English Language and Linguistics

Specialisation of: Linguistics
Degree: Master of Arts in Linguistics
Mode of Study: Full-time, part-time
Duration: 1 year (full-time); 1,5 year (part-time)
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60815
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The MA specialisation in English Language and Linguistics offers a wide array of topics, centering on issues related to such questions as how language and people influence each other, and what the real function of language is. You will deal with the application of various aspects of linguistic theory to the description of the facts of English, with a particular emphasis on earlier stages of the language, such as Old and Middle English. The programme covers theoretical, applied, historical and socio-historical linguistics. The programme builds on actual linguistic research carried out at the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL), one of the largest linguistics institutes in the Netherlands, and you will benefit from the expertise of continental Europe’s finest English scholars.

Courses are offered in phonology and syntax, as well as in socio-historical linguistics and morphology. If you are interested in courses of a more applied nature, you can choose from a range of subjects such as lexicography, the language of affects, and the sociolinguistics of English. You will be able to apply and further refine the linguistic research methods and skills that you have acquired during the BA.

Reasons to choose English Language and Linguistics in Leiden

  • English Language and Linguistics offers a wide range of specialised courses and research topics, both theoretical and applied.
  • Students can combine courses from English Language and Linguistics with other MA courses offered by the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL), e.g. one of those dealing with the more than eighty different languages from all over the world that are studied in Leiden.
  • The department employs a wide range of specialists of excellent standing.
  • Supervision and counseling in the department have a good reputation.
  • Students benefit from the strong network of international contacts with English departments all over the world.

What our students say

Bart van Lopik

“You are stimulated to find your own way, this makes it a lot more personal “

“In my opinion, one of the best things of this program, is that you are being stimulated to come up with new approach to a certain work even though many of the subjects have already been researched thousands of times. They really challenge you to find that new perspective on a certain subject or to find connections between the texts from different fields of expertise (for instance between Old-English texts and texts from the same period on the continent). Because so much has already been researched it really is a challenge to come up with something new that also makes sense, on which to write your paper.

In class there is lots of room to put your own ideas forward, and get them discussed by your fellow students and the professor. You are stimulated to find your own way within the massive amount of research that has already been done, so that you can focus on the aspects of the course that appeal to you the most. This is something I really like about this master, because it makes it a lot more personal, because you can just focus on what you find the most interesting on the subject of your course.

All the professors know their way around the material that has been already been published in their field of expertise and they are always aware of the latest developments regarding their subject. They are also very willing to answer your question and when you do not find the answer completely satisfactory, they will help you find the articles that go into the subject of your question more deeply.”

Bart van Lopik, MA English Language and Culture