Linguistics: Language and Society

In the one-year Master’s programme Language and Society, you will develop the knowledge and skills to analyse your target language within its unique social context. Providing real-world examples of core linguistics concepts and theory, the programme focuses on the analysis of language use and variation. You will explore how and why languages vary within particular communities, differences in language use and policy, and the influence of issues such as multilingualism and computer-mediated communication. This Master’s offers you the unique opportunity to specialise in one of seven European language communities. With experts in English, French, German, Italian, Scandinavian, Slavonic and Spanish, you will be able to develop your own expertise in the linguistics of your language of choice, all the while improving your own productive and receptive proficiency. The programme is designed to help you untangle the complexity of language in concrete ways. You will develop analytical skills that prepare you for your own research and learn to work with linguistic data, in particular collecting, processing, analysing and interpreting. You will also gain effective communicative competence, spoken and written, in both your language of choice and English. Moreover, you will be able to tailor the programme to your own interests through a broad range of complementary electives.

The University of Amsterdam (UvA), founded in 1632, is one of Europe's largest research universities with over 35,000 students. Located in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, it's renowned for social sciences, humanities, and business programs. Ranked #53 worldwide and known for its progressive academic culture.