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

Applied Linguistics - TEFL

Can you learn a second language the same way you learned your mother tongue? How does our brain cope with two or more languages? What is the best way to test the language proficiency level of students? How can computers and online technology help to learn a language? And how do we find out whether a given teaching pedagogy is effective? Find out in this master's track.

This one-year master's track focuses on research into foreign language learning and teaching. You will study the process of learning and the use of second languages. The track allows you to focus your research on your language of choice, for instance, English as a second or foreign language but also Dutch as a second language, French, German, Swedish, Chinese, or any other language. With increasing cross-cultural communication and mobility, the skills and knowledge you will acquire in this programme are highly valued in the areas of language teaching and testing, educational publishing, language policy making, and of course linguistic research.

You will approach second language acquisition from many different angles, including (cognitive) psychology, social interaction, and language teaching. You will not only be introduced to the field of linguistics, language acquisition, and language teaching and assessment theory but also the neighboring field of social and cognitive psychology and neuroscience. As such, our MA program is a truly multidisciplinary master’s track.

The master's track focuses especially on dynamic aspects of language development, which explains how the process of second language development is affected by the changing interaction of a wide range of factors. You will learn about the social, psychological, and cultural processes that interact in using a language or that may cause the use of a second language to grow or decline. You will explore theoretical developments and didactic applications of recent research, and learn about computer-assisted language learning. Although this is not a teacher training programme, there is ample opportunity to discuss issues related to teaching and in some cases, it is possible to do a language teaching internship in an academic setting.

While the first semester consists of a fixed set of courses, the second semester allows you to focus on your own interests within the field of Applied Linguistics. You will write a Master’s thesis on a topic of choice and you will take another course and/or do an internship (e.g. a research internship, or an internship in language teaching in an academic setting, educational publishing, or language testing, to give some examples). It is possible to switch to the Research Master programme ‘Language and Cognition' after this programme.

Read more about the Department of Applied Linguistics.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Linguistics
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60815
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?

The master's track 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 (learning and teaching) experiences as the basis for their individual linguistic enquiries and research. Our programme is small, which means that students benefit from small, intimate classes and close collaborative relationships with the other students as well as instructors.

The master's track Applied Linguistics at the University of Groningen is a unique track focussing on the processes involved in second language learning, as well as teaching theories. The programme encompasses various fields of study, as described above. This is because 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 statistics and research methodology essential for conducting applied linguistics 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.

Programme
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Essential Statistics (5 EC)
Teaching Methodology/2nd Language Dev. (10 EC)
Theory of 2nd Language Development (10 EC)
Research Methodology Language Development (5 EC)
Computer-Assisted Language Learning (5 EC, optional)
Computer-Assisted Language Learning (10 EC, optional)
Master's Thesis in Applied Linguistics (20 EC)
MA Work Placement in Applied Linguistics (5 EC, optional)
MA Work Placement in Applied Linguistics (10 EC, optional)
Programme options
Master's Placement (specialization)

This Master's track includes an optional work placement for which you are awarded ECTS credit points.

It is your responsibility to find a placement yourself, but the Office for Student Affairs can offer help with this where necessary.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
LinguisticsAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Dutch Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization or premaster/minor in Linguistics

English Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization or premaster/minor in Linguistics

Middle Eastern StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

American StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

European Languages and CulturesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization or premaster/minor in Linguistics

Minorities & MultilingualismAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Communication and Information StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

Information ScienceAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

International Relations and International OrganizationAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

Classics (part-time)All Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization or premaster/minor in Linguistics

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
European Languages and CulturesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization or premaster/minor in Linguistics

English Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization or premaster/minor in Linguistics

Dutch Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization or premaster/minor in Linguistics

Middle Eastern StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

Information ScienceUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

American StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

LinguisticsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Communication and Information StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a premaster/minor in Linguistics

Minorities & MultilingualismUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Classics (part-time)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization or premaster/minor in Linguistics

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor's degree of a research university with a sufficient number of linguistics courses and research components.

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.

other admission requirements

Students who are not eligible for direct admission can apply for this MA programme and may then be offered a pre-master programme ranging from 30 to 60 ECTS. This pre-master programme is tailored to your background and is an excellent preparation for the MA programme in Applied Linguistics. Note that you cannot apply directly for a pre-master programme, as this is only decided on by the Admissions Board for the MA programme to which you apply.

Registration procedure

Note: it's only possible to a very limited extent to start in February. For more information, please contact the study advisor.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202301 September 2023
15 August 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor's degree of a research university in Linguistics, with a specialization in linguistics, or with a sufficient number of linguistics courses and research components.

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.

other admission requirements

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. This evaluation is carried out by our Admissions Office and the Admissions Board.

Students who are not eligible for direct admission can apply for this MA programme and may then be offered a pre-master programme ranging from 30 to 60 ECTS. This pre-master programme is tailormade to your background and is an excellent preparation for the MA programme in Applied Linguistics. Note that you cannot apply directly for a pre-master programme, as this is only decided on by the Admissions Board for the MA programme to which you apply.

General information about the pre-master programme can be found here.
Checklist needed for your application

Registration procedure

Note: it's only possible to a very limited extent to start in February. For more information, please contact the study advisor.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202301 September 2023
15 August 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 16000full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

After completing this track, you can pursue a career in research, or work in the field of language teaching and educational publishing projects. Our MA track Applied Linguistics prepares current and future language teachers to be innovators in the profession.

