Language and Linguistics, English - Master's Programme

The MA programme in Language and Linguistics consists of seven different specialisations and 18 subject areas. Note, however, that not all specialisations and subject areas are offered every year.

The specialisation in English language and linguistics is a broad research field that covers, among other things, the study of grammar, history of English, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, text and discourse, linguistic variation, psycholinguistics, first and second language acquisition, language teaching, multilingualism, and academic writing. The methodology includes both qualitative and quantitative methods, and the Humanities Lab at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology offers state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in carrying out experimental and corpus investigations.

The compulsory subject specialisation courses offer a solid foundation in core areas of English language and linguistics. You are also able to select from a wide variety of other linguistic Master’s level courses that you can take as elective courses, reflecting your individual interests.

The programme consists of compulsory courses common to all specialisations, compulsory courses for each subject area, and elective courses in linguistics.

The teaching is based on lectures and workshops, with a heavy emphasis on discussions and group work.

The academic year is split into two terms. Each term, you will usually take two or four courses, which are all examined separately. Subject specialisation courses and elective courses are offered on a rolling basis.

Term 1: Philosophy of Science for Linguists (7.5 credits) and compulsory subject specialisation courses or elective courses (22.5 credits)

Term 2: Methods in Linguistics (7.5 credits) and compulsory subject specialisation courses or elective courses (22.5 credits)

Term 3: Compulsory subject specialisation courses or elective courses (30 credits)

Term 4: Degree Project – Master's (Two Years) Thesis, (30 credits)

The programme prepares you for a future career in fields where competency in language and linguistics 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.

As a graduate of the MA in Languages and Linguistics you have different career opportunities available to you. Many graduates continue to doctoral studies at universities throughout Europe and beyond, others work in academia as international coordinators, and research assistants. Some of our students work in the private sector as translators, teachers, consultants, project leaders, project coordinators among others.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree with English language and linguistics as the main field of study Completed at least 90 credits in the language. Beginner level courses cannot be included in these. Bachelor’s thesis, or other equivalent academic work, with a specialization in English language and linguistics English language skills demonstrated by one of the following tests: IELTS (Academic) with an average of 7.5 and normally no one component under 7.0, TOEFL iBT Test/TOEFL iBT Home Edition/TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, with a result of 102 or above, as well as results in the individual components as follows: reading 24-30; listening 22-30; speaking 25-30; writing 24-30 (equivalent to Advanced) Pearson PTE Academic/Pearson PTE Academic Online, with a result of 76 or above Cambridge English Qualifications, level C2 (with a result of 200 or above) Applicants who are native speakers of English and have also a completed high-school diploma or an Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination diploma from the UK, lreland, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are exempted from the above requirement. A copy of the diploma must be submitted with the application.

Make sure you understand and fulfil the entry requirements. This programme presupposes a solid foundation in English language and linguistics. Note that a valid result on one of the tests in the "Entry requirements" below is mandatory for all applicants to the specialisation in English. The information under "English language requirements" is not relevant for this specialisation.

Remember to upload your Summary sheet (see more under Specific documents below).

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.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270,000
First payment: SEK 67,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

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

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

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 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 Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

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. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships