English Linguistics

Subjects: English;English Studies;Linguistics;Language

M.A. | Master of Arts

Course description

English linguistics explores the features and expressions of the English language using scientific methods and theories. It focuses on describing key structural levels of language: sentence structure (syntax), word formation (morphology), vocabulary structure (lexicology and lexicography), phonetics and phonology, and meaning (semantics). Additionally, it examines the historical development of the language. Building on this foundation, various sub-disciplines tackle current, interdisciplinary, and practical topics. These include sociolinguistics, pragmatics, first and second language acquisition, language contact, corpus linguistics, and specialized languages. Courses in these areas help students understand how language works. They also teach students to interpret and produce texts and utterances accurately, considering their structural properties and their cultural and extra-linguistic contexts. By studying these subjects, students gain a comprehensive understanding of language. They learn to appreciate its complexity and its role in communication. This knowledge equips them to engage with language in a meaningful and informed way.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

English-language certificate (level C1 or higher or equiv.). This equals an overall IELTS band score of at least 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of at least 95 points.

Qualification Requirements

CV (including name, date of birth, postal address, email address, the exact titles + grades of your qualifications, and the full name of your university) a cover letter in English (approximately 2 pages) outlining your motivation for applying for an M.A. programme as well as the relevance of this programme for your professional and academic plans/goals APS-certificate (for applicants from China, Vietnam, India) copy of your passport (only for international applicants) University degree certificate: university degree with at least six semesters of standard period of study (full-time study) in English Linguistics or related subject combinations with an average grade of at least 2.50; foreign degrees will be converted according to the modified Bavarian formula transcript of academic records, citing your attended courses and documenting your hitherto achieved credit points (at least 150 credit points ECTS) and your average grade secondary school-leaving certificate (high-school or equiv.) a sample of your own academic work (10-20 pages), written in English

Document Requirements

CV (including name, date of birth, postal address, email address, the exact titles + grades of your qualifications, and the full name of your university) a cover letter in English (approximately 2 pages) outlining your motivation for applying for an M.A. programme as well as the relevance of this programme for your professional and academic plans/goals APS-certificate (for applicants from China, Vietnam, India) copy of your passport (only for international applicants) English-language certificate University degree certificate: university degree with at least six semesters of standard period of study (full-time study) in English Linguistics or related subject combinations with an average grade of at least 2.50; foreign degrees will be converted according to the modified Bavarian formula transcript of academic records, citing your attended courses and documenting your hitherto achieved credit points (at least 150 credit points ECTS) and your average grade secondary school-leaving certificate (high-school or equiv.) a sample of your own academic work (10-20 pages), written in English