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MA Linguistics

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Master Linguistics at Bielefeld University

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© Universität Bielefeld

Study the things that truly interest you:

Our Master's program in Linguistics provides you with a broad foundation while allowing for a high degree of individualization. Bielefeld offers a campus university with many excellent resources to support you in organizing your studies and navigating student life.

Apply now!

Application Deadline Summer Semester 2026: January 15/March 31, 2026

You would like to enroll into the MA Linguistics program? Find information here.

 

  • Application deadline for the summer semester:
    • Domestic students: March 31
    • International students: January 15
  • Application deadline for the winter semester:
    • Domestic students: September 30
    • International students: July 15

Information about the Master's program in Linguistics

Study content and profiles
  • Study structure

    Solid foundations, individual specialization

    The MA Linguistics at Bielefeld University offers a solid and broad foundation combined with the potential for specialization and individualization. Check out the 7 different profiles and put together your own program.

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  • Allgemeine Sprachwissenschaft
    © Anke Himmelreich

    General Linguistics


    We research the grammatical structure of languages, particularly their morphology, syntax, and information structure. You acquire knowledge in theoretical and comparative linguistics using empirical methods (corpus studies, experiments, fieldwork methods).

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  • Computational Linguistics

    Computational Linguistics

    We focus on the formal and data-driven modeling of natural language and interaction. Students learn the theoretical foundations and empirical methods of current techniques for language processing to address linguistic and application-oriented questions.

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  • Kommunikation
    © Birte Schaller

    Communication


    We investigate how people communicate with each other and with machines. Students learn to analyse authentic conversations - whether oral or written, analogue or digital - using methods from Conversation Analysis, Interactional and Media Linguistics.

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  • Laboratory Phonology and Experimental Phonetics

    Laboratory phonology and experimental phonetics

    In laboratory phonology and experimental phonetics we investigate the acoustic, perceptual and articulatory patterns underlying speech-based communication, with a focus on conversation, multimodal communication, prosody, human-machine interaction, and speech technology.

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  • Neurolinguistics

    Neurolinguistics



    This profile focuses on how language is represented and processed in the human mind and brain. Students gain experience with core experimental methods used to investigate language processing across diverse populations, including individuals both with and without brain injury.

    Profile Neurolinguistics
  • Theoretical Aspects of Clinical Linguistics

    Theoretical Aspects of Clinical Linguistics


    In this profile, we focus on speech- and language disorders in different populations. The profile includes lectures on acquired and developmental disorders and also covers theoretical and methodological aspects in the development of clinical applications.

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  • Psycholinguistik

    Psycholinguistics



    Our research focuses on the experimental investigation and psycholinguistic modeling of fluent and dysfluent spoken language acquisition, production and perception in diverse speaker groups (multilingual speakers, speakers who stutter, speakers with speech and language impairment).

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Structure of the program

Study structure

The program is modular and comprises 120 ECTS credits. The standard period of study is four semesters.

The program consists of three phases:

  1. Foundation Phase:
    Every student completes all foundational modules. These courses are typically taken in the first and second semesters.
  2. Specialization & Individualization Phase:
    Students choose one of the seven available profiles as their focus. In this phase, advanced knowledge is acquired within the chosen profile. Additionally, there are two types of supplementary courses:
    • One module from another profile within the MA Linguistics program
    • Free choice courses: Courses from the entire course offerings of Bielefeld University (one complete module must be taken; the other courses can be individual lectures or seminars)
  3. Final Phase:
    Students write their master's thesis in their chosen profile.

You can learn more about the structure and modules of the program here.

Application process

You are interested in applying?

For international students:

Find more information on how to apply for a Master at Bielefeld University here.

More information will follow soon.

Admission criteria

To be admitted to the master's program at Bielefeld University, applicants must meet certain criteria. A completed bachelor's degree in linguistics or a related discipline is required, as is proof of B2 level English skills. For the application, please upload your official transcripts and module descriptions in English or German. We review the courses completed by applicants in detail, and the final decision on admission rests with the program coordinators. An appeal against this decision is not possible.

Please find more information on the application process and the admission criteria here.

What opportunities do I have with a Master's degree in Linguistics?

More information will follow soon.

Contact and student advisory service

Email from the student advisory service for the Master's program in Linguistics:

studienberatung-linguistik-ma@uni-bielefeld.de

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