Advanced Master of Arts in Advanced Studies in Linguistics 
This master offers an advanced one year programme in English focussing on autonomous work and learning through tutorials, seminars, small-scale research projects, internships, oral presentations and research papers.
This interuniversity initiative gives you the freedom to specialise in a field of study of your choice. The courses are mainly taught in English, but French, Dutch or German may also be used depending on the nature of the course and the language background of the students.
The programme offers you a profound insight into the nature of language and the many uses to which it is put.
You will acquire the skills necessary for collecting and analysing linguistic data. In addition you will learn how to think critically about theories of language and language-related phenomena (e.g. language learning, use, processing, and change).
Course outline & programme
ECTS: 60
Years: 1
Campus: Etterbeek
In cooperation with: Universiteit Antwerpen, UGent, K.U.Leuven
Internship: optional
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers the module on Multilingualism and foreign language learning and teaching in the officially bilingual, but in reality highly multilingual context of the capital of Belgium and the European Union. In this module you will learn about a wide variety of topics including:
- the linguistic, social, psychological, cognitive and neurological dimensions of language learning and language teaching and multilingualism
- the different types of bi- and multilingual education
- how language use and language learning can be regulated through language planning and policy
In addition you will gain practical experience on how language teaching and multilingual education works in real life.
Semester 1
- Courses (four courses of 6 credits each)
- Thesis work (6 credits): presentation of topic and of preliminary work
Semester 2
- Courses: intensive course or internship (12 credits)
- Thesis work (18 credits): completion of the Master thesis
In the first semester, students must choose one or two background courses and two or three specialisation courses (with a maximum of four courses). The background courses are selected from a list to which all four participating universities contribute. The specialisation courses are chosen from one of the four specialisation modules. The specialisation courses form the basis for the thesis and the intensive course or internship in the second semester.
Modules
- Multilingualism and foreign language learning and teaching (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
- Cognitive and Functional Linguistics (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
- Interdisciplinary Linguistics (Universiteit Antwerpen)
- Linguistics in a comparative perspective (Universiteit Gent)
Admission requirements
Applicants must have a master degree in linguistics or a language related area of studies. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may still be accepted on the basis of their dossier, showing substantial academic background in the field of study. In some cases admission to the programme can be granted after following a preparatory study programme of minimally 20 credits.
Students must enrol in one of the four universities in keeping with their chosen area of specialisation.
All necessary information regarding the admission requirements, deadlines and application forms can be found on the web page 'How to enroll as a student'.
Language requirements
In order to be admitted, you need to be proficient in English. The language requirements can be found on the website.
Student testimonial
Charis sees only one possible city to study languages and linguistics: Brussels of course!
"A couple of years ago I came to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel as Erasmus student from Greece. I do not regret this descision for one moment. The master of advanced studies in linguistics is more than I ever hoped! It gives me a chance to learn and grow and to do research. And the study guidance here is very good. I really like it here. I might even end up living in Brussels!
Brussels is the capital of Europe and that you see in all kind of things. You meet so many people from different countries, speaking al kind of lanuages. What place is better to study linguistics! What is more: Brusssels is really a splendid city."
Charis KousoulaTop
Our student service
Students at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are not just mere numbers. A lot of attention goes to making sure that you can study in the best possible situation. There are numerous staff members ready to assist you and give advice on all topics related to student life: practical information, medical assistance and finance, study planning, sports and culture, health, transport, housing and food, etc.
For all kinds of help, advice and support, visit the web pages of ‘Student Facilities’.
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More information
stbfaclw@vub.ac.be
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Faculty of Arts and Philosophy
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Brussels
Belgium
An overview of all Master and Postgraduate programmes taught in English at the VUB can be found in the brochure Student (on top) of the world (970 KB).