Master of Arts in Theoretical and Empirical Linguistics
Explore the structure, variation, and development of human language through empirical and theoretical approaches.
Best for:Best for students with a strong background in linguistics or related humanities disciplines who are passionate about empirical research and theoretical analysis of language.
Overview
This one-year Master’s programme at the University of Groningen focuses on the scientific study of language, combining theoretical analysis with empirical research. Students investigate the complexities of language systems, including syntax, semantics, morphology, and phonetics, using diverse data sources like native speaker intuitions, corpora, and language acquisition studies. The programme offers two specialisations: *The Human Language System* and *Language Development and Variation*, allowing tailored exploration of linguistic phenomena across European languages and beyond. It is designed for students seeking rigorous training in core linguistic subfields while fostering interdisciplinary perspectives on language structure and change.
What you'll do
- Conduct empirical research on the structure and variation of European languages using diverse data sources, including native speaker intuitions, corpora, and language acquisition data.
- Engage in theoretical study of syntax, semantics, morphology, and phonetics to develop rigorous linguistic analyses.
- Develop specialised knowledge in one of two tracks: *The Human Language System* or *Language Development and Variation*.
- Participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborative research projects within the Groningen Linguistics department.
- Write a Master’s thesis under the supervision of faculty members, demonstrating independent research skills.
- Apply advanced linguistic methodologies to investigate complex linguistic phenomena and their real-world implications.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics or a related field in the Humanities, Social Sciences, or Communication Arts (e.g., English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, or Swedish).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Linguistics
Language: English proficiency (equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90, if applicable)
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills in linguistics
- Proficiency in linguistic theory and empirical research methods
- Ability to work with linguistic data (corpora, native speaker intuitions, language acquisition data)
- Familiarity with at least one European language beyond English (preferably from the department’s focus languages)
- Basic knowledge of syntax, semantics, morphology, and phonetics
- No nationality restrictions; open to international applicants
- No age restrictions
- No prior work experience requirements
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-05-01
Applicants must submit their application through the University of Groningen’s official portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and a research proposal outlining their intended focus within the programme. Additional materials may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (if not from an English-taught programme)
- Research proposal (outlining intended focus in linguistics)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.