Linguistics

specialisatie Linguistics (specialisation)

In the course of the programme you can explore the full breadth and depth of linguistics and language use. Courses on a broad array of topics can be combined along thematic or disciplinary lines that interest you most. This allows you to focus on, for example, core theoretical areas (syntax, semantics, phonology), forensic and phonetic speech science, pragmatics and communication, language documentation in remote areas, language acquisition, or Indo-European linguistics.

You may choose one of the ready-made thematic or disciplinary routes through the programme, or potentially create one according to your individual interests. You will benefit from Leiden's excellent research facilities, including the Experimental Linguistics Labs: the Phonetics Lab, the EEG Lab, the Eye-tracking Lab and the Babylab.

The Linguistics specialisation within the master's programme in Linguistics is aimed at students who have an analytical mind and are fascinated by the human capacity for language, by the structure of languages, whether Western, non-Western, ancient or modern, or by the ways in which language can be used to inform, influence and mislead.

specialisatie Modern Languages

Linguistics deals both with the search for general properties common to all languages and the study of particular languages. Chinese, English, French, German and Italian are among the most widely spoken and best-studied languages in the world.

The programme for the Modern Languages specialisation provides you with a solid foundation in the languages of the world's most influential societies. You will look at how these languages can vary by place, by situation and by social group (sociolinguistics, dialectology); how they evolve over time (historical linguistics); how people acquire or learn them (language acquisition); and how people use them in context (pragmatics).

The programme is aimed at students who are interested in Chinese Linguistics, English Linguistics, French Linguistics, German Linguistics or Italian Linguistics. You might also be interested in second language learning, or in combining linguistics with literary studies of your language of choice. These options are an excellent preparation for a subsequent educational master.

specialisatie Translation

Language and culture cannot be separated. Interpreters and translators are linguistic and cultural mediators, whether they are translating a notarial document, subtitling an episode of Game of Thrones, or translating the latest novel by Nicci French.

You will learn how to translate from English to Dutch and vice versa. You will also acquire the skills to translate texts on a wide variety of topics, with a focus on one of three fascinating areas of specialised translation: legal, literary or multimedial translation.

You will earn a qualification that will give you entry to the national register of sworn interpreters and translators.

Leiden University's Translation master's programme is now a member of the prestigious European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network, an initiative of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Translation. Having been awarded this label reflects the high quality of our programme. Our graduates will now have even greater access to the international translation profession.

honours-/excellence program Leiden Leadership Programme

The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an honours programme of 15 ECs on top of the regular master's curriculum. The programme consists of training courses, seminars and a practical assignment.

Are you looking for an extra challenge in addition to your Leiden master's programme? Are you adventurous enough to look beyond the borders of your own master's programme? The Leiden Leadership Programme may be just what you are looking for. The programme gives you the opportunity to develop your leadership skills. You will follow seminars and courses, as well as carrying out a practical assignment for a company or organisation as part of a small, multidisciplinary team. Your lecturers will be leading academics and experienced professionals from the business sector.

Students can apply who have:

• Good study results in the bachelor's programme;
• The ambition and motivation to develop leadership qualities;
• A broad and interdisciplinary span of interest.