International Programmes 2023/2024

Linguistics: Empirical and Theoretical Foundations Linguistics: Empirical and Theoretical Foundations

University of Potsdam • Potsdam

Degree
MSc in Linguistics
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English (100%).

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

Please visit our website.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The English language Master’s programme in Linguistics: Empirical and Theoretical Foundations is an interdisciplinary course of studies. It deepens the subject-specific knowledge, methods, and skills acquired in the field of empirical and theoretical linguistics during one's Bachelor’s studies. The degree programme combines the formal implementation of findings in modern grammar models for all core areas (phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics) with experimental investigation methods and field research. The programme provides comprehensive, detailed, and specialised knowledge in formal and experimental linguistics. Students will be taught to recognise and analyse current research trends, to critically reflect on them, and to develop their own research questions as well as the methods to answer them.

Course organisation

Introductory Phase (all modules mandatory):

  • "Intro to Phonology and Morphology" module (first semester)
  • "Intro to Syntax and Semantics" module (first semester)
  • "Statistics and Programming" module (first semester)

Specialisation Phase (elective; three out of five modules)

  • "Phonology" module (second and third semester)
  • "Morphology" module (second and third semester)
  • "Syntax" module (second and third semester)
  • "Semantics" module (second and third semester)
  • "Psycholinguistics" module (second and third semester)

Empirical Methods Phase (elective; one out of two modules)

  • "Neurolinguistics/psycholinguistics" module (second and third semester)
  • "Fieldwork" module (second and third semester)

Advanced Phase (elective; one out of two modules)

  • "Extension Module I" module (second and third semester)
  • "Extension Module II" module (second and third semester)

MSc thesis (fourth semester)

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee, which currently amounts to 316 EUR. This semester contribution includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin.

Costs of living

Living in Germany is rather cheap compared to other countries in Northern and Western Europe. Monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam vary between 870 and 1,200 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

In general, the prerequisite for studying in a Master’s degree programme is a first professionally qualifying academic degree, e.g. a Bachelor’s degree. You should have completed your first degree in a linguistics subject relevant to the Master’s programme, such as linguistics, general/theoretical linguistics, clinical linguistics / patholinguistics, computational linguistics, linguistics of an individual language with 180 CP or in another course with a linguistic component of at least 90 CP (or 50% of the respective total number of points).

Language requirements

English language skills that are at least equivalent to level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages

Application deadline

Please visit our website.

Submit application to

Please see www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/application-master/consecutive for more information.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. The German capital, Berlin, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

Accommodation

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Potsdam's Association for Student Affairs ("Studentenwerk Potsdam"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click this link.

Career advisory service

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Visa matters

University of Potsdam

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2022 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked #1 in Germany and #28 worldwide.

Situated in the multicultural area of Berlin-Brandenburg, the UP attracts more than 20,000 students from 127 countries. We offer a broad range of degree programmes in various fields, including a large number of English-language Master’s degree programmes. Moreover, you can choose from a number of specialised programmes, such as short-term summer courses or a preparatory year.

Students at the University of Potsdam benefit from our co-operations with more than 40 internationally renowned research institutes in the region, such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research or the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics. In fact, Potsdam is the city with the highest density of scientists and academics per capita in Germany.

With its many charming castles, surrounding woodland and lakes, Potsdam is the perfect choice for studying in an inspiring and history-soaked environment.

University location

A city of royal residences and enchanting park landscapes, the centre of the German enlightenment, a hotspot of international film production: Potsdam is all of this – and much more.

Potsdam can boast 17 royal palaces and grand buildings. It all started when the enlightened King Frederick the Great dreamt up the Sanssouci Palace and its magnificent park in 1745. Today Potsdam’s palaces and parks form one of Germany’s biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But living in Potsdam is not only about connecting with its historical heritage; there is also a rich cultural scene to discover. In the town centre, one can find lots of inspiring theatres, concert halls and museums. Potsdam is also home to one of the world’s oldest film studios, Studio Babelsberg. Famous films like Nosferatu, Metropolis, Inglorious Basterds or The Grand Budapest Hotel were filmed here.

The city also has a lot in store for nature addicts. Situated alongside the Havel River and surrounded by lakes and greenery, Potsdam is the perfect spot for long strolls, running, swimming and paddling outdoors. One can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bike.

As a young and medium-sized city, Potsdam offers good conditions for families, providing lots of childcare and family support facilities. Moreover, it provides a very safe living environment.

If you’re someone who enjoys big cities, then just hop on the next train and within only 30 minutes, you’ll reach Germany’s bustling capital of Berlin.

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