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
I decided to apply for EMCL because I aspired to pursue a career in academia. I wanted to spend two semesters studying at the UG because I had a particular interest in aphasia, and so I wanted to work with Prof. Roelien Bastiaanse. That was a really good decision! The city of Groningen is simply charming, and the University's facilities are impressive.
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 finished my PhD 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 was 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. Currently I am working as one of the teachers at the neurolinguistics departement in Groningen.
EMCL has strengthened my desire to pursue an academic career. I am confident that the network that I have established and the skills that I have acquired will be key to reach my goals.
I moved to Groningen from the Baltic States in 2012, to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Culture with a minor in Media and Journalism. I have always been passionate about languages, research, writing and editing, so the choice to move abroad for the sake of higher education was not a particularly hard one.
After my experiences in both fields of Linguistics and Journalism, I decided to take the academic path, so a Research Master in Linguistics seemed a perfect fit. This degree is nothing less but challenging, but if you are an aspiring researcher who is passionate about Linguistics like me- it is most definitely worth it.
The Faculty of Arts also offers a one year master’s degree programme in Linguistics.