The very fact that we have and use languages is part of what makes us human. In this programme, you get to reflect on their structures and what drives language variation and change. You will learn the principles of first language acquisition, and what is special about learning more languages. The programme also satisfies your curiosity to know more about the way language is processed in the brain and how we use it.


Theory driven empirical research
The key focus of the research Master’s programme in Linguistics is on the cognitive faculties underlying human language, and their interaction. The programme offers a broad focus on:
- theoretical linguistics (phonology, syntax, semantics)
- psycholinguistics (language acquisition, language processing)
- language use (discourse studies, bilingualism, phonetics, historical linguistics)
You will acquire a solid background in all three domains, and then choose a series of elective courses in order to specialise in one area. You will receive training in empirical, computational, and experimental methodology, and you will practice designing, planning, and carrying out a research project during your internship and thesis work.
Why this programme in Utrecht?
International research environment
The Master is well embedded in the international research community of the Institute for Language Sciences. This creates many possibilities for internship and individual supervision, and makes it possible to use the excellent lab facilities of the Institute for Language Sciences (eye-tracking, Babylab). We work closely with other linguistic institutes in the Netherlands in the Netherlands Graduate School of Linguistics (LOT).
After graduation
As a graduate of the research Master Linguistics, you will be highly eligible for a PhD position or for a position within a public or private organisation. Many alumni pursue academic careers, while others obtain traineeships in natural language resource firms, junior research positions in international organisations and research facilities, teaching positions in secondary schools and colleges, etc.
Linguistics summer courses
Are you currently a Bachelor’s student enrolled in a different university or a different programme, and would you like to get a feeling for what linguistics in Utrecht is about? Join the linguistics classes at the Utrecht Summer School! Every summer, we offer a range of one week courses on topics like bilingualism, first and second language acquisition, language evolution, syntactic theory, psycholinguistics and statistics for experimental linguistics.
International students starting the RMA Linguistics are exempted from paying the Summer School course tuition fee for these courses. Please let the Linguistics Coordinator know that you are interested in this possibility, and inform her of the courses you would like to take.
Key facts
- Degree:
- Linguistics (research)
- Language of instruction:
- English
- Mode of study:
- Full-time
- Study duration:
- 2 years
- Start:
- September
- Tuition fees:
- Dutch and other EU/EEA students (statutory fee, full-time) 2023-2024: € 2,314
Non-EU/EEA students (institutional fee) 2023-2024: € 18,332
More information about fees - Croho code:
- 60817
- Accreditation:
- Accredited by the NVAO
- Faculty:
- Humanities
- Graduate school:
- Humanities