Job examples

  • Material developer
  • Publisher
  • Teaching specialist
  • Communication specialist
  • Curriculum developer
  • Educational policy maker/ adviser
  • Educational specialist
  • Language policy maker/ adviser
  • Language researcher/ linguist
  • Language teaching professional
  • Language testing expert
  • Language tutor
Research

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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Contact

  • Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Questions? Send Us An Email!
    Email: tefl rug.nl
  • Sjors van Ooij (Study Advisor)
    Email: studyadvisor-al rug.nl
  • Mayke Bosma (Student ambassador)
    Email: m.a.bosma.1 student.rug.nl
  • Admission Office (Contact form)
    Telephone: +31-(0)50 363 8976
  • 
						Testimonial of Muzakki Bashori

    I not only learn about the theory, but also I am equipped with the practical experience.

    – Muzakki Bashori
    Read more

    When I was an undergraduate in 2010, studying abroad was nothing more than a mere dream. Five years later, this dream became reality! I thanked God that after so much effort, I had finally been able to obtain a scholarship from LPDP (Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education). Shortly after, I was accepted in the one-year Applied Linguistics MA program in Groningen. This degree was really everything I hoped for as I aspire to become an English teacher in Indonesia.

    Besides gaining a theoretical insight, I have also acquired practical experience in this field. These experiences and qualifications will undoubtedly benefit me in my career within teaching and education, particularly towards TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).

    Read more about Muzakki and his student life experience in Groningen.

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of Anna Pochinok

    In the future I would like to work in the field of TEFL materials development

    – Anna Pochinok
    Read more

    I had had more than six years experience in the department of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) before I decided to further advance in my professional career. To do so, I wanted to acquire a more in-depth understanding of how languages are learned and which neuroscientific components and teaching methods are involved in the efficient and sustainable acquisition of a second language.

    The degree of Applied Linguistics contains a lot of research and skills to be obtained. Despite being challenging, the study is interesting and keeps students as well as staff engaged with the topic at hand. I particularly enjoyed the modules concerning Statistics, Language Development, and Teaching Methodology. The advanced level of teaching in combination with being on the forefront of research in this field also results in great employment chances when entering the labour market.
    With Groningen being a very international city, I made friends from all over the world, which was an incredibly enriching and inherently positive experience.
    The good facilities at the university are another positive component whilst I also liked the applied teaching methods
    and the supportive staff and academic surroundings. I aspire to continue working in the field of TEFL material development.
    My time in Groningen has immensely contributed to obtaining the skill-set required for this work.

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of Virag Magashazi

    All of the teachers do their best to give students as much knowledge as they can

    – Virag Magashazi
    Read more

    I was lucky enough to spend one semester at the Department of Applied Linguistics in Groningen, where I chose to follow the modules of Research Methodology, Teaching Methodology, and Theories of Second Language Development. Learning and comparing different theories of language learning, acquisition, and development enabled us to think critically about the discussed issues and also taught us how to conduct our own research.

    The Applied Linguistics MA in Groningen really excels due to the expertise of the instructors as well as the support provided to the students. All in all, the learning community is very inclusive and constructive. The classes taught me to think critically and also contributed towards the development of my academic English skills. There is also a strong emphasis on a very collaborative approach, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The semester I spent in Groningen benefited me massively as a
    person as I was privileged enough to spend half a year in a very international environment, which enriched my academic skills as well as my general knowledge. The university and city of Groningen have been the perfect choice for me and I could only recommend studying there!

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of Ana Jimenez Tirado

    "The teachers are experts in the field and lectures and seminars are balanced in terms of theory, and individual and group assignments."

    – Ana Jimenez Tirado
    Read more

    I ended up choosing the MA in Applied Linguistics due to my interest in language as such and particularly my interest for finding the best method of teaching and learning second languages.

    The degree at RUG appealed to me as it balances theory and practice incredibly well. Simultaneously, I was looking for a program that was affordable and did not exceed the span of one year. I cannot say I have been disappointed: the instructors are experts in their field whilst lectures and seminars are well-balanced in their emphasis on theory, and individual and group assignments. This keeps the seminars very engaging as there is always room for debate within the group. As with any MA program, it is a lot of work. However, the studying certainly contributes to our academic development. A question I frequently hear is: “What is applied linguistics? Are you going to be a teacher?” The actual options are much broader: following the completion of The MA, you will be an expert in teaching languages. This enables you, for instance, to work in a language centres, as an advisor as on how to acquire language, or as a researcher.

    Close

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.

Research Master

Are you interested in a research oriented career? Please also check our Research Master's Programme of Linguistics.

Read more

Study associations

ZaZa

Study association ZaZa is the study association for the study Dutch Language and Culture of the University of Groningen.
Study association ZaZa is the study association for the study Dutch Language and Culture of the University of Groningen. As a study association for Dutch Language and Culture, 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 bring together students with a passion for the Dutch language by organizing both study-related and non-study-related activities. That goal is pursued with the help of twelve active committees, two anniversary committees and one advisory committee.
http://www.zaza-nederlands.nl
Read more
Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. He or she knows all the ins and outs of the programme and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.