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Language and Linguistics, Cognitive Semiotics - Master's Programme

Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

Students doing group work at a table at the Centre for Languages and Literature

Description

Lund University offers advanced studies in languages and linguistics at Master’s level. Choose between several different specializations which focus on specific languages or on more overarching linguistic topics. The Centre for Languages and Literature can also give the students access to the most modern resources for research and education.

The MA in Language and Linguistics is intended for students who are interested in increasing the knowledge of language in a broad sense and the theoretical understanding of linguistic questions. In the language specific subjects, an additional goal is to develop the student’s language proficiency and knowledge of the language.

Students can choose between seven different specializations and 18 subject areas. Note however that not all specializations and subject areas are offered every year. For the intake in 2024, the following options are available: Classical Language, Greek (Ancient and Byzantine Greek) or Latin; Cognitive Semiotics; English linguistics; Linguistics: General Linguistics or Phonetics; Modern Languages, French, Italian, Japanese or Modern Greek; Swedish/Scandinavian Languages and Swedish as a Second Language.

Cognitive semiotics

Cognitive semiotics is the trans-disciplinary study of language, communication, media and mind, from the perspective of the concepts meaning and sense. In cognitive semiotics, both qualitative phenomenological analysis and empirical methods, including systematic observations and experimentation, are developed and used. The major goal is to produce new insights on the interrelations between different communicative/semiotic resources as language, gestures and pictures, and on their development in children and in human evolution.

Program structure

The programme consists of compulsory courses common to all specializations, compulsory courses for each subject area, and elective courses. The languages of instruction are English and the language corresponding to the field of your specialization. The many specializations and subjects help to provide a broad selection of advanced courses in languages and in linguistics. The final degree project consists of a thesis in language and linguistics that constitutes in-depth study in the chosen subject area. 

The academic year is split into two semesters. Each semester is divided into (usually two or four) courses which are all examined separately. Subject specialization courses and elective courses are offered on a rolling basis. 

  • Semester 1:  Philosophy of Science for Linguists 7.5 credits, compulsory subject specialization courses or elective courses 22.5 credits
  • Semester 2:  Methods in Linguistics 7.5 credits, compulsory subject specialization courses or elective courses 22.5 credits. 
  • Semester 3: Compulsory subject specialization courses or elective courses 30 credits
  • Semester 4:  Degree Project – Master's (Two Years) Thesis, 30 credits

About the prerequisites

Make sure you understand and fulfil the general requirements, as well as the additional requirements for each specialization and subject area. This programme presupposes a solid foundation in language and linguistics. Also remember to upload your Summary sheet (under Programme-specific documents below). 

Career prospects

The programme prepares students for a future career where competency in language is essential. It also provides you with the academic background you need in order to apply for PhD studies in languages and linguistics throughout Europe and beyond.

Open for applications

Application opportunities

This programme is open for applications from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.

Contact

Study Counsellor

Email: masterlanguage [at] sol [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in a language subject or linguistics as the main field of study, or a Bachelor’s degree with semiotics or cognitive science as the main field of study and courses in basic linguistics of at least 15 credits
  • Bachelor’s thesis, or other equivalent academic work, relevant to the chosen specialization
  • English course 6 (advanced proficiency)

 

Selection criteria

A major criterion in the admission process is the applicant's estimated ability to complete the programme successfully. The applicants are ranked based on their previous academic merits (grades for courses and the quality of their BA thesis or equivalent academic papers), their statement of purpose, and their proficiency in English. Admissions interviews may also be used to rank the applicants.

English language requirements

Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.

How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements

Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:

Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se

Apply

Start Autumn Semester 2025

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

1 September 2025 - 6 June 2027

Application

Last application date 2025-01-15

How to apply

Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.

When to apply for studies

Step 1: Apply online

  • Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
  • Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
    Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website
  • Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.

Step 2: Submit documents

  • Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
    Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
    Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
     
  • Get all your documents ready:
    - official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
    - official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
    - passport/ID (all applicants) and
    - proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
     
  • Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
  • Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
  • Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.

* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below. 
Svensk student? 
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se

Programme-specific documents

In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit a Summary sheet when applying to this programme. Click on the link below to download the document. 

Summary sheet Language and Linguistics (Word, 25 kB)

Watch on YouTube: How to apply for a Master's programme

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 250 000

First payment: SEK 62 500

Convert currency – xe.com

Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Application fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.


*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.

Scholarships & funding

Lund University Global Scholarship programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations

Testimonials about this Master's