Linguistics (research) (MA)

Why Leiden University

A top-ranked university

Leiden University's Humanities department consistently ranks in the top 30 Humanities faculties in the THE World University Rankings. At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, learning incorporates the latest research and resources found nowhere else in the world, such as those of the famous Leiden University Library and its collections of original manuscripts and periodicals.

Benefit from an international academic environment

You will also gain access to the internationally renowned research programmes led by Leiden University’s senior researchers – and the opportunity to join international peers from around the world at conferences, summer and winter schools, workshops and lecture series, connecting you to the leading minds in the field as well the latest academic developments.

A centre of expertise on languages and cultures of the world

When it comes to languages and cultures, Leiden University is the university. The global expertise present places our university at the top. In Leiden and The Hague, we study languages and cultures from all regions of the world and from prehistory to the present day. In this way we create a broad view of the world; the key to mutual understanding.

Create your own specialisation

We encourage original and innovative research. You will have the opportunity to develop your own academic path in an environment that is both international and inspiring. Our research master's programme in Linguistics allows you to study specific areas of interest many of which are not available in research master programmes elsewhere in the Netherlands, for example descriptive and historical linguistics. You will have the freedom to pick 50 EC worth of Linguistics courses on a vast range of languages and sub-fields, follow courses at another university, or conduct field research abroad.

An excellent start to your career

Your qualification from Leiden University is respected by organisations worldwide. But that's not the only advantage of studying at Leiden. We challenge you to question established wisdom, consider new perspectives, and apply what you learn to real-world situations. Our students learn how to become critical thinkers – a quality that will ensure they stand out in any future career.

Diversity and inclusion

We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. We find it important to offer a learning environment that allows for different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age or socio-economic background. Every new generation sees the world from a new perspective – and our students are the newest generation. We look forward to hearing more about your perspective. Leiden University has been pursuing diversity policy since 2014, with the aim of creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all staff and students.