Language and Linguistics, English - Master's Programme
Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits
Description
Lund University offers advanced studies in languages and linguistics at Master’s level. Choose between several different specializations which focus on specific languages or on more overarching linguistic topics. The Centre for Languages and Literature can also give the students access to the most modern resources for research and education.
The MA in Language and Linguistics is intended for students who are interested in increasing the knowledge of language in a broad sense and the theoretical understanding of linguistic questions. In the language specific specialization subjects, an additional goal is to develop the student’s language proficiency and knowledge of the language.
Students can choose between seven different specializations and 18 subject areas. Note however that not all specializations and subject areas are offered every year. For the intake in 2024, the following options are available: Classical Language, Greek (Ancient and Byzantine Greek) or Latin; Cognitive Semiotics; English linguistics; Linguistics: General Linguistics or Phonetics; Modern Languages, French, Italian, Japanese or Modern Greek; Swedish/Scandinavian Languages and Swedish as a Second Language.
English linguistics
English language and linguistics is a broad research field that covers, among other things, the study of grammar, history of English, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, text and discourse, linguistic variation, psycholinguistics, first and second language acquisition, language teaching, multilingualism, and academic writing. The methodology includes both qualitative and quantitative methods, and the Humanities Lab at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology offers state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in carrying out experimental and corpus investigations.
Program structure
The programme consists of compulsory courses common to all specializations, compulsory courses for each subject area, and elective courses. The languages of instruction are English and the language corresponding to the field of your specialization. The many specializations and subjects help to provide a broad selection of advanced courses in languages and in linguistics. The final degree project consists of a thesis in language and linguistics that constitutes in-depth study in the chosen subject area.
The academic year is split into two semesters. Each semester is divided into (usually two or four) courses which are all examined separately. Subject specialization courses and elective courses are offered on a rolling basis.
- Semester 1: Philosophy of Science for Linguists 7.5 credits, compulsory subject specialization courses or elective courses 22.5 credits
- Semester 2: Methods in Linguistics 7.5 credits, compulsory subject specialization courses or elective courses 22.5 credits.
- Semester 3: Compulsory subject specialization courses or elective courses 30 credits
- Semester 4: Degree Project – Master's (Two Years) Thesis, 30 credits
About the prerequisites
Make sure you understand and fulfil the entry requirements. This programme presupposes a solid foundation in language and linguistics. Note that a valid result on one of the tests in the "Entry requirements" below is mandatory for all applicants to the specialization in English. The information under "English language requirements" is not relevant for this specialization. also remember to upload your Summary sheet (under Programme-specific documents below).
Career prospects
The programme prepares students for a future career where competency in language is essential. It also provides you with the academic background you need in order to apply for PhD studies in languages and linguistics throughout Europe and beyond.
Open for applications
Application opportunitiesThis programme is open for applications from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.
Contact
Study counsellor
Email: masterlanguage [at] sol [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with English language and linguistics as the main field of study
- Completed at least 90 credits in the language. Beginner level courses cannot be included in these.
- Bachelor’s thesis, or other equivalent academic work, with a specialization in English language and linguistics
- English language skills demonstrated by one of the following tests:
- IELTS (Academic) with an average of 7.5 and normally no one component under 7.0,
- TOEFL iBT Test/TOEFL iBT Home Edition/TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, with a result of 102 or above, as well as results in the individual components as follows: reading 24–30; listening 22–30; speaking 25–30; writing 24–30 (equivalent to Advanced)
- Pearson PTE Academic/Pearson PTE Academic Online, with a result of 76 or above
- Cambridge English Qualifications, level C2 (with a result of 200 or above)
Applicants who are native speakers of English and have also a completed high-school diploma or an Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination diploma from the UK, lreland, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are exempted from the above requirement. A copy of the diploma must be submitted with the application.
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2025
Day-time Lund, full time 100%
In English
Study period
1 September 2025 - 6 June 2027
Application
Last application date 2025-01-15
How to apply
Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website - Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se
Programme-specific documents
In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit a Summary sheet when applying to this programme. Click on the link below to download the document.
Summary sheet Language and Linguistics (Word, 25 kB)
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 250 000
First payment: SEK 62 500
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
- Paying your application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Exemptions from paying the application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Convert currency – xe.com
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
Lund University Global Scholarship programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.
External scholarships
Testimonials about this Master's
Meet our student ambassador
Read her testimoinal and chat with her via Unibuddy.
”You get the chance to meet people from all over the world”
Anna from Norway
"The programme has great professors and researchers"
Adarsh from India
Alumni testimonials
Read more interviews from alumni of the Master's programme in Language and Linguistics and learn about the opportunities you have as a graduate – sol.lu.se.