Description

The Master Program in Linguistics is a program in theoretical linguistics with English as the language of instruction. It is a 4-semester consecutive one-subject-study, which builds on and deepens the knowledge that the participant gained during their Bachelor’s qualification, by specializing in research-oriented study in three working and research fields of linguistics. The research fields of syntax, semantics, phonology, psycho- and neurolinguistics, language variation and change as well as constraint-based grammar are available. In addition to the Institute of Linguistics,  this MA program is designed and supported by the following institutes: Institut für England & Amerikastudien (IEAS), Institut für Psycholinguistik und Didaktik der deutschen Sprache, Institut für Romanische Sprachen und Literaturen.

The master’s program Linguistics qualifies students to make theoretically founded and empirically based statements about different aspects of “language” and to investigate them further in independent research-oriented work. To this end, the study expands and deepens the theoretical foundations and techniques of linguistic language description. In addition, the focus is on dealing with the current state of research and current research initiatives. The goal is to guide the students to independent conception and execution of research work.

What is meant by Theoretical Linguistics?

Theoretical linguistics as taught at Goethe University involves using logical and mathematical tools in the analysis of language, as is standard in theories like the Minimalist Program, Montague Grammar, Optimality Theory, or Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar.

Please note that the MA in linguistics from Goethe University is not a program in English linguistics. Therefore, a BA in theoretical linguistics as described below or an equivalent qualification is required to participate in the program. A BA in applied linguistics, in English language and/or literature, in teaching of English, or in English translation is not enough to ensure a successful application.

General prerequisites for the Master’s Program Linguistics are:

  1. a Bachelor’s degree in linguistics from the Goethe University or
  2. a degree in the same or a similar field of study from a German or foreign university, with a standard study period of at least six semesters, which is at least equivalent to the Bachelor’s degree in linguistics from Goethe University