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Education Bachelor's degree programmes Linguistics
Header image Linguistics

Linguistics

Is it possible to develop a grammar that is applicable to all languages? How is language stored in our brain? This Bachelor's programme focuses on the human ability to learn and use language

Language ability means that people are able to learn, understand, express, and use language. But what happens if something goes wrong with this ability? How do you study people who have a language disorder? And which techniques are there to analyse language?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Linguistics takes three years. The first two years will provide you with an overview of the subject field of Linguistics. In the first semester of the third year, you will follow a Minor, and in the second semester you will choose a number of research seminars to specialize in neurolinguistics or theoretical linguistics.

Neurolinguistics focuses on the relationship between language and the brain. You will mainly study language disorders such as aphasia, dyslexia, and language development disorders. The course units in Theoretical Linguistics focus on the structure of languages in general. For example, you will study the structure of sounds and sentences, and the meaning of words.

In this degree programme, you will combine theoretical linguistic knowledge with psychological and neuroscientific knowledge.

You can also combine Linguistics with the degree programme in Speech Therapy at Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen. You will then follow a shortened track in Speech Therapy. A completed Speech Therapy track in combination with Linguistics and a Master’s degree in Neurolinguistics will provide you with a qualification to work as a speech therapist and clinical linguist.

Sign up for the Open Day on 8 November!

Facts & Figures
Degree
BA in Linguistics
Course type
Bachelor
Duration
36 months (180 ECTS)
Croho code
56803
Language of instruction
Dutch
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Studie in Cijfers
Why study this programme in Groningen?

Whereas many other universities focus on the brain processes that form the basis of language and language disorders, the Groningen degree programme takes things one step further: research into neurological aspects of disorders can be conducted in close collaboration with psychologists, biologists, neurologists, and other medical specialists. This results in research at linguistic and (neuro)biological levels!

Programme

The first year mainly comprises introductory course units in the fields of neurolinguistics (the relationship between language and the brain) and theoretical linguistics, i.e. the structure and meaning of language. This will give you a clear idea of the two movements within linguistics. In addition, in the first semester you will be introduced to various disorders, such as aphasia and dyslexia.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Acquired Language Disorders 1 (5 EC)
Language processing (5 EC)
Syntax 1 (5 EC)
Disorders in Language Development 2 (5 EC)
Phonology 1 (5 EC)
Semantics 1 (5 EC)
Disorders in Language Development 1 (5 EC)
Statistics I (5 EC)
Taalverwerving (5 EC)
Acquired Language Disorders 2 (5 EC)
Language Contact and Language Change (5 EC)
Statistics II (5 EC)

After the first year, in which you will mainly learn basic concepts and skills, the second year will allow you to take a more detailed look at the subject. The combination of lectures and seminars will enable you to read about recent research and get a good idea of what the current affairs in linguistics are, and thus help you to develop a critical academic attitude. Sometimes people from the field, PhD students or international linguists, are invited to give lectures about their experiences.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Language Philosophy (5 EC)
Psycho-Linguistics (5 EC)
Syntax 2 (5 EC)
Academic Skills & Ethics (5 EC)
Clinical Linguistics Children (5 EC)
Hist. of Linguistics (5 EC)
Clinical Linguistics Adults (5 EC)
Semantics 2 (5 EC)
Morphology (10 EC)
Language and Neuro Imaging (5 EC)
Phonology 2 (5 EC)

In the first semester of the third year, you will follow a Minor. This Minor may be related to linguistics, but it can also be something completely different to help you broaden your horizons. The second semester will comprise a number of research seminars that will teach you how to set up an academic research project.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Minor (30 EC)
Graduation Dossier: Disorders in Language Development (10 EC, optional)
Graduation Dossier: Neurolinguistics (10 EC, optional)
Graduation Dossier: Phonology (10 EC, optional)
Graduation Dossier: Semantics/Pragmatics (10 EC, optional)
Graduation Dossier: Syntax (10 EC, optional)

Curriculum

Disclaimer: The courses of the second and third year might change in the table above, due to some schedule changes. To keep up to date, we urge you to visit this webpage for news.

