General Linguistics University of Amsterdam

Overview

In the General Linguistics programme of the University of Amsterdam, you will first come to understand how human language works by comparing as many language systems as possible, including spoken languages from all continents, sign languages, child language, and language as used by people with a developmental or acquired disorder. You will then have the opportunity to specialise in one of four linguistic sub-areas: phonetics & phonology, syntax & semantics, language acquisition & disorders, or sign linguistics.

A world-class programme

The Linguistics programme at the University of Amsterdam ranks among the leading institutions in the world. The programme was ranked highest in continental Europe and 17th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2017.

Choose your degree of specialisation

The General Linguistics programme offers you the freedom to specialise in your area of interest. If you take as many courses as possible in your sub-area of interest and also write your term paper and thesis in that area, you will be able to spend approximately two-thirds of your time on your area of specialisation. You can also opt for a broader programme by writing your term paper in a different area than your specialisation and writing your thesis on a subject that crosses the boundaries of the four linguistic sub-areas.

Careers

The Master's in General Linguistics prepares you for a broad range of career opportunities.

The Job Market

Depending on the area of specialisation, the Master's in General Linguistics provides a solid foundation for a career in such areas as clinical linguistics, curriculum development, language engineering, speech technology, language planning and artificial intelligence.

Alumni of the programme work as:

• Clinical linguists

• Language teachers at public and private schools

• Speech technologists in the field of artificial intelligence

• Language planners