Language is a central topic in cognitive science, computer science and the study of human behaviour. The research tracks of Linguistics study these fields in depth.
Language can be studied in many ways. You can, for example
analyse texts or computer corpora, listen to people speak, or
measure properties of sound waves in the lab. You can choose
from:
All research tracks are taught in English.
Online Course Catalog Ocasys: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60817?
Programme options |
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Clinical Linguistics (EMCL+) (track) How is language stored in the brain? What effects can brain damage have on our ability to use language? And why do some children have difficulty learning language? Find it out in this track. The two-year international Research Master's track in Clinical Linguistics is part of the prestigious international Erasmus Mundus programme in Clinical Linguistics, EMCL++. EMCL++ is an integrated two-year Master's programme offered jointly by a consortium of the Universities of Groningen (NL), Ghent (B) and Eastern Finland (FI) and 26 associated partners from the academic, R&D, and clinical sector, finishing with a joint Msc degree from the three institutions. It is a full-time interdisciplinary and transnational university programme at the Masters level, providing integrated training in neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and clinical linguistics.The regular study period is 24 months. It consists of 4 semesters; 2 teaching semesters, the third semester is a combination of a teaching semester and internship, the fourth semester to finish the masters thesis. After finishing this track you will receive a joint degree.Most recent information on the EMCL++ programme can be found at: emcl.eu |
Natural Language Processing (track) How do you make Large Language Models? How do people experience Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications? How can we use these technologies to analyze subjective framing of text, detect mistranslations, and make Large Language Models more transparent?.NLP is everywhere: Machine Translation is increasingly employed for communication, advanced search engines are utilized to extract content from diverse media, and GenAI is used to assist creative writing. Research in NLP is crucial because it enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language, making human-computer interaction more natural and accessible, while also opening up new possibilities for automating and enhancing tasks across various industries. This international Double Degree track in Natural Language Processing combines Linguistics and Computer Science, which means you study human language technologies in a multilingual setting. The two-year training is part of the prestigious international Erasmus Mundus programme. You will spend the first year of your studies in Groningen and will finish the programme at one of our partner universities in the second year. After completing the track, you will receive two Master's degrees: a degree in Linguistics from the University of Groningen and a second Master's degree from the partner university you choose to stay at. Natural Language Processing is a Master’s track, embedded in the Language and Communication Technologies Erasmus Mundus programme. |
Language and Cognition (track) How is language stored in the brain? How do we acquire a foreign language? How can we explain patterns of language use in terms of underlying structures, and also the role of language in society? The Language and Cognition programme offers training in linguistics which reflects the areas of expertise among linguists at the University of Groningen. In addition to required courses, which cover core areas of the discipline, students may choose from courses in neuro- and psycholinguistics, theoretical linguistics, developmental linguistics, computational linguistics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics and communication studies. These are the focus areas of excellent, multidisciplinary research carried out in the Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG) and the Groningen Research School for Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience (BCN).The programme is meant for talented students from all over the world who aspire to do research in the field of Linguistics. After finishing the degree, you will have acquired essential research skills and fundamental knowledge of linguistic analysis, language development, and language processing. This programme is a selective admission two-year Research Master's programme that prepares you for entry into a related PhD program, or other research positions.Are you curious if you are eligible for the Research Master's programme? Check the entry requirements. While admission for the second semester is possible, we advise most students to begin in the fall so that they can follow the course sequence with their cohort. |
Specific requirements | More information |
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previous education |
For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Language and Cognition, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/language-and-cognition-research/?lang=en#!requirements For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Clinical Linguistics (EMCL), see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/clinical-linguistics-emcl-research/#!requirements For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Natural Language Processing, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/natural-language-processing-research/#!requirements |
grade list |
Excellent academic record. |
Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
language test |
Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 on writing skills), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185. |
reference letter |
Two letters of recommendation from relevant experts. |
(motivation-) letter |
A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests. |
other admission requirements |
Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
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Duitse Taal en Cultuur | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Engelse Taal en Cultuur | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Minorities & Multilingualism | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Classics | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Information Science | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Dutch Language and Culture | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Romaanse Talen en Culturen | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Scandinavische Talen en Culturen | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Slavische Talen en Culturen | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Middle Eastern Studies | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Communication and Information Studies | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Linguistics | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:selection procedure |
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 15 August 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Language and Cognition, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/language-and-cognition-research/?lang=en#!requirements For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Clinical Linguistics (EMCL), see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/clinical-linguistics-emcl-research/#!requirements For specific information on the entry requirements for the Research Master track Language and Communication Technologies, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/language-and-communication-technologies-double-degree-programme-research/#!requirements |
grade list |
Excellent academic record. |
Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
language test |
Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 on writing skills), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185. |
reference letter |
Two letters of recommendation from relevant experts. |
(motivation-) letter |
A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests. |
other admission requirements |
Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper. |
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 15 August 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
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EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 18700 | full-time |
EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 19200 | full-time |
Please check the individual MA track pages for the right amount of tuition fees and deadlines.
Practical information for:
All research masters are good stepping-stones to a PhD position, or other research careers. Depending on your choice of programme, you are also prepared for a career in the IT industry, in speech technology, clinical linguistics or speech and language therapy.
The Center for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG) is a research institute within the Faculty of Arts of the University of Groningen. It is the institutional home for all the linguistic research carried out within the faculty. Within the CLCG there are four different research groups:
The Faculty of Arts also offers a one year master’s degree programme in Linguistics.
Each Master's degree programme has a study advisor whom you can contact if you have questions or need advice about your degree programme and other study-related matters. Everything you discuss will be treated confidentially. If you have a more complex problem, for example study delay, a performance disability or if you are ill for a long time, you should contact a student counsellor.
In addition, you can also follow various courses at the Study Support section of the Student Service Centre (SSC), for example on study stress and holding presentations.