Degree from a Dutch research university
This page outlines the step-by-step process for completing your application to a Master's programme at Utrecht University. Please read this information thoroughly before starting your application.
Competencies
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the research Master’s programme in Linguistics if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You are able to interpret and apply complex theories in the field of Linguistics, as demonstrated by:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Language and Culture, Liberal Arts, Communication, or Cognitive Science with a major in Linguistics, or a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to Linguistics (Psychology, Education, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, etc.).
- Minimally 45 EC of linguistics courses and/or coursework supportive of linguistics research (such as in statistics, programming, psychology, neuroscience, logic, philosophy of language, etc.), of which 22.5 EC should be at an advanced level.
- Good insight into the theoretical foundations of linguistics, as can be acquired in courses on phonology, morphology, lexicology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, historical linguistics, language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and computational linguistics.
- Basic knowledge of methods in quantitative research that can be acquired by an introduction to statistics (or similar) of 7.5 EC at the Bachelor’s level.
- You are able to design, perform, analyse, and report on scientific research in Linguistics, as demonstrated by a Bachelor’s thesis, essay or research paper on a linguistic topic or a research question in a related field.
- You have a strong motivation to do independent linguistic research which is elaborated convincingly in your motivation letter.
- You are able to express yourself in proficient English, both orally and in written text, as demonstrated by a writing sample and an interview (if requested).
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. Based on documents submitted by you, the committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. The committee also takes into account:
- Motivation and talent.
- Level of required knowledge and mastery of methods and techniques used in the subject area.
- General high level of professional and intellectual ability.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
An interview (in person or via the Internet) may be part of the selection procedure if the committee decides they need further information to evaluate your admission.
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this research Master’s programme:
At Utrecht University
- Taalwetenschap
- Moderne talen (Keltisch, Nederlands, Engels, Frans, Duits, Italiaans, Spaans)
- Taal- en cultuurstudies with a major (hoofdrichting) in Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major (hoofdrichting) in Linguistics
- Communicatie- en informatiewetenschappen with a Minor in Taalwetenschap or Taalontwikkeling
- Kunstmatige intelligentie
- University College Utrecht/University College Roosevelt
Utrecht University students potentially interested in the research Master in Linguistics may consider taking the Minor in Taalwetenschap or Taalontwikkeling, the ACC3 course Methoden van hypothese toetsend onderzoek, and/or the Digital Humanities course Digitale tools en methoden.
At another Dutch research university
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages and Culture (major in Linguistics)
- Cognitive Science
- Liberal Arts (major in Linguistics)
If you are currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and thinking about applying for this Master’s programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information. By planning your studies carefully and taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible. The research Master in Linguistics does not offer a Pre-Master's programme.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.
Applications open | 1 October |
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Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 June |
All deadlines expire at 23:59 [CET/CEST] on the specified date. You must complete the application process (including submitting your application documents in OSIRIS Online Application and paying the application fee) by this time.
The following documents must be uploaded before the application deadline (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
- Transcript from OSIRIS
- Motivation statement
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Courses yet to be completed
- Relevant courses
- Writing sample: Research paper, essay or BA thesis on a subject relevant to the field of study, written in English
Degree from another Dutch research university
- Motivation statement
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
- Courses yet to be completed
- Diploma or graduation statement
- Relevant courses
- A scan of your transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp and signature of the institute. - Writing sample: Research paper, essay or BA thesis on a subject relevant to the field of study, written in English
Visit Studielink and complete the registration process. You can find all information on how to use Studielink here. After completing your Studielink application, you will receive login details for OSIRIS Online Application within 2 working days.
Apply via StudielinkAfter submitting your application to Studielink, you will receive an email with login details for OSIRIS Online Application. Here you can upload all required documents, check the status of your application and enter contact details of your referee(s).
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, the Graduate School will evaluate them. We strive to inform you of our decision within 20 working days.