Multilingualism – Master of Arts

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Postgraduate study programme which requires a first university degree.

The MA Multilingualism offered by the Department of Linguistics at the University of Konstanz (Germany) concentrates on topics in current linguistics research that bear most directly on two areas:

  • multilingualism and the individual. This area covers aspects of bi- and multilingual language acquisition in current theory and research, including bilingual development during early childhood, second-language (L2) acquisition in children and adults, as well as L3 acquisition and heritage language acquisition.
  • aspects of multilingualism in society. This area includes topics such as language contact, language loss, language dominance, language influence and language change in European and non-European languages.

Overview

Degree Master of Arts
Programme start Winter semester & Summer semester
Period of study 4 semesters
Application period 15.3. - 15.5. | 29.11. - 15.1
Admission restrictions no
ECTS 120
⌀ Number of students 30

Why study Multilingualism in the University of Konstanz?

Given the Department’s orientation and research traditions, the MA programme in multilingualism has a strong theoretical orientation, and it allows students to strengthen their background in theoretical linguistics, especially as applied to current research on multilingualism. It typically includes training in research methods (including data management, visualization, and statistics) and offers opportunities to conduct experimental research, with access to research labs in Konstanz. Students also have the chance to learn about multilingual teaching and to engage in interdisciplinary work with related disciplines, such as Political Science, Sociology and Psychology. Futhermore, there is a double degree-option in cooperation with Université Bordeaux Montaigne and the Franco-German University. 

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

The programme is highly research-oriented and graduates of the MA Multilingualism may continue with a doctoral programme in Linguistics or another related discipline. Practical skills acquired in the programme are applicable to professions in:

  • Educational institutions
  • Administrative public institutions
  • International cultural institutions
  • International associations, organizations and global enterprises which operate in a multicultural environment.


You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester & Summer semester

Academic structure

The MA Multilingualism is designed as a 2-year programme (4 semesters) with a workload of 120 ECTS-points. Semesters 1 and 2 are spent in Konstanz. In semester 3, students choose between a stay abroad, studying multilingualism at a partner institution or an internship with a company or research group relevant to the degree. Semester 4 will be dedicated to thesis work.

Module 1: Linguistic Foundations (Ling 310) (18 cr)
Module 2: Methods (Ling 320) (12 cr)
Module 3: Multilingualism and the Individual (Ling 330) (18 cr)
Module 4: Multilingualism in Society (Ling 340) (12 cr)
Module 5: Study Abroad or Internship (21 cr)
Module 6: Related Disciplines and Language Courses (Additional Courses) (9 cr)
Module 7: Research (9 cr)
Module 8: Master's Thesis and Oral Exam (Ling 380) (21 cr)

For further information check the study plan.

Furthermore, there is a double degree-option in cooperation with Université Bordeaux Montaigne and the Franco-German University. Find further information here.


Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Internship and study abroad

Internships

In the third semester, students can choose between a stay abroad, studying multilingualism at one of our partner institutions or undertaking an internship with a company/institution/research group relevant to the degree.

Study abroad

In the third semester, students can choose between a stay abroad, studying multilingualism at one of our partner institutions or undertaking an internship with a company/institution/research group relevant to the degree.

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

Students who are interested in the programme should have acquired knowledge in the core areas of linguistics such as Phonology, Phonetics, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics during the bachelor's programme.

Language skills

Foreign language skills
Documentation of advanced English language skills (spoken and written English), level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Documentation of advanced French language skills (spoken and written English), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (only for applicants of the Double Degree Option. The Double Degree Option always starts in the winter semester).

Language(s) of instruction

The language of instruction will be mainly English. Upon availability, there might also be courses taught in German or other modern languages.

Admission requirements

  1. An above average Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Education, Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, or related discipline. The grade point average of your bachelor's degree should at least correspond to the German grade 2.5 (good). Students in the final year of their bachelor's degree, who have not yet graduated, are welcome to apply.
  2. Documentation of advanced English language skills (spoken and written English), level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
  3. Documentation of advanced French language skills (spoken and written English), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (only for applicants of the Double Degree Option. The Double Degree Option always starts in the winter semester).

You can find a description of the admission requirements in the Admission Regulations of the University of Konstanz.

Fees

Semester fee

All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Application and application documents

Admission to the master's programme is restricted. Once you have submitted your online application and handed in all required documents, a commission will decide wether you can be admitted to the programme.

An application is possible during the following period: 15.3. - 15.5. (winter semester) and 29.11. - 15.1 (summer semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.

Application documents


  • Documentation of your academic degree including details on course work. If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results so far.
  • Documentation of advanced English language skills (spoken and written), level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
  • Documentation of advanced French language skills (spoken and written), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (only for applicants of the Double Degree Option. The Double Degree Option always starts in the winter semester).
  • An application letter in English (at most one page), providing information on your motivation and suitability for the study programme.
  • Current certificate of enrolment or proof of exmatriculation (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’).



Important note: Please note the information provided in the tab "Admission requirements".

International applicants

  • If your documents are not available in German or English, you will need to have them translated. Please submit a German or English translation of your documents along with the original versions.
  • Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country


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