Linguistics: Language, Communication and Cognition

The Master's degree programme Linguistics: Language, Communication and Cognition is offered jointly by the linguistic subjects of the Faculty of Philology and the Center for Cognitive Science of the Institute of Psychology. The programme aims to explore language in its forms and functions, in its variability, in its history and development, in its cognitive prerequisites and conditions as well as in its communicative performance. It offers students the possibility of individual specialisation in one of the following six fields: English Language and Linguistics, General Linguistics and Linguistic Diversity, German Linguistics, Language and Cognition, Romance Linguistics or Slavic Linguistics. If you choose the specialisations English Language and Linguistics or General Linguistics and Linguistic Diversity, you can also complete the degree exclusively in English.

You can find out more about the module structure, module handbook, programme and examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung), application and admission and career paths. In addition, we offer information on studying at the University of Freiburg.

English Language and Linguistics (English-only)

The specialisation English Language and Linguistics is offered as an English-only study programme. It furthers the student's knowledge and understanding of the structure and history of the English Language. In addition, the specialistion offers courses on Linguistic Variation, Language contact and Discourse and Communication in English-speaking societies. An additional module of the programme focuses on Research Perspectives in English Linguistics. Further information on the modules of the programme can be found here.

General Linguistics and Linguistic Diversity (English-only)

In the English-only specialisation General Linguistics and Linguistic Diversity, the students learn about Structures, Variation and Change in the World's Languages. Linguistic Typology and Cross-Linguistic Diversity are central topics in this specialisation. During the programme students also take a look at Endangered Languages and get introduced to Intercultural Communication. In addition, Research perspectives on Cross-Linguistic Diversity and Typology are offered. Further information on the modules of this English only programme can be found here.

German Linguistics

The specialisation German Linguistics puts its focus on the structure, variation and change of the German Language as well as multilingualism in the German-speaking region. Additionally, students gain insights into Interactional Linguistics and Research perspectives in German Linguistics. Further information on the modules of the programme can be found here.

Language and Cognition

The modules of the specialisation Language and Cognition cover the areas of Psycho- and Neurolinguistics as well as Cognitive Linguistics. Furthermore students conceptualise language as a central element of human behaviour. An additional module offers Research perspectives in Cognitive Linguistics. Further information on the modules of the programme can be found here.

Romance Linguistics

The specialisation Romance Linguistics offers students knowledge of language structures of the Romance languages and introduces them into the fields of language contact and variation as well as Interactional Linguistics in Romance languages. Additionally, Research perspectives in Romance Linguistics are offered as a part of this specialisation. A more detailed description of the modules can be found here.

Slavic Linguistics

In the specialisation Slavic Linguistics students learn about the structures of Slavic languages and familiarise themselves with language contact, change and variation in the Slavia. An additional module of the programme focuses on Research perspectives in Slavic Linguistics. Further information on the modules of the programme can be found here.