COURSE CURRICULUM

The specialisation in Modern Languages within Leiden University’s MA Linguistics program provides students with an in-depth study of the structure, acquisition, history, and use of five major languages: Chinese, English, French, German, and Italian. Students select the language of their choice and follow courses that are taught in the target language, with the exception of Chinese, which is taught in English. Entry into these courses requires meeting specific language-level requirements to ensure academic success.The curriculum typically consists of core courses that focus on the chosen language, alongside electives that allow further specialisation or exploration of interdisciplinary topics. Students may also pursue an internship as part of their elective options, providing valuable professional experience. The program concludes with a Master’s thesis, which enables students to carry out independent research under academic supervision. Since course offerings may vary, the Prospectus should be consulted for detailed and up-to-date information.In addition, Leiden University offers a combined program in English that bridges Literary Studies and Linguistics. This track includes two courses in MA Literary Studies/English, two in MA Linguistics/English, and a thesis in Literary Studies/English. It is especially recommended for students planning to continue into the Educational Master at ICLON, making it a strong pathway for future teachers of English.