Linguistics, Master's, 2 years

Linguistics is the study of natural human languages. It searches for answers to questions like:  

• What is it about human language that is so unique? 
• Languages themselves have unlimited possible combinations of words, so how can we describe them systematically and concisely? 
• How and why do we divide the world’s languages into different families? 

In today’s multicultural and technology-driven world, there is a great demand for translation of documents, and people trained in linguistics can make important contributions to the field of computational linguistics and language technology (“machine translation”).  

Increased migration from countries in Africa and Asia gives rise to increased multilingualism in Europe. Knowledge of the structure of their languages will facilitate integration (or rather incorporation) of these people. In this context linguistic tools are of utmost importance.  

With a master’s in Linguistics, you may also contribute to projects in public education, such as designing the structure of dictionaries. Work like this is especially valuable for speakers of the world’s minority languages.   As a master’s student in Linguistics, you will enjoy: 

• An informal relationship with staff, who welcome your questions 
• An international flavour, with students and staff members from other countries 
• Your own desk in a reading room shared with other MA students at the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies. 
• The opportunity to become a student representative in the programme committee of Lingustics, or to arrange social and academic gatherings as part of the student council. 

Career

Employers will appreciate your skills as language advisor, and your ability to work independently. The ability to communicate both to specialists and to the general public, verbally and in writing, is also regarded as very useful.

Our graduates find work in public and private sectors, both abroad and in Norway. Typical roles are in

• translation 
• publishing 
• dictionary development
• communications
• information technology
• programming
• people with language difficulties
• public administration

Structure

The Master’s programme takes four semesters and is divided into a course part worth 60 ECTS and a master's thesis worth 60 ECTS.

Suggested structure: 

Semester 1:

• LING306 Experimental Psycholinguistics (15 ECTS)
• LING310 Computer Models of Language and Applications (15 ECTS)

Semester 2:

• LING305 Modern Grammatical and Semantic Theory (15 ECTS)
• LING313 Methods for Master's Students in Language and Linguistics (15 ECTS)

Semester 3 and 4: 

• LING350 Master's thesis (60 ECTS)

See full list of courses

Student life

Learning is mostly based around seminars, lectures and individual supervision. Depending on the semester, you will attend about 4-9 hours of lectures every week.

Above all, this study programme requires you to do quite a lot of reading and research, so you will have to be able to work independently. You will always have your fellow students, your supervisor and professors to talk to should you feel stuck or need input.

You will have an appointed supervisor who will help you plan and carry out the master’s project. You can choose the thesis topic yourself, in cooperation with your supervisor.

What will you learn

• You will have broad general knowledge of main theories, terminology, and methods within Linguistics as a scientific discipline  
• You can understand and critically assess theories, methods and interpretations related to your own discipline  
• You will be able to use methods and analytical tools necessary to complete an independent research project within your chosen area

See list of learning outcomes.

Study period abroad

It is usually possible to study abroad as part of the programme. For more information please contact the student adviser. 

How to apply

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 December)
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (15 April)

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.