Linguistics

The Master's Programme in Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of language and its multifaceted nature. This programme is designed for individuals who are passionate about understanding how language functions, how it is structured, and how it varies across different societies, contexts, and genres. Throughout the programme, students engage with a wide range of linguistic theories and methodologies, enabling them to analyze language phenomena critically and systematically. The curriculum encompasses core areas such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, providing a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied linguistics. Additionally, students have the opportunity to specialize in specific subfields like sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, or linguistic typology, tailoring their academic journey to their interests and career ambitions.

The programme emphasizes empirical research and data analysis, encouraging students to develop strong analytical skills through hands-on projects and original research. They learn to use various linguistic tools and software, equipping them with practical expertise applicable in academic, educational, governmental, and industry settings. The interdisciplinary approach of the programme also allows students to explore connections between linguistics and other fields such as cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and language technology.

Internationally oriented, the Master's in Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam attracts students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a vibrant academic community where different perspectives enhance discussions and research. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, renowned faculty, and extensive academic resources support students in their academic and professional development. Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, language consulting, lexicography, language technology, or further doctoral studies. The university's strong network and collaborations with institutions worldwide enhance career prospects and provide valuable opportunities for internships and exchanges. Overall, the Master's in Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam offers an intellectually stimulating environment where students can develop sophisticated understanding and skills in the science of language, preparing them for a broad range of professional paths in the globalized world.

Linguistics

In this programme you will explore both the structure and acquisition of language, as well as the diversity of language around the world. The programme is taught in English.

Programme structure

Linguistics is a three-year Bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS credits. An academic year accounts for 60 credits that are spread across two semesters, with each comprising two 8-week blocks and a 4-week block.

• In the first year of the programme, you will take a number of mandatory subjects, including the study of a modern language of your choice.

• In the second year, you can either opt to dedicate your studies to general linguistic subjects or continue to study the language of your choice in combination with a smaller range of linguistics courses.

• In the third year, you will specialise by selecting a minor in one of your fields of interest. You can also decide to study abroad for a semester or do an internship.

The first year

The first year of the programme offers a broad, general overview of the entire discipline of Linguistics.

• You will take theoretical courses in which you learn all of the basic concepts that are relevant to a linguist.

• You will become familiar with Phonetics, Morphology and Sociolinguistics.

• You will choose a modern language (other than English). The experience of acquiring this language will be used in the theoretical courses where you will be asked to come up with certain phenomena in your language.

• You can choose to study Arabic, Catalan, Czech, Dutch, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Sign Language of The Netherlands (NGT), and Swedish.

• Dutch native speakers may also opt for one of the following languages: Classical Greek, Danish, French, Latin, Modern Greek, Norwegian, Russian, Serbian/Croatian, and Spanish.

• You will develop specific academic skills, such as academic writing and conducting independent research.

• At the end of the first year, you will conduct a small research project exploring the acquisition of a new language.

The second and third years

In the second and third years of the programme, you have two options: dedicate your studies to general linguistic subjects or continue studying the language of your choice in combination with a smaller range of courses in linguistics.

• You will take ‘structural’ courses that teach you about the structure of sounds (Phonology), phrases and sentences (Syntax), meaning (Semantics and Pragmatics) from various theoretical points of view.

• You will take courses such as Philosophy of Science, Second Language Acquisition and Speech Processing.

• You can choose to take additional courses on the acquisition and processing of language, learning how to collect linguistic data and how such data can contribute to both linguistics and acquisition and processing theories.

• In the third year of the programme, you can tailor your own curriculum by specialising in a minor related to your language of choice, opting for a minor in a completely different field of study or choosing electives in a wide range of subjects.

• You also have the opportunity to use your elective credits to study abroad or do an internship for a semester.

• You will conclude the programme by writing a Bachelor’s thesis, your first major piece of independent research.

Internship

You can enrich your study programme by doing an internship. This will allow you to gain experience at an organisation working in the field of linguistics and gives you an impression of the job opportunities they offer. 

You can also opt to do a research-oriented internship with a teacher of the programme or another linguist at the UvA. This gives you an idea of what is like to be linguistics researcher.

Prior education

• Studying with a foreign diploma at the University of Amsterdam means that a student's preparatory education must be equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma, with English included in the final examination.
• The starting level of a regular study programme at Dutch universities is comparable to that of other European countries, which is usually one or two years higher than in most countries outside of Europe.
• A student's diploma or certificate from prior education will be compared with the list of country qualifications that has been drawn up by the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Nuffic).

Required documents

In this application you will need to indicate your previous education and upload all of the required documents:

• Final secondary school/higher education diplomas and grade lists obtained;
• Proof of recent results (if you are still attending a programme);
• Official translations in English or Dutch if the diploma and/or transcripts are not already in English, Dutch or German;
• A sufficient English test result, if required and already available. If your results are insufficient, do not upload this test, but send another one at a later date;
• A curriculum vitae;
• UvA Matching form.

