I rely on many research skills that I acquired in Groningen, such as critical thinking, designing experiments, analysing data from experiments and writing academic papers. I’m really grateful for all the programme taught me. Thanks to this solid foundation, a PhD doesn’t feel like a difficult undertaking. I would very much like to continue doing research in my future career, but I would also like to combine it with more applied work, such as developing new language teaching methods and materials.

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I really enjoy the enthusiasm and passion that the teachers have here

My name is Isolde van Dorst (21) and I am currently studying the Erasmus Mundus Language and Communication Technologies. Before this, I studied the bachelor English Language and Culture here at the University of Groningen as well.

Why Groningen?

I chose this Master's track because I was interested in linguistics (through my bachelor), but I also wanted to expand into a different direction than I was able to during my bachelor. As I already went abroad during my bachelor, I knew I would enjoy that part of this programme very much as well. However, I did decide to still apply for a place at the University of Groningen, in my home country, because I really enjoy the enthusiasm and passion that the teachers have here. In addition, it is a high ranking university that would help me develop as a person as well as a student.

Future

After finishing my Master's track I am hoping to either get a PhD position in computational linguistics or find a job that allows me to travel as well as inspires me to continue expanding my knowledge.

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EMCL has strengthen my desire to pursuit an academic career

I decided to apply for EMCL because I aspired for a career in academia. I requested coming to UG for two semesters because I had a particular interest in aphasia, and therefore I wanted to work with Prof. Roelien Bastiaanse. That was a good decision! The city of Groningen is simply charming, and the University has impressive facilities.

As for the courses, I particularly enjoyed the research-oriented teaching methodology. By the end of the taught semesters, I did not feel stressed about coming up with my own ideas for a thesis. This also prepared me for writing an application for a PhD position.

I am currently a third-year PhD student in the International Doctorate in Experimental Approaches to Language and Brain (IDEALAB). I have travelled between IDEALAB partner universities in Italy, Australia and The Netherlands (Groningen), where I am supervised by internationally renowned researchers, and I have access to neuroimaging and neuromodulation techniques which I was able to use during my experiments. The fact that I had already learned about Event Related Potentials (ERPs) during EMCL, made it easier for me to address my PhD topic from different perspectives.

EMCL has strengthen my desire to pursuit an academic career. I am confident that the network that I have established and the skills that I have acquired in the past five years will be key to reach my goals.

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PhD at Queen Mary University of London

In the final year of my bachelor studies in computer science, I decided that I wanted to do a master where I would be able to apply my knowledge about the field. When I heard about the Master's track in LCT, I applied immediately. I got in, which allowed me the possibility to stay for an other year in the city of Groningen.

What attracted me in studying at the UG, was that it is a transparant university. I could easily access course descriptions and materials. What I also liked, was that I had the possibility to take courses outside my faculty. For example in philosophy. Besides studying, I did a lot of sports like fencing, swimming and horse riding. The student life experience in Groningen was amazing for me.

During my study, I got an internship at Paylogic (a ticketing company based in Groningen). Later, I've joined Paylogic as a backend developer and I gained a PhD position at Queen Mary University of London. Here I work on Distributional Semantics, looking at the meaning of representations of words and phrases. Currently, I am in the final year of my PhD and I am looking for postdoc positions. Who knows, maybe there will be one in Groningen!

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Holland Scholarship

Are you an international student from a non EU/EEA member state starting a Research Master's programme or Erasmus Mundus Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts? If so, you could qualify for the Holland Scholarship, a partial scholarship which helps you to finance your studies.

Read more on the Holland Scholarship.

University of Groningen Orange Tulip Scholarship/Talent Grant of Faculty of Arts


Are you a non-EU/EEA student from Russia, India or Indonesia, starting a Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts? If so, you could qualify for the University of Groningen OTS/Talent Grant, Faculty of Arts, a partial scholarship which helps you to finance your studies.

Read more about the OTS/Talent Grant Faculty of Arts

Master’s degree programme in Linguistics

The Faculty of Arts also offers a one year master’s degree programme in Linguistics.

Read more

Study associations

Synthesis

Synthesis is the new study association for all Research Master students from the Faculty of Arts. Synthesis is both a social network and a platform for the academic development of young scholars. Given our shared interest in academic research, Synthesis organizes a variety of seminars, lectures and workshops about academic skills or career strategy with interesting speakers from different fields.
Synthesis also aims to create and maintain an active Research Master community by organizing social activities such as drinks, dinners and fun trips. Join our Facebook group for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/468316950175210/

ZaZa

Study association ZaZa is the study association for the study Dutch Language and Culture and Linguistics at the University of Groningen.
As a study association for Dutch Language and Culture and Linguistics, naming the association after our beloved alphabet seemed a perfect fit. After all, what are language and literature without letters? Take the first and the last letter of our alphabet, double them, add a touch of creativity and there it is, our name ZaZa. The goal of ZaZa is to unite students with a passion for the Dutch language/literature and linguistics by organizing both events related and unrelated to our studies. That goal is pursued with the help of eleven active committees, two lustrum committees and two advisory committees.
http://www.zaza-nederlands.nl
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Study support

Each Master's degree programme has a study advisor whom you can contact if you have questions or need advice about your degree programme and other study-related matters. Everything you discuss will be treated confidentially. If you have a more complex problem, for example study delay, a performance disability or if you are ill for a long time, you should contact a student counsellor.

In addition, you can also follow various courses at the Study Support section of the Student Service Centre (SSC), for example on study stress and holding presentations.