Language and Communication-Uni

Degree awarded: Master of Arts
Length: 2 years
Language: English

Real language in real-life situations
Whenever we use language we are involved in communicating. How does this work and why is there miscommunication? How does language fit together and how do we learn to understand each other’s language? This is the central theme of this unique programme. It is unique because language and communication are treated as a single unit with each field complementing the other. The programme is also special because it focuses strongly on empirical research. You will be studying real language in real-life situations and you will use your observations to develop possible theories. Later, you will test these theories against everyday reality. In this way you will discover the richness of both language and communication.

Challenging research environment
As a Master’s student in Language and Communication you will find yourself in a challenging research environment. Language specialists at Radboud University Nijmegen have an international reputation; there is even talk of a Nijmegen tradition. The university has experts in language variation and language diversity, language technology, sign language, intercultural communication, persuasive communication, optimal communication and the ways in which language can be processed. These specialists work closely with colleagues in the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI) and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (FI BCB). As a result, Nijmegen can provide you with an exceptional opportunity to explore new avenues of knowledge and the chance to work alongside specialists who are leaders in their field internationally.

Wide choice
The programme is organized by the Centre of Language Studies. Within this research institute, language and communication specialists from Radboud University Nijmegen and the University of Tilburg work closely together. You will also be able to follow a number of lectures in Tilburg. Our programme is known to be challenging, but it also offers students a very large degree of choice.

You will begin with an introduction to the four main topics: 1. Communication and Information Sciences, 2. Language and Speech Technology; 3. Language Variation and Acquisition and 4. The Theory and Structure of Language. After six months, you will be asked to choose two of these topics for further deeper study.

The programme
The programme, which takes two years, is structured as follows:

	four general courses (20EC)
	four core courses (20EC)
	two advanced courses (10EC)
	four optional courses (20EC)
	Term paper (5EC)
	Thesis seminar (5 EC)
	Research training (15EC)
	Your thesis (25EC)

Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be awarded a Master of Arts degree.

Career prospects
This Master’s programme provides you with an excellent basis for further research. Most of our graduates go on to do a PhD, either in Nijmegen or abroad. Many of our graduates also work in research institutes, government and the commercial sector.

Admission requirements

	The equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, for example, Communication Studies, Linguistics or a modern language (as evaluated by the Examinations Commission)
	An average of 7.5 for subjects taken at the Bachelor’s level and at least an 8 for your Bachelor’s thesis
	Adequate statistical skills
	A letter explaining your reasons for wanting to join the programme
	Fluency in both written and spoken English: A TOEFL score of at least 600 or an IELTS of 7 for non native speakers of English

Students who lack the necessary knowledge and skills to start the course will be given a reading list to study. After they have completed this task, their eligibility for admission will be assessed.

Application

This Master’s programme begins in September. Registration closes on 1 January for students outside the EEA and on 1 April for students from EEA countries.

If you are not from the European Economic Area (EEA) and you apply before 1 March, we can guarantee accommodation as well as help with getting a visa and a residence permit. If you are from the EEA and you apply before 1 May, we can guarantee accommodation during your stay at the University.
If you apply after these dates, we will still consider your application, but unfortunately cannot provide the assistance described above. If you intend to apply for a scholarship, please make sure you send your request for admission well before the closing date of the scholarship programme.

Programme Coordinator
Dr. Els den Os
E-mail: e.denos@let.ru.nl
Telephone: +31 (0)24 361 55 59

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