General Information
The 2-Fach Master of Linguistics and Phonetics in Cologne is jointly supported by the three departments General Linguistics, Historical-Comparative Linguistics and Phonetics of the Department of Linguistics. It is research-oriented and combines a thorough methodical education with the following specialization possibilities:
- General Linguistics
- Historical-Comparative Linguistics
- Phonetics
The range of classes for this 2-Fach Master and the 1-Fach Master Linguistik has greater overlaps, but focuses on specialization in one of the areas mentioned.
Students who wish to pursue a scientific or academic career in linguistics are advised to visit the 1-Fach-Master Linguistik in order to make optimal use of the wide range of events on offer. This 2-Fach Master's degree is aimed in particular at students who wish to combine linguistic studies with primarily nonlinguistic studies in a second subject. Combinations with ethnology, musicology, art or media studies, philosophy, information processing, classical studies or individual philology (German studies, Scandinavian studies, etc.) are particularly suitable.
The 2-Fach Master's degree allows graduates of this programme to apply theoretical knowledge as well as methodological and practical skills from these areas of linguistics productively in interdisciplinary and non-university contexts.
The non-academic labour market of language-related professions (publishing, journalism, information technology, speech diagnostics and therapy, etc.) is characterised by the contradictory requirements of specialisation and versatility. The range of courses on offer makes it possible to meet these opposing expectations to a certain extent, whereby in most areas internships and in some cases additional training are required in addition to studying.
The study programme in all specialisations provides for students to be integrated into ongoing research projects at an early stage and to learn how to design and carry out such projects themselves.
2-Fach MA Linguistics & Phonetics
Important information
Important: Abolishment of the tests in EM1, EM2, SM2
The form serves to provide an overview of completions in EM 1 and 2 (approvals and notes on completions). The selected classes will be confirmed on the form by the adviser. After attending the classes, the lecturer signs the form or otherwise confirms in writing the scope of the CP; the completion of the module is noted by I. Kapitonov (questions on the procedure by e-mail to Dr. Ivan Kapitonov).
Admission Requirements
Students with a Bachelor's degree or a comparable degree in linguistics, phonetics, a single-language philology with a linguistic focus (thesis with a linguistic topic) or a comparable linguistic subject may be admitted to the Master's programme Linguistics & Phonetics. Bachelor graduates and graduates with a comparable degree in related subjects (e.g. individual philology with a non-linguistic thesis, information processing, communication science, musicology, physics or psychology) may also be admitted on a case-by-case basis, provided that at least 40 relevant CPs in the field of linguistics or phonetics were acquired in the previous study programme. The decision on admission is made by the examination board; conditions may be imposed.
In addition, English language skills at level B2-CEFR are required. If Historical-Comparative Linguistics is chosen as a specialisation, Latin knowledge must be proven to the extent of Latin and basic knowledge of Ancient Greek to the extent taught in the Bachelor's programme Linguistics and Phonetics.
Although potential requirements do not have to be met by a specific deadline, it is strongly recommended that they be met at the beginning of the study programme, as gaps in basic knowledge are typically to be filled here.
Study Structure
Slides of the MA consultation of the SS19
Students are required to make a proposal regarding the desired specialisation when applying. After admission, they will be accompanied through the entire study programme by the responsible advisor and must discuss all options with him or her. It is possible to change the desired specialisation and thus also the supervision, whereby a change after the first semester of study leads to an extension of the total period of study.
There are 2 profiles:
- Profile 1: If the Master's thesis is written in Linguistics ("major study"), then the compulsory study includes:
- the Aufbaumodul 1 Empirical Methods
- the Schwerpunktmodul 1, for which a specific focus (GL, HCL or Phonetics) is to be selected.
- the Master's thesis, which is written on a topic of the selected profile.
In addition, a total of two optional modules must be studied, one of which must be a supplementary module.
- Profile 2: If the Master's thesis is not written in Linguistics ("small study"), the compulsory study includes:
- the Aufbaumodul 1 Empirical Methods
- the Schwerpunktmodul 1, for which a specific focus (GL, HCL or Phonetics) is to be selected.
In profile 2, a further advanced module (from AM 3-6) is added as a compulsory elective course.
All students are encouraged to spend at least one term abroad. All achievements abroad are generously credited, typically in the area of advanced and supplementary modules. The 2nd and 3rd terms are particularly appropriate for studying abroad.
Particularly in the field of GL there is almost exclusively English literature you have to read.
Information on Summer/Winter Schools and internships in the context of EM3a can be found here.
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This is how you apply
You can apply for your study programmes at the University of Cologne via the online application portal on KLIPS 2.0. Applications are processed centrally via the Student Application and Registration Office. On this page you will find detailed instructions on the application process.
1-Fach-Master, 2-Fach-Master - what's right for me?
With the exception of the Master's programme of Linguistic Information Processing, which is only offered as a 1-Fach Master, you can choose between a 1-Fach or 2-Fach Master's programme for all other disciplines of the institute. In the 1-Fach MA Linguistik you can choose from 13 different specializations and in the 1-Fach MA Linguistics you can choose from 5 different specializations. In the 2-Fach Master's programme, you can either combine two of these three specialization options:
- Phonetics
- Historical-Comparative Linguistics
- General Linguistics
or one of these specializations with another 2-Fach-Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
If you are unsure how to decide, you can contact one of the advisers.
In addition, there are counselling services at the Central Student Guidance and Counselling Services that can help you make decisions.
Entry Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or a comparable degree in linguistics, phonetics, a single-language philology with a linguistic focus (thesis with a linguistic topic) or a comparable linguistic subject.
- Knowledge of English at the level of B2-CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) is a prerequisite for studies, i.e. the proof must be submitted by the time the MA thesis is registered.
- Further language skills, depending on the profile.
It is recommended to complete potential requirements at the beginning of your study programme, because gaps in your basic knowledge should typically be filled here.