MA

Summary of the MA Linguistics at Goethe University and Applicant Checklist

The Master’s Program Linguistics covers specific theoretical and empirical issues of explanatory language analysis as well as diverse areas of application of theoretical linguistic research. As a scientific qualification, the program exposes students to research initiatives and to the current state of basic research in linguistics in the areas of phonology, syntax, semantics, language acquisition, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics.

General prerequisites for the Master’s Program Linguistics are

1. a Bachelor’s degree in linguistics from the Goethe University or
2. a degree in the same or a similar field of study from a German or foreign university, with a standard study period of at least six semesters, which is at least equivalent to the Bachelor’s degree in linguistics from Goethe University

What is meant by Theoretical Linguistics?

Theoretical linguistics as taught at Goethe University involves using logical and mathematical tools in the analysis of language, as is standard in theories like the Minimalist Program, Montague Grammar, Optimality Theory, or Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar.

Please note that the MA in linguistics from Goethe University is not a program in English linguistics. Therefore, a BA in theoretical linguistics as described above or an equivalent qualification is required to participate in the program. A BA in applied linguistics, in English language and/or literature, in teaching of English, or in English translation is not enough to ensure a successful application.

Applicant Checklist

The admissions committee is charged with assuring that each successful applicant meets the requirements for admission to the program. Therefore, before you send in an application, we kindly request that you ask yourself whether any of the statements below apply to you:

1. You do not have a Bachelor’s degree in formal, theoretical linguistics that is equivalent to the Bachelor’s degree of linguistics at Goethe University.

2. You have not taken at least one introductory and one advanced class in each of the following areas:

• formal phonetics and/or phonology
• formal syntax
• formal semantics

3. You cannot provide proof of your English skills in one of the following ways:

a) a bachelor’s degree with English as the instruction language

b) a standardized test completed no more than 2 years prior to the time of application - the following certifications are recognized:

• TOEFL (Internet: score of at least 110, computer: score of at least 270)

• IELTS (at least 6.5 in each section)

• Cambridge First, Advanced or Proficient (at least 'good' in each section)

If you are sure that none of these statements apply to you, then we would be very happy to receive an application from you!

However, if one or more of these statements apply to you (or you cannot support your achievements through official documents), then please do not submit an application to our program, because the admissions committee will not be able to approve your application! There are many Masters programs in linguistics. If ours is not the right one for you, then we encourage you to apply for admission elsewhere. We wish you good luck in your endeavors!