COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s in Linguistics at Leiden University offers students the chance to shape their studies around one of eight specialised themes, ensuring both focus and flexibility. At the start of the program, students select from Applied Linguistics, Comparative Indo-European Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, Language and Interaction, Language Description and Documentation, Language Processing and Cognition, Theoretical Approaches to Linguistic Diversity, or Theoretical Linguistics. Each theme provides a structured set of courses while allowing students to pursue individual academic interests, whether in practical applications, theoretical frameworks, or language-specific studies.In addition to coursework, the program places strong emphasis on practical experience. Students are encouraged to undertake internships, which provide valuable opportunities to apply linguistic knowledge in real-world contexts. In recent years, internships have taken place at academic institutions, cultural organisations, and international institutions such as the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, Meertens Instituut, Taalmuseum Leiden, Koninklijke Brill NV, LiBC Babylab voor language acquisition, and international organisations like the European Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These internships allow students to gain professional experience in research, translation, cultural heritage, language policy, and communication, significantly enhancing their career prospects.The program is particularly well-suited for students with an interest in how languages work, evolve, and function in society, as well as those seeking careers in translation, research, education, cultural institutions, or international organisations. Its balance of rigorous academic training, thematic specialisation, and practical opportunities makes it highly versatile. By combining deep theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, the Master’s in Linguistics equips graduates with the skills to engage critically with language-related issues and to contribute meaningfully in both academic and professional fields. For details on specific courses and requirements, students can consult the Prospectus, which outlines the current year’s curriculum.