COURSE CURRICULUM

The bachelor’s program in Linguistics at Leiden University is a three-year degree offered in Dutch or English, depending on the specialisation chosen. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human language, its structure, acquisition, use, and variation, while also equipping them with practical research and analytical skills. The program combines theoretical study with hands-on exploration, allowing students to investigate how languages function, how they are learned, and how they evolve over time.In the first year, students are introduced to a broad range of linguistic topics, including phonology, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics, alongside training in research methods. They explore aspects of human communication and the interconnections between different language-related disciplines. During the second semester, students select two courses to prepare for their chosen specialisation, which may include subjects such as Psycholinguistics, Argumentation and Persuasion, Word and Meaning, or Gothic. This foundation year emphasizes academic skills such as critical reading, writing, and oral presentation, providing the tools needed for independent study and research.The second year allows students to focus on their chosen area of specialisation. Four tracks are available: Descriptive Linguistics, Language and Cognition, Comparative Indo-European Linguistics (all taught in English), or Taal in Gebruik (taught in Dutch). Students can also take courses from other tracks, such as Old Norse or Sign Languages and Gesture Studies, further broadening their knowledge. This year continues the development of academic skills and research proficiency, ensuring students are able to analyse linguistic data rigorously and present findings effectively.In the third year, students have significant flexibility to tailor their studies. Half of the year is devoted to electives, allowing for an internship, a minor, a personalised course package, or a semester abroad. The program concludes with a bachelor’s thesis, where students conduct independent research, critically analyse information, and present their results clearly in writing and orally. By combining specialised linguistic knowledge with research experience and practical skills, the program prepares graduates for careers in research, education, language technology, and other fields requiring advanced linguistic expertise.