Master 1 subject

VAMoS: Computational, Psycho- & Theoretical Linguistics, Master 1 subject

How to translate texts automatically, i.e. using computers?
How do humans produce language and how do they understand it?
Which characteristics do languages have in common and which are different? These characteristics can concern the sounds, the form of words and sentences and their meaning.
How can experiments be carried out to study language and language processing?
How can statistics be used to analyse language and evaluate experiments?

What I enjoy most about linguistics is working out and framing hypotheses regarding linguistic phenomena.

– Judith Fischer, Bachelor's degree

Profile
Degree	Master of Arts
Start	Winter- and summer semester
Duration	4 semesters
Classroom language	German, English
Admission	Not restricted, application at the faculty required

Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

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Application information for international applicants

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What's it all about?

This degree programme is unique, because ...

it explores the phenomenon of language from different angles: How is language processed by humans or by the computer? What do models for theoretical analyses look like? Students study programming, statistical methods and formal models in depth.

It provides the opportunity to specialise in the following fields ...

Computational linguistics
Psycholinguistics
Theoretical linguistics

Course schedule

Module handbook

Who is suited?

Those who wish to enrol in this degree programme,

...have:

mathematical and statistical knowledge

...enjoy:

dealing with linguistic data of all kinds

...struggle through:

formulas and programming code

This degree programme is suited for graduates in the following subjects

Computational linguistics
Computer Engineering
Linguistics
Cognitive psychology
or related subjects

Graduates from this degree programme frequently work

in companies working with language technology
in paediatric speech and language therapy
in research
in the field of data science
at publishers, e.g. of school books

And else?

Studying abroad ... is recommended. It is done from the 3. semester semester.
Duration: 1 semester

Where do I find help?

Academic advisory office

Prof. Dr. Stefanie Dipper
Building, Room: GB 1/161
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-25112
Email: beratung@linguistics.rub.de
Website academic advisory office

Contact students

Fachschaft Linguistik
Building, Room:
Phone:
Email: fachschaft@linguistics.rub.de
Website Fachschaft

Internet

Degree programmes' website

Other degree programs in the subject

Bachelor 2 subject

Master 2 subject

Judith Fischer is a first-year student of Linguistics. She is pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree, 2-subject programme. Judith’s other discipline is German Studies.

What made you choose this degree programme?

I was fascinated by the prospect of dealing with language on a scientific level. I had, moreover, heard that you’ll get an insight into many individual languages.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

Language is indeed discussed on a scientific and systematic level, and this approach has exceeded all my expectations in the best possible way. The idea that you’ll get an insight into many languages is not quite correct: you mustn’t expect it to be like a language course for numerous languages. Many different languages systems are studied as examples, though.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

Working out and framing hypotheses regarding linguistic phenomena.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Figuring out how to write academic texts in the first homework assignments (that count towards the exam grade).

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

At present, I am toying with the idea of specialising in computational linguistics, which deals with the way how natural language is processed by computer software. There are many possibilities to use innovations in this field to facilitate the daily life of disabled people. This is the field that interests me most.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

It is crucial to attend all lectures and seminars and, most importantly, the tutorials. This is how you can best learn the basic principles and, consequently, pass the exams easily and without unnecessary stress. It is also very important to discuss possible questions (preferably with the tutors). The tutors are always prepared to answer questions and are a great help.