MA in Applied Linguistics

Can you learn a second language the same way you learned your mother tongue? What is the best way to test the language proficiency level of students? Find out in this master's track.

This one-year master's track focuses on research into foreign language learning and teaching. You will study the process of learning and the use of second languages. The track allows you to focus your research on your language of choice, for instance, Dutch as a second language, but also English, French, German, Swedish, Chinese, or any other language.

You will approach second language acquisition from many different angles, including (cognitive) psychology, social interaction, and language teaching. You will be introduced to the field of linguistics, language acquisition, and language teaching theory.

The master's track focuses especially on dynamic aspects of language development, which explains how the process of second language development is affected by the dynamic interaction of a wide range of factors. You will learn about the social, psychological, and cultural processes that interact in using a language or that may cause the use of a second language to grow or decline. You will explore didactic applications of recent research and theoretical developments, and learn about computer-assisted language learning. Although this is not a teacher training program, there is ample opportunity to discuss issues related to teaching and to do a language teaching internship.

Why study this program in Groningen?

The master's track Applied Linguistics at the University of Groningen is a unique track focussing on the processes involved in second language learning, as well as teaching theories. The program encompasses various fields of study, as learning and using a second language may be approached from many different angles. Students will explore and discuss the factors that relate to second language development, including cognition, psychology, social interaction, language teaching, and culture.

In addition to theoretical and teaching paradigms, students will also take classes in the research practices and methodology essential for conducting applied linguistics research. These classes will act as the foundation from which students will be able to conduct their own applied linguistics research in the form of the MA thesis in Semester 2. The master's track Applied Linguistics is a truly international program, welcoming students from all over the world. The classes are taught entirely in English, and students are encouraged to use their own language experiences as the basis for their individual linguistic inquiries and research. Our program is small, which means that students benefit from small, intimate classes and close collaborative relationships with the other students as well as instructors.

Research

Research in Applied Linguistics focuses on the process of learning and using a second language. It covers various fields of study because learning and using a second language can be approached from many different angles, including cognition, psychology, social interaction, language teaching, and culture.