German and English Linguistics
(Master of Arts)

A closeup of a book in which the word "Linguistik" stands out. © Stephanie Lieboldt
© Stephanie Lieboldt

Profile

Course type
Postgraduate studies (Master)
Standard Course Duration
4 semesters
Course Start
Summer semester, Winter semester
Language of Instruction
English, German
Language Requirements

German HZB: English B1
International application: English B1 AND German B2
Find out more

Special Requirements

An academic degree in English / German or in a subject-related degree programme is required to apply for the master's programme.

Admission
Restricted admission
International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

From winter semester 2023/24 onwards, this programme is closed. An application is no longer possible.

The Master’s degree programme in German and English Linguistics is based on a cooperation between the German and English departments at Leibniz Universität Hannover. The bilingual concept and implementation of the degree programme is innovative. Courses are held in German and English; students can choose to write their Master’s thesis in either language. In the compulsory elective area, students can opt to focus on one of the two languages, or to study both equally.

During the Master’s degree programme, students explore and learn about the development, structure and use of the German and English languages. The subject matter of the degree programme is the current structure and use of the German and English languages (standard varieties as well as regional and social varieties) taking into account the historical and socio-cultural context as well as linguistic contact. Research methodology knowledge and skills are also taught. In addition to acquiring research-oriented qualifications, students on this degree programme can also gain application-oriented knowledge and skills in fields of practice such as language teaching and media communication.

Course Content

  • Contrastive linguistics
  • Language variation and linguistic change
  • Media communication, language in use and interaction
  • Multilingualism and applied linguistics
  • Research methods in linguistics
  • Research-oriented knowledge and skills in linguistics
Course Structure

The subject matter of the degree programme is the current structure, use and significance of the German and English languages (standard varieties as well as regional and social varieties) taking into account the historical and socio-cultural context as well as linguistic contact.

The four-semester degree programme consists of a compulsory area and a compulsory elective area. Depending on their individual area of focus, students can specialise in the German and/or English language after completing the compulsory modules.

Qualification profiles:

1. Research-oriented knowledge and skills in linguistics with a focus on language patterns, functional aspects, cognitive linguistics, uses, the theory of linguistic change and comparative linguistics and

2. Linguistic areas of application in fields of practice related to issues of the theoretical/academic observation of language and its implementation, i.e. with a focus on applied fields of linguistics such as media communication, language acquisition, the theory of teaching and learning languages, learner language and multilingualism.

 

 

1st semester

2nd semester

3rd semester

4th semester
 
Compulsory area
 

M1
Grammatical Description

M2
Linguistic Theories

  M10
Master's thesis

 

M3
Research Methods in Linguistics

   

M4
Professional Skills Development module (12 weeks altogether)


 
Compulsory elective area

 
 
M5
Language Variation and Linguistic Change
 
  M6
Contrastive Linguistics

 
  M7
Language in Use and Interaction

 
  M8
Applied Linguistics

 
  M9
Specialisation

 
Recommended Abilities
  • An interest in linguistic issues
  • An undergraduate languages degree (e.g. a Bachelor’s degree) involving linguistics
  • English language skills, at least B2
  • German language skills, at least C1
Career Opportunities
  • Doctorate and an academic career
  • Adult education
  • Publishing
  • Field of culture
  • Media and public relations
  • Language teaching
  • Cultural and research management
  • Institutions and organisations involved in national and European language and education policy
Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

For master's degree programmes with restricted admission, places shall be allocated according to the university’s own selection procedure, if there are more applicants fulfilling the admission requirements than there are places available. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: 

Application Deadlines

From winter semester 2023/24 onwards, this programme is closed. An application is no longer possible.

What is it like to study German and English Linguistics?

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Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building
Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building