Language and Linguistics, Linguistics - Master's Programme

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. 

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. 

Linguistics

Choose one of the subjects General Linguistics or Phonetics in the next step of your application. 

Within General Linguistics, typological linguistics, evolutionary linguistics, cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics are profile areas. Typological linguistics attempts to define the confines within which language structure can vary. Evolutionary linguistics aims to understand the reasons for linguistic diversity and the principles of language emergence and change. Cognitive linguistics seeks to obtain an understanding of the cognitive principles that lie at the basis of the learning and use of language. Psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics investigate the psychological and neurological correlates of language structure and processing.

In Phonetics, one profile area in Lund is prosody, which deals with speech melody and rhythm. This profile is a characteristic feature of the courses in Phonology, Sounds of the World’s Languages, Experimental Phonetics, and Language and the brain. Descriptive phonetics, speech perception, and acoustic phonetics are other areas that students in phonetics may focus on. Lund University Humanities Lab is an important resource for students of experimental phonetics.

Almost all of the courses in General linguistics and phonetics are available as elective courses for students in the other specializations, allowing all programme students to deepen their knowledge in linguistics.

Program structure

The programme consists of compulsory courses common to all specializations, compulsory courses for each subject area, and elective courses. The language of instruction is English. The final degree project consists of a thesis in language and linguistics that constitutes in-depth study in the chosen subject area. Each semester is divided into 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 courses or elective courses 22.5 credits
• Semester 2:  Methods in Linguistics 7.5 credits, compulsory courses or elective courses 22.5 credits. 
• Semester 3: Compulsory courses or elective courses 30 credits
• Semester 4:  Degree Project – Master's (Two Years) Thesis, 30 credits

About the prerequisites

This programme presupposes a solid foundation in language and linguistics. The requirement ”Bachelor’s thesis, or other equivalent academic work, relevant to the chosen specialization” implies that you must have academic work in linguistics when applying for General Linguistics, in phonetics, when applying for Phonetics and so forth. 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.