Programme options
Minors (minor)

The fifth semester of your studies is dedicated to your Minor: a coherent set of future-oriented course units. It prepares you for a follow-on Master's degree program or for entering the labour market. You can opt for a Career Minor, a Minor abroad, a University Minor or a Faculty Minor.

More information about this option

University of Groningen Honours College (honours program)

The Honours College will give talented, motivated students the chance to be challenged even more by following Honours programmes and taking part in numerous other activities.

The Honours College comprises a broadening part and a deepening part and has a study load of 45 ECTS credit points besides the 180 ECTS credit points from your regular Bachelor programme

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • For an average of 16 weeks
  • Maximum of 30 EC
Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

  • VWO Natuur & Techniek

    Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.

  • VWO Natuur & Gezondheid

    Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.

  • VWO Economie & Maatschappij

    Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.

  • VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij

    Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.

  • HBO propedeuse

    Taaleis Engels: minimum TOEFL eis iBT 90 (met een minimum van 21 voor alle onderdelen), of IELTS 6.5 (met een minimum van 6 voor alle onderdelen). Cambridge C1 Advanced of C2 Proficiency met een minimum score van 180. Klik op de link voor meer informatie: https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/bachelor/aanmelding-en-inschrijving/language-requirements-ba

Choice of degree programme check

The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.

Explanatory notes

The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available Bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the programme in June.

If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Choice of degree programme check

The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available Bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the programme in June.

If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education
language test

International students will have to satisfy an additional Dutch language requirement, which can be met by passing the State Examination in Dutch as a Second Language (NT2, programme II). This examination guarantees Dutch proficiency at CEFR level B2. However, Dutch proficiency at CEFR level C1 or higher is recommended.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 13100full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

If you want to continue with a Master's degree programme after your graduation, as most students do, you will have a wide range of programmes to choose from. With a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, you have access to the following Master's tracks at the University of Groningen:

When this BA programme is combined with certain faculty minors, you gain direct access to more Master programmes, such as Communication Studies, Dutch Studies (Dutch taught), Media Studies and Journalism.

Job prospects

As a Master's graduate of Linguistics you may find a research position or a job that allows you to apply your knowledge of language disorders. For example, you could become a neurolinguist, a researcher, a therapist, or an expert in second language acquisition or multilingualism. Or you could choose to be a teacher or coach in the communication sector.

Job examples

  • Language Researcher
  • Teacher
  • Clinical Linguist
  • Writer
  • Editor
  • Translator
  • Communication consultant
  • Journalist
Research

The term 'academic teaching' says it all: teaching and research are always closely linked to one another at university. All professors and most of the lecturers who teach your course units are also conducting research in their own subject fields. This means that your classes will be partly based on the Faculty's current research.

All the linguistic research carried out within the faculty is part of the Center for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG). If you are interested in this research, please visit the website (http://www.rug.nl/research/clcg/)

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meeloopdagMore information
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Contact

Na de Open Dag en Eén Dag Student was ik volledig overtuigd van mijn studiekeuze en ik heb nog geen enkel moment spijt gehad!


Hoi! Mijn naam is Laurie van der Meijden, ik zit nu in het tweede jaar van de Bachelor Taalwetenschap en woon sinds een jaar in de mooie stad Groningen. Ik ben actief bij een studentenvereniging en ik heb een bijbaan als huishoudelijke hulp. Mijn vrije tijd vul ik met pianospelen en met mijn vriendinnen afspreken en is er altijd wel wat te doen in de stad.

Waarom Taalwetenschap?

Hoewel de naam “Taalwetenschap” me niet direct warm maakte, deed de beschrijving dat wel. De vraag “Hoe ontstaat taal?” heeft me niet meer losgelaten en toen ik van de andere vakken in de bachelor hoorde, als Stoornissen in de Taalontwikkeling, was ik al helemaal geïnteresseerd. Na de Open Dag en Eén Dag Student was ik volledig overtuigd van mijn studiekeuze en ik heb nog geen enkel moment spijt gehad! Taalwetenschap is een ontzettend interessante en gevarieerde opleiding. De vakken van de ene kant zoomen in op hoe taal werkt in de hersenen en ook hoe taalstoornissen ontstaan. Ook meertaligheid wordt besproken. De andere kant focust op taal: hoe taal ontstaat, waar de verandering vandaan komt en hoe taal is opgebouwd. In tegenstelling tot wat veel mensen denken is deze studie niet gefocust op het Nederlands of op een andere taal, maar op taal in het algemeen. Kortom, de Wetenschap achter Taal!