What is it?

UvA Matching for international students is an introduction to the Bachelor’s programme for which you have applied. It is designed to help you assess whether you have chosen the right programme, through a combination of online activities such as assignments, reading course literature and/or making a test. The activities may differ per programme.

Once you have completed these activities, you will receive personal advice based on your test results. This will help you determine whether the Bachelor’s programme matches your interests and capabilities and whether you have the motivation and study skills to start the programme in September.

After submitting your enrolment application in Studielink you will receive more information on UvA Matching for international students.

English language requirements

All our international programmes are conducted in English, therefore, applicants must show their ability to write and speak in English on an academic level. Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university and students who successfully finished a full academic programme at an esteemed institute in one of the following countries are exempt: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Please note we only accept the TOEFL Test, the test of the International English Language Testing Service (Academic IELTS) or a Cambridge Examination Score. For Non-EU/EEA students the required English test result should be received on or before 1 February in the year of application by the International Team at the Faculty of Science. If this in any case is not possible, contact the International Team first, before applying. For EU/EEA students the deadline of submitting the test results is 1 July.

TOEFL Test

The minimum scores required on the TOEFL Test are:

• Internet-based test (iBT): 92 with a minimum of 20 on each subject
  
  Exceptions:
• Artificial Intelligence, Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies: 98, with a minimum of 22 for reading and listining and 24 for writing and speaking
• Software Engineering: 98 with a minimum of 22 on each subject

Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam is: 8628. 

 IELTS Test (only Academic IELTS is accepted)

• Minimum score 6.5, at least 6.0 on sub-scores (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Exceptions

• Artificial Intelligence,  Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies> minimum score 7.0, sub-scores on writing and speaking at least 7.0, sub-scores on listening and reading at least 6.5 
• Software Engineering > minimum score 7.0, at least 6.5 on each sub-score (listening/reading/writing/speaking)
• The UvA offers the IELTS test for free to current UvA students to assess their English language proficiency.    

Cambridge Examination Score

A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of C1 Advanced (CAE) A or B will also be accepted. For the C2 Proficiency test (CPE) a minimal score of C is required.

Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students

Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the Nuffic, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.

Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.

The University of Amsterdam offers a range of financing options for students pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Linguistics. International students can apply for scholarships such as the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (AES), which are awarded based on academic merit and cover tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, the Holland Scholarship is available to non-EEA students, providing a grant to help with costs associated with studying in the Netherlands. Dutch students and EU/EEA nationals may be eligible for government-funded student grants and loans through the Dutch government’s student finance system, which includes both loan and subsidy options that help manage the costs of education and living expenses.

The university also encourages students to explore external funding sources, including national and international scholarship programs, private foundations, and academic excellence awards that can be used to finance their studies. For students who plan to study part-time or require additional financial support, loan options are available through Dutch financial institutions, often in collaboration with government schemes. The university's dedicated student financial services provide guidance on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and optimizing funding opportunities. Students are advised to start their financing planning early, considering the various options available, to ensure they can focus on their academic achievements without undue financial stress.

Furthermore, international students should be aware of visa requirements and associated costs, which may include application fees, residence permits, and health insurance. These expenses are responsibilities of the students themselves, though some scholarships and grants might include provisions for covering such administrative costs. The university’s location in Amsterdam, a city with numerous part-time employment opportunities, allows enrolled students to work up to a certain number of hours to supplement their income during their studies. Employment options, along with financial aid, make the university's linguistics program accessible to a diverse body of students from around the world. Overall, the University of Amsterdam aims to provide comprehensive support to ensure students can finance their education effectively, whether through scholarships, subsidies, loans, or part-time work.

The Bachelor's degree program in Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam offers students an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of language. This programme is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the key areas within linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Throughout the course, students explore how languages are structured, how they function in social contexts, and how they evolve over time. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with empirical research methods, enabling students to analyze language data critically and develop their analytical skills.

Students are introduced to various linguistic subfields such as cognitive linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and historical linguistics, allowing them to appreciate the diversity and complexity of human language. The programme emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity and the role of language in society, culture, and identity. The interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from psychology, anthropology, computer science, and other related fields, preparing students for diverse career pathways, including research, language technology, education, and communication.

The programme at the University of Amsterdam also places a strong emphasis on research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent projects and participate in ongoing research activities within the faculty. The university's strong connections with linguistic research institutes and language technology companies provide practical opportunities and internships for students to gain hands-on experience during their studies.

In addition to traditional coursework, students have access to a variety of resources such as language labs, digital corpora, and advanced analytical tools. The university promotes an international learning environment, attracting students from all over the world, which enriches classroom discussions and broadens perspectives on language issues. The Bachelor's degree in Linguistics typically takes three years to complete, after which graduates are well-equipped to pursue further studies or enter the workforce with a solid foundation in linguistic theory and practical research skills.