Linguistics, Master's, 2 years

What do you learn? 

Linguistics seeks answers to questions such as: 

• What is unique about human language? 

• Languages have an infinite number of possible combinations of words. How can we describe these systematically and precisely? 

• How and why do we divide the world’s languages into different families? 

As a student on the Master’s programme in linguistics, you will learn 

• About central theories, terminology and methods within linguistics as a scientific discipline. 

• To familiarise yourself with and critically assess the use of theories, methods and interpretations within your own subject area. 

• To use methods and analysis tools that are necessary to complete an independent research project within the subject area you have chosen. 

Student life 

The teaching is mainly structured as seminars, lectures and individual guidance. The programme involves a lot of independent study, and you must enjoy working independently. You can, however, always discuss and collaborate with other students, your supervisor and others. You will be part of a thriving international academic environment. 

As a Master’s student in linguistics, you get an individual supervisor who helps you plan and carry out your individual Master’s thesis project. You can choose your own topic, in collaboration with your supervisor. 

As a student with us, you will have most of your classes at Nygårdshøyden, right in the centre of Bergen. You have access to our reading rooms, library, colloquium rooms, fitness centre, canteen, café and student bar on campus. At UiB you will also find many different student organisations. Being part of a student organisation is a valuable investment of your time as a student and will give you many experiences and friends for life.  

What can you work as? 

With a Master’s in linguistics, you can work with e.g. language documentation and language technology, for example creating digital language resources, such as dictionaries. This type of project is particularly valuable for users of minority languages. 

People with an educational qualification in linguistics have a lot to contribute to the field of language technology, as well as language policy and consulting services. 

Our candidates get jobs in the private and public sector, both abroad and in Norway. You can find typical work within 

• Translation 

• Publishing work 

• Dictionary development 

• Communication 

• Information technology 

• Programming 

• Speech and language pathology 

• Public administration 

• Education 

Admission requirements and application deadline 

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA (4 January)
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (15 April)

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.

All applicants with citizenship from outside EU/EEA must pay tuition fees.

Study structure  

Semester 1 

• Experimental psycholinguistics (15 ECTS) 

• Computer models of language and applications (15 ECTS) 

Semester 2 

• Language across modalities (15 ECTS) 

• Method for Master’s students in language and linguistics (15 ECTS) 

Semesters 3 and 4 

• Linguistics - Master’s thesis (60 ECTS) 

Exchange 

It is usually possible to study abroad as part of the programme. An exchange stay gives you valuable cultural experience, linguistic training, new professional insights and experiences for life. UiB has exchange agreements with universities all over the world. 

Further study opportunities 

A Master’s degree can qualify for application to a PhD programme. 

Questions about the course? 

Telephone: +47 55 58 93 70 

E-mail: studierettleiar.lle@uib.no

Study plan 

Read the whole study plan her.