Master's Programme in Speech and Language Processing University of Konstanz

The Master's degree programme in Speech and Language Processing is designed as a two-year programme (four semesters) with a workload of 120 ECTS points. There are two tracks within the programme: Human Language Processing (HLP) and Machine Language Processing (MLP). Core foundational and methodological courses are shared across the tracks, but students are expected to emphasise either the HLP or the MLP track by choosing a majority of courses within that track. In both tracks, the courses focus on both theory and practice. Acquiring competence in statistical methods and programming is required.

The Master's programme in Speech and Language Processing consists of two closely intertwined tracks: language processing as done by humans and language processing as programmable into computers. A foundational module introduces students to issues and methodology in both human and computational language processing. Students are then expected to specialise in one of the two tracks, but the programme is simultaneously designed to be flexible so that students can pursue the courses that most closely match their interests. Module Seven allows students to pursue courses according to their interests in neighbouring areas such as computer science and psychology.

The Master’s programme contains a strong methodological component, enabling graduates to work either in industry or academia and to pursue cutting edge experimental and/or computational research in language processing. As such, it is mandatory to learn statistical methods and to acquire knowledge of a programming language as part of the study programme. Courses on statistical methods are available in Module Two and courses on programming languages in Modules Two, Four, or Seven. We encourage students to pursue internships outside the university in industry or academia but also provide internship possibilities within the university (Module Six).

Overall, the study programme consists of eight modules and is designed so that it can be studied in English.

The core study area comprises Modules One through Six and Eight; the neighbouring area is covered by Module Seven.

Module One: Core Areas of Linguistics, 18 credit points (cr)
Module Two: Methods, 12 cr
Module Three: Foundations, 18 cr
Module Four: Machine Language Processing (MLP), 18/9 cr, depending on focus (machine or human language processing)
Module Five: Human Language Processing (HLP), 18/9 cr, depending on focus (machine or human language processing)
Module Six: Practical/Experimental Applications and Research, 6 cr
Module Seven: Neighbouring Areas, 18 cr
Module Eight: Master's thesis and oral exam, 21 cr

Each student is required to conduct an internship worth 3 ECTS.

1. Applicants must have an above-average Bachelor's degree in linguistics. The grade point average of your Bachelor's degree should at least correspond to the German grade 2.5 (good). Students in the final year of their Bachelor's degree, who have not yet graduated, are welcome to apply. In exceptional cases applicants may be admitted who have completed their qualifying degree (grade "good" 2.5 or better) in another, comparable study programme with academic achievements that make successful participation in the Master's programme in Speech and Language Processing likely.
2. Applicants must provide documentation of advanced English language skills (see below).

A description of the admission requirements is found in the admission regulations of the University of Konstanz.

Students currently pay the following fees per semester:

• Administrative fee: 80 EUR
• Student services fee: 115 EUR
• Student body fee: 14 EUR

See the overview by the Division of Student Affairs and Teaching.

The cost of living for students in Konstanz was approx. 997 EUR per month as of 2021 (by now, we recommend calculating with an additional 150 EUR on average per month). Example of the average monthly living cost in Konstanz:

• Rent (including utilities): 409 EUR
• Food: 194 EUR
• Phone, internet, broadcasting fees: 29 EUR
• Clothing, laundry, personal hygiene: 40 EUR
• Learning materials (books, copies): 28 EUR
• Medical care, medicine: 97 EUR
• Leisure time, culture, sports: 60 EUR
• Health and nursing care insurance: 140 EUR

If you want to earn some extra cash while you study, you can get a student job. The university administration and many departments offer student assistant jobs. You can find a number of advertisements for jobs both on and off campus on online platforms (in German):

Jobbörse Seezeit: the job portal of "Seezeit", which is our student services

Hilfskraftstellen an der Universität | Datenbank Career Service: our career service’s job portal

Jobs are also posted on the university’s notice boards in the foyer and canteen areas as well as in the departments.

Students with great academic credentials and community service experience can apply for scholarships in Germany. In cases of unexpected financial hardship, the university will try to help with emergency financial support.
For an overview of financial support options, see this overview by the Division of Student Affairs and Teaching.

For example, you may apply for the Deutschlandstipendium. The scholarship amounts to 300 EUR per month and is awarded without regard to income for a minimum of two semesters.

The University of Konstanz has a Career Office for all university students: https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/advice-and-services/career-service/

There are a number of possibilities for accommodation for students: in apartments, flat shares, or residence halls run by the university. Check out our website, where we provide an overview of the different options as well as general tips. You can also contact the team of our International Office for advice on housing.

Please note that it is important to begin your search for accommodation as early as possible since our city and surroundings are very popular not only with students but also with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Since both Switzerland and Lake Constance border Konstanz, the available living space is limited and is not always inexpensive.