MASTER OF ARTS ENGLISH LINGUISTICS

Flags Great britain an USA

Length of study: 4 Semester

Type: Master of Arts

Numerus clausus (NC): none

Starts of studies: winter term I summer term

Language of instruction: english

The English Linguistics Master’s degree program offers a unique combination of a clear focus on teaching students a broad range of methods in empirical linguistic research on the one hand (e.g. corpus linguistics, experimental linguistics, analyzing quantitative language data) and giving them the opportunity to explore the fascinating and multi-facetted topic of language variation on the other hand (social, regional, psycholinguistic, and diachronic variation). The program enables students to become proficient in the handling and analysis of data (data literacy) as well as to develop a keen sense of language.

Students take classes in linguistics (historical linguistics, psycho- and socio-linguistics, regional variation, semantics, pragmatics, English as a world language, English in the post-colonial world) that emphasize the application of field-specific empirical research methods (working with corpora, designing experiments and collecting experimental data, analyzing linguistic data). In addition to these, students can individually shape the course of their studies by choosing from a variety of electives in Anglophone Literatures and Media; Natural Language Processing; Digital Humanities; and Phonetics.

Why studying English Linguistics at Trier University

  • Hands-on
  • Interdisciplinary
  • International
  • Research-focused

 

Course content

The curriculum consists of (1) compulsory modules, (2) compulsory elective modules, and (3) elective modules. It concludes with a Master Thesis.

The compulsory modules provide an introduction to sustainability management and economics, as well as to academic research. They also include a two-semester interdisciplinary research project with a focus on sustainability. The compulsory elective modules include specific modules from the area of sustainability management and economics. Students can choose from a long list of modules in the areas of environmental and social sustainability, as well as modules from change management, corporate governance and ESG reporting. Sustainability modules from natural sciences can also be elected. A full list of compulsory elective modules is available here. The elective modules are even more flexible and include modules from the full spectrum of management and economics so that it is possible to develop an attractive and specific profile for the job market. It is also possible to integrate a practical internship in a company into the study program. A full list of elective modules is available here. 

Plan

Prerequisites

The requirements for studying English Linguistics (single-subject Master’s degree) at Trier University are:

  • Bachelor's degree in English Studies, American Studies, General Linguistics, or an equivalent degree. Equivalency is determined by the examination board (Prüfungsausschuss) in individual cases.
  • Module with at least 10 CP from the area of English Linguistics
  • Proof of English language proficiency in accordance with § 4 Abs. 2 of the current Einschreibeordnung (enrollment regulations) of Trier University.

Internships & abroad

Students complete a six-week full-time academic or professional intership in Module 6 during their third semester. The internship gives students the opportunity to apply and refine the skills they acquired during their studies, expand their network, and gain perspective on their future career options with a degree in linguistics. There is a broad variety of fields for students to complete their internships in, including: work in speech processing, academic publishers, university-level teaching in the form of “Tutoraten”, gaining experience in organizing academic conferences, preparing academic publications, participating in a research project at Trier University or a partner university, participating in summer schools or academic conferences with their own submissions.

Career prospects

Schülerinnen und Schüler
Laptop auf dem Schreibtisch mit Notizbüchern und Kopfhörern

Graduates of the English Linguistics Master’s Degree program have extensive training in empirical methods in (English) linguistics, which enable them to work in:

  • academic research
  • AI, Speech Processing, and Technical Editing
  • translation services
  • publishers, media, public relations work
  • marketing, education/teaching, theaters, libraries or museums

Application

You can apply simply via the online portal of Trier University within the application deadlines.

For information on the module structure see here: “Study_Plan_MA_English_Linguistics.pdf”

You can find information on what classes to sign up for here:

Application

You can find information on how to apply here