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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Linguistics - Research
Header image Linguistics

Linguistics

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.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Linguistics (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60817
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Intensive supervision by high-quality researchers in small groups
  • A challenging multidisciplinary approach
Programme
Programme options
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

More information about this option

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.

More information about this option

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.

More information about this option

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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 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.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Duitse Taal en CultuurAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Engelse Taal en CultuurAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Minorities & MultilingualismAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

ClassicsAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Information ScienceAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Dutch Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Romaanse Talen en CulturenAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Scandinavische Talen en CulturenAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Slavische Talen en CulturenAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Middle Eastern StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Communication and Information StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

LinguisticsAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

selection procedure

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 19200full-time

Please check the individual MA track pages for the right amount of tuition fees and deadlines.

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

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.

Research

Research institute CLCG

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:

  1. Computational linguistics

  2. Discourse and Communication

  3. Neurolinguistics and Language Development

  4. Theoretical and Empirical Linguistics

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weeksdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Caroline Dijkema (Study Advisor Language and Cognition & Language and Communication Technologies)
    Email: rema.linguistics.advice rug.nl
  • Manou Jonink (coordinator: for all questions regarding application)
    Email: rema.arts rug.nl
  • Maureen Prins (Student Ambassador Language and Cognition)

Master's degree programme in Linguistics

The Faculty of Arts also offers a one year master’s degree programme in Linguistics.

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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Study support

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.