International Programmes 2026/2027

Master of Arts in Linguistics Linguistics

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf • Düsseldorf

Degree
Master of Arts
Course location
Düsseldorf
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

English only

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
2 May - 15 July
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the summer semester:
2 November - 15 January
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The programme provides students with advanced competencies in research and teaching, deepens and specialises linguistic content, and opens up opportunities for pursuing their own research questions. It sharpens the ability to develop linguistic research topics in an international context, both for a professional audience and for the broader public.

Course organisation

In the first and second semesters, students identify the focus of their own interests by exploring the interface between linguistics and related disciplines such as philosophy, English and American studies, German studies, Romance studies, and computer science. They also learn to critically evaluate empirical research, replicate published studies, and conduct their own case studies. The modules are specifically designed to train students in academic writing and presentation, as well as to deepen their skills in empirical methods such as data collection, annotation, corpus work, and statistical analysis.

In the third semester, students pursue their own research questions and develop a preliminary plan for their theses while gaining valuable research and teaching experience. The fourth and final semester focuses solely on the final thesis, supported by an accompanying colloquium and peer review, and prepares students for life after graduation.

The programme is a full-time course of study with a total of 120 ECTS, which corresponds to 30 ECTS of work per semester. For the course organisation, students choose the courses that suit them each semester from our range of courses, allowing them to distribute the workload individually.

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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Language training provided
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Content-related regional focus
Integrated internships

Didactic internship, involving tutorial assistance for a course within the Bachelor's programme, conducted within a team of tutors under didactic supervision

Research internship: direct placement in one of the many research projects at our institute

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
Yes
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

A semester fee of approx. 350 EUR is required upon registration/enrolment as a student or doctoral researcher. This fee covers transport by bus, tram, and regional trains within North Rhine-Westphalia for the entire semester as well as the use of student facilities at discounted prices.

Costs of living

Students or doctoral researchers should calculate monthly expenses amounting to at least 1,000 EUR in order to live in a modest way, including costs for housing, food, health insurance, semester fees, study materials, etc.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Various funding opportunities are available at HHU. Please contact the respective individuals to determine your eligibility for their programme.

https://www.hhu.de/en/studies/organising-your-studies/funding

Academic admission requirements

The prerequisite is a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics or a comparable degree programme with an overall grade of 2.5 or better (German grading system). 

A BA degree is comparable if the scope of linguistics courses is at least equivalent to the BA supplementary subject programme in Linguistics at HHU. The following requirements must be met:

1. at least one graded exam and 9 ECTS in each of at least three of the four "basic expertise" areas (Phonetics/Phonology, Morphology/Syntax, Semantics/Pragmatics, and/or Psycho- and Neurolinguistics)

2. at least one graded exam and 9 ECTS in specialised skills in linguistics (Qualitative Analysis, Quantitative Analysis, Data Collection, and/or Theoretical Argumentation).

A good command of English is essential and must be demonstrated: in order to enrol, students must provide proof of English language skills.

German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
C1 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • IELTS Academic: 7
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
2 May - 15 July
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the summer semester:
2 November - 15 January
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

A limited number of campus jobs are available. Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 240 half days or 120 full days per calendar year without a work permit.

Accommodation

On-campus student accommodation is available, as is private accommodation near campus. For further information, please check http://www.stw-d.de or send an e-mail to info@stw-d.de.
Doctoral students can contact the tutor service of the Junior Scientist & International Researcher Centre (JUNO) for information and support concerning accommodation in Düsseldorf (www.juno.hhu.de/en/tutorservice).

Depending on the type of accommodation, the monthly rent in Düsseldorf usually ranges from around 500 EUR to 600 EUR for a basic apartment or a room in a shared apartment ("Wohngemeinschaft").

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

The Student Academy provides support through consulting and event offerings for professional orientation and the acquisition of additional qualifications. Utilise these resources to optimally prepare yourself for entering your career.

https://www.studierendenakademie.hhu.de/en/career

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Accompanying programme
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

University location

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