Language and Communication Technologies (LCT EM) — Double Degree

The Language and Communication Technologies (LCT EM) Double Degree program offered by the University of Groningen is an innovative and comprehensive Master’s program designed to prepare students for advanced careers in the fields of linguistics, computer science, and information technology. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to develop core competencies in natural language processing, computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human-computer interaction. Students in the program benefit from the university’s strong international reputation and cutting-edge research facilities, engaging with faculty who are leaders in their respective fields.

Throughout the program, students gain a deep understanding of language structures, grammatical theories, and communication processes, alongside technical skills in programming, data analysis, and algorithm design. The curriculum is carefully structured to foster both domain-specific expertise and cross-disciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to explore innovative solutions to real-world communication challenges. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners, preparing graduates to work in areas such as speech recognition, translation systems, chatbots, automatic summarization, and language learning technologies.

The Double Degree structure allows students to study at both the University of Groningen and one of its partner institutions, enriching their academic experience with diverse perspectives and networking opportunities. Upon successful completion, students receive a double degree recognized internationally, enhancing their employability and career prospects across academia, research, and industry. The program is ideal for students passionate about language, technology, and their intersection, aiming to contribute to the development of intelligent communication systems that facilitate understanding in an increasingly digital world. With a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and practical skills, the Language and Communication Technologies (LCT EM) Double Degree program prepares students to become future leaders in the evolving landscape of language technology and artificial intelligence.

The Language and Communication Technologies (LCT EM) – Double Degree programme offered by the University of Groningen is an innovative academic course designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving field of language technology and communication. This comprehensive programme combines the strengths of two renowned universities, providing students with an in-depth understanding of computational linguistics, natural language processing, and human-computer interaction. Throughout the programme, students will explore core concepts such as linguistic theory, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and software development, all tailored towards creating intelligent systems capable of processing and generating human language.

The curriculum is structured to offer both theoretical foundations and practical skills. Students will engage in coursework that covers linguistic annotation, speech processing, translation technology, and dialogue systems. They will also have opportunities to develop hands-on expertise through projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners. Special emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from computer science, linguistics, cognitive science, and information technology to foster innovative approaches to communication challenges.

Students enrolled in this double degree programme will benefit from exposure to state-of-the-art research, modern laboratories, and experienced faculty members who are leading experts in the field. The programme offers a unique international environment, encouraging cross-cultural communication and global networking. Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, industry, or research institutions, working on cutting-edge language technologies used in virtual assistants, translation tools, speech recognition systems, and more.

Throughout their studies, students will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills, ensuring they are prepared for leadership roles in this dynamic sector. Upon completion of the programme, graduates will earn double degrees from both partner universities, validating their expertise and enhancing their employability on a global scale. The Language and Communication Technologies Double Degree programme is ideal for students passionate about language, technology, and innovation, and eager to contribute to shaping the future of digital communication.

Program requirements for the Language and Communication Technologies (LCT EM) — Double Degree at the University of Groningen include a combination of academic coursework, prerequisites, and language proficiency criteria. Applicants are generally expected to have completed a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as linguistics, computer science, information technology, or a related discipline. A strong background in programming, algorithms, and language processing is often preferred. Prospective students must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, with minimum scores set by the university—usually an IELTS overall band of 6.5 or higher, or a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary knowledge, so applicants should possess good analytical skills and an interest in the development of speech and language technologies, natural language processing, computer linguistics, and artificial intelligence. Some prerequisites may include courses in mathematics, linguistics, or programming languages. The university may require a motivational letter explaining the applicant's interest and career goals related to language technology innovation. Letters of recommendation and a CV highlighting relevant academic or professional experience are typically part of the application package.

For admission, applicants need to meet the specific criteria specified each year by the admissions office, which may include a minimum GPA, relevant coursework, or prior research experience in related areas. The program may also require an interview or assessment to evaluate the candidate’s motivation and aptitude for conducting interdisciplinary research. Since the double degree involves cooperation between the University of Groningen and partner institutions, students must meet the admission requirements of both universities and adhere to their selection procedures. Overall, successful applicants are those who demonstrate academic excellence, technical competence, and a clear motivation for advancing language technology fields.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Language and Communication Technologies (LCT EM) — Double Degree program at the University of Groningen offers a comprehensive financial framework designed to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for the program vary depending on the student’s nationality and residency status, with both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students eligible for different fee structures. Generally, tuition fees for EU/EEA students are aligned with the standard rates for international students at the University of Groningen, which are subject to annual updates. Non-EU/EEA students typically pay higher tuition fees, reflecting the cost coverage for international education.

Financial support options include scholarships, grants, and loans offered by the university and external organizations. The University of Groningen provides several scholarship opportunities for prospective students, including the Holland Scholarship, which is aimed at talented non-EU/EEA students and offers a significant financial contribution towards tuition fees. Additionally, the university participates in various international scholarship programs designed to promote diversity and talent. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government-sponsored scholarships, private foundations, or regional grants that support international students studying in the Netherlands.

Living costs constitute a substantial part of students’ financial planning. The estimated monthly expenses in Groningen include accommodation, food, transport, insurance, and leisure activities. On average, students should budget around €800 to €1,200 per month for living costs, depending on personal lifestyle and accommodation choices. The university provides assistance in finding affordable housing options, including university-managed residences and private rentals.

While studying, students may consider part-time employment opportunities available under Dutch regulations, which permit international students to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. Earning potential can help defray living costs, but students should ensure their work commitments do not interfere with their studies.

Financial planning should also account for health insurance requirements, which are mandatory for all international students. The University of Groningen recommends a Dutch health insurance policy for incoming students, which covers medical expenses during their stay. The cost of health insurance varies but typically ranges around €40-€100 per month.

Overall, students enrolled in the LCT EM — Double Degree program are encouraged to carefully budget and explore all available financial aid options to support their academic journey. The university’s dedicated student financial aid office offers guidance and assistance in securing funding and managing expenses effectively.

The Language and Communication Technologies (LCT EM) Double Degree program is an interdisciplinary master's program offered jointly by the University of Groningen and an associated partner university. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving fields of computational linguistics, speech technology, natural language processing, and human-computer interaction. Students enrolled in this program acquire a comprehensive understanding of linguistic theory, computational methods, and technological applications, enabling them to develop advanced language processing tools and systems.

Throughout the course, students engage with core topics such as language modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and speech recognition. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical skills, including programming, data analysis, and system development. Students participate in advanced projects that often involve working with large datasets and implementing state-of-the-art algorithms for language understanding and generation.

The double degree structure allows students to benefit from the expertise and resources of both universities, offering diverse coursework, research opportunities, and internships. Typically, students spend their first year at the partner university and the second year at Groningen, culminating in the award of two master’s degrees. This international exposure and cross-cultural academic experience are instrumental in preparing students for careers in academia, industry, or research institutions worldwide.

Graduates of the LCT EM program are well-equipped for roles such as language data analyst, speech technology developer, NLP researcher, or user experience designer in sectors like technology, telecommunications, healthcare, and government agencies. The program’s curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest advancements in language technology, ensuring that graduates have relevant and applicable skills in a competitive job market.

Applicants are generally expected to have a background in linguistics, computer science, artificial intelligence, or related fields. English proficiency is required, given the international nature of the program and instruction language. The program fosters an innovative learning environment through seminars, workshops, collaboration with industry partners, and participation in international conferences.

Overall, the LCT EM Double Degree program offers a unique combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and international perspective, making it an ideal choice for students aiming to specialize in language and communication technologies at a global level.