Lees meer over Laurie en waarom zij koos voor een studie Taalwetenschap in Groningen!

Vragen? Stuur Laurie een e-mail!

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Ik vind het leuk dat je naast de algemene theorie over talen, ook leert over de relatie tussen taal en de hersenen, zoals bij dyslexie en afasie

Leuk dat je belangstelling hebt voor de opleiding Taalwetenschap. Mijn naam is Mirte van Dijken en ik ben in 2018 begonnen met de bachelor. Vorig jaar heb ik mijn diploma behaald en ondertussen zit ik in mijn tweede jaar van de mastertrack Neurolinguïstiek terwijl ik ook de Bachelor Logopedie volg. Naast mijn studie volg ik danslessen, heb ik het Letterenfestival georganiseerd, trek ik veel op met mijn vrienden in de stad en houd ik van koken.

Waarom Taalwetenschap?

Het maken van de juiste studiekeuze kan lastig zijn, wat voor mij ook zeker het geval is geweest. Ik wist nooit precies wat ik wilde studeren. Wel heb ik altijd interesse gehad in de werking van de hersenen en wist ik dat ik mensen wilde helpen. Voordat ik met Taalwetenschap begon, heb ik nog twee compleet verschillende opleidingen geprobeerd. Nadat ik niet was aangenomen voor Geneeskunde ben ik van Biologische- en Medische research overgestapt naar Communicatie- en informatiewetenschappen, maar beide opleidingen waren het niet voor mij. Vervolgens kwam ik bij Taalwetenschap en hier voelde ik me gelijk op mijn plek. Het leuke hieraan vind ik dat je de theorie over talen in het algemeen leert, maar ook vakken krijgt over de relatie tussen taal en de hersenen, zoals bij dyslexie en afasie. Dus de psychologie en neurologie wat ik altijd al interessant vond, komt in deze opleiding ook weer terug. Taalwetenschap is dus veel meer dan alleen maar leren over taal

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Web class

Are you a pre-university pupil and would you like to find out what studying at university is all about? The Linguistics degree programme offers a web class! A web class is a course offered by the UG via Brightspace (digital environment) for pupils in the 5th and 6th years of pre-university education. The course involves ten study hours, which serve as an introduction to Linguistics. You read texts, do assignments and hold discussions with other prospective students and a lecturer.

Interested? Sign up for the web class.

Read more

Study associations

ZaZa

Study association ZaZa is the study association for the study Dutch Language and Culture and Linguistics at the University of Groningen.
As a study association for Dutch Language and Culture and Linguistics, naming the association after our beloved alphabet seemed a perfect fit. After all, what are language and literature without letters? Take the first and the last letter of our alphabet, double them, add a touch of creativity and there it is, our name ZaZa. The goal of ZaZa is to unite students with a passion for the Dutch language/literature and linguistics by organizing both events related and unrelated to our studies. That goal is pursued with the help of eleven active committees, two lustrum committees and two advisory committees.
http://www.zaza-nederlands.nl
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Student profile

Do you have a passion for languages? Are you analytical? Are you unlikely to accept something at face value and do you enjoy writing, reading and analyzing academic texts? Linguistics might be the degree programme for you!

(Binding) study advice
  • A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Study support

The transition from secondary school to university changes many aspects in your life, therefore we provide extra support during the first year of your studies.

In orders to ease this transition, the UG offers mentor classes for first-year students. During the meetings, you will learn how to optimize and make informed decisions throughout your studies. Additionally, you can always arrange to meet with your study advisor. They will be able to answer your questions and provide advice related to your degree programme. They also offer support for students with functional impairments. Everything you discuss with a study advisor is confidential. They can also refer you to the student counsellors or workshops by Study Support.

Related master's programmes