Language and Linguistics, Linguistics - Master's Programme

The MA programme in Language and Linguistics consists of seven different specialisations and 18 subject areas. Within the Linguistics specialisation, you can choose between either General Linguistics or Phonetics.

Within General Linguistics, the profile areas are typological linguistics, evolutionary linguistics, cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics. Typological linguistics attempts to define the confines within which language structure can vary. Evolutionary linguistics aims to understand the reasons for linguistic diversity and the principles of language emergence and change. Cognitive linguistics seeks to obtain an understanding of the cognitive principles that lie at the basis of learning and using a language. Psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics investigate the psychological and neurological correlates of language structure and processing.

Within Phonetics, one profile area in Lund is prosody, which deals with speech melody and rhythm. This profile is central in the courses in phonology, the sounds of the world’s languages, experimental phonetics, and language and the brain. Descriptive phonetics, speech perception, and acoustic phonetics are other areas that students in phonetics may focus on.

The programme consists of compulsory courses common to all specialisations, compulsory courses for each subject area, and elective courses in linguistics. Almost all the courses in General linguistics and phonetics are available as elective courses for students in the other specializations.

The teaching is based on lectures and workshops, with a heavy emphasis on discussions and group work. For students of experimental phonetics, the Lund University Humanities Lab is an important resource.

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 linguistics or phonetics as the main field of study, or a language degree with at least 60 credits in general linguistics and phonetics Bachelor’s thesis, or other equivalent academic work, relevant to the chosen subject (general linguistics or phonetics) 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.

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