Sign Language Linguistics

Type of program: Master's degree
Name of program: Sign Language Linguistics
University: University of Amsterdam
Language: English
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September

Program description:
The Master's program in Sign Language Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam offers an in-depth exploration of the structure, use, and societal aspects of sign languages. This interdisciplinary program combines linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and deaf studies to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how sign languages function as fully developed natural languages. Throughout the program, students will examine the linguistic features unique to sign languages, including syntax, morphology, phonology, and semantics, while gaining insights into their historical development and variation across different communities and regions. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for diverse careers in research, language policy, education, interpreting, and advocacy for deaf communities. Students will have opportunities to engage in hands-on research projects, attend workshops with experts in the field, and collaborate with deaf organizations, fostering a rich learning environment that bridges academic knowledge and real-world impact. Key topics include the acquisition and processing of sign languages, the role of gesture and body language, sign language syntax and grammar, as well as sociolinguistic issues such as language rights and access. The program also addresses issues of language documentation, preservation, and revitalization, alongside ethical considerations related to working with language-minority communities. Graduates will emerge with advanced research skills, a nuanced understanding of the linguistic diversity of sign languages, and the ability to contribute to language policy and educational practices. The program is suited for students interested in linguistics, sign language studies, deaf culture, or careers in academia, public policy, or advocacy organizations working with deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. Joining this program means becoming part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to promoting linguistic diversity and supporting the rights of sign language users worldwide.

Sign Language Linguistics

In this programme, you will explore sign languages, their structure, acquisition and use from the perspective of a linguist, while learning at least one sign language yourself. The programme is taught in English.

Programme structure

Sign Language 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 be introduced to the basic concepts of linguistics and how these can be applied to sign language linguistics, while learning Sign Language of the Netherlands (NGT).
• In the second year, you will continue your study of NGT as well as examining the key research traditions of linguistics as a whole and sign language linguistics in particular.
• 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.
• In the second block, you will follow an introduction to sign language linguistics, examining how linguistics concepts can be applied to the specific field.
• You will be trained in the transcription and glossing of sign languages, and take courses in Morphology and Sociolinguistics.
• You will study Sign Language of the Netherlands (NGT), learning the language up to the level of an independent signer – approximately B1 of the European Frame of Reference.
• You will develop specific academic skills, such as academic writing and conducting independent research, as well as how to transcribe sign language data, record signers, segment signs, words and sentences into their component parts.
• 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

The second and third years of the programme build on the foundations laid in the first year, allowing you to specialise in the various aspects of sign language linguistics, while conducting your own linguistic experiments.

• You will study the phonology and morphology of sign languages, the semantics and pragmatics of language, the lexicon and syntax of sign languages, as well as varying linguistic theories.
• You will explore psycholinguistics in the context of sign languages.
• You will take courses such as Philosophy of Science and Second Language Acquisition.
• In the third year of the programme, you can tailor your own curriculum by specialising in a minor related to linguistics, 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. 

Students in sign language linguistics have previously found internships at:

• Institutions that develop strategies and materials for the acquisition of sign languages;
• The Dutch Sign Center (Nederlands Gebarencentrum); 
• Hospitals with a clinical linguistics department.

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.

Learning and assessment

As a Bachelor’s student, you are expected to spend an average of 42 hours a week on your studies.

• In your first year, 12 to 15 of those hours will be spent attending lectures, while in your second and third years you will have approximately 8 to 10 hours of class.
• The remaining time will be spent on self-study, preparing for lectures and seminars, completing coursework and assignments, as well as exams.
• You will attend both lectures and small group seminars.
• Lectures generally introduce the main topics of the course, discussing and explaining course readings and literature.
• In the seminars, you will work closely with your fellow students, collaborating on assignments, presentations and talks.
• You will be tested by means of written and oral exams, presentations, essays, reports and assignments.
• Your final grade for a course is determined by the results you receive for each of these.

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.

Study costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you will need to include a number of other study costs in your budget. Think of books, stationary, excursions, a laptop or other equipment. These costs vary per programme, but academic books and study materials will usually cost you between €50-100 per month.

Living costs

Keep in mind that living in Amsterdam also includes costs such as accommodation, food and public transport.

Holland Scholarship (HS)

For: students from outside the European Union (EU)
Amount: €5,000
Deadline: 1 April

Application procedure

If you are applying for a Humanities Bachelor's programme and would also like to apply for the Holland Scholarship, you can submit your application in the form below. As part of your application you will need to include the following documents (combined in one PDF):

• CV including extracurricular activities, work and study experience;
• transcript of your academic record from secondary and higher education;
• motivational letter of +/- 500 words in which you explain your reasons for applying for the Holland Scholarship;
• two reference letters.

Please note that you can only submit the form if you have already applied for one of the Humanities Bachelor's programmes in Studielink.

The Master's programme in Sign Language Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam is a specialized, research-oriented programme designed for students interested in the linguistic analysis of sign languages and the linguistic structure of deaf communities worldwide. The programme provides an in-depth understanding of sign language structure, including morphology, syntax, semantics, and phonology, from a linguistic perspective rooted in theory and empirical data. Students explore the linguistic diversity of sign languages, their acquisition, and their role in identity and culture. The programme also covers topics related to sign language documentation, language variation, and language change, with a focus on both sign languages in the Netherlands and internationally.

Students are engaged in hands-on research and fieldwork, often collaborating with deaf communities and language users to collect and analyze data. The curriculum includes courses on the history and sociolinguistics of sign languages, sign language syntax and semantics, and sign language phonology. Additionally, students learn about research methods specific to sign language linguistics, such as video analysis and transcription techniques. The programme emphasizes critical thinking and methodological rigor, preparing students for careers in academic research, language documentation, policy advising, or sign language interpretation.

The University of Amsterdam's location in the vibrant city of Amsterdam provides ample opportunities for engaging with diverse language communities and participating in events related to deaf culture and sign language advocacy. The programme usually collaborates with local deaf organizations and offers opportunities for internships and community-based research. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to contribute to the scientific understanding of sign languages, support language preservation efforts, and promote accessibility and inclusion for deaf individuals. The university also encourages international perspectives, enabling students to study and compare sign language phenomena across different countries and cultures. Overall, the Sign Language Linguistics Master's programme combines linguistic theory, empirical research, and community engagement to develop experts in the field of sign language studies.