Linguistics – Master of Arts University of Konstanz

The Master's degree programme Linguistics is designed as a two-year programme (four semesters) with a workload of 120 ECTS credits. Within the programme, there are six possible specialisations, of which three can be studied fully in English: General Linguistics, English Linguistics, and the Double-Degree Option with the Università di Verona, with a focus on applied linguistics.

The programme gives a clear overview of how the general theories and directions in linguistics research are shaping up in individual languages. You will learn which universal structures underlie human speech and how linguistic knowledge is applied to the investigation of individual languages. Language universals and comparative language observations form the starting point in the study programme. They can then be developed in different directions, such as individual languages, depending on your personal interests.

Overall, the study programme for the Master's programme in Linguistics consists of seven modules, and it is designed so that the specialisations in English Linguistics, General Linguistics, and the Double-Degree Option with the Università di Verona can be studied in English.

• Module 1: Core areas of linguistics (all areas of specialisation), 18 ECTS credits
• Module 2: Methods in linguistics (all areas of specialisation), 12 ECTS credits
• Module 3 to 6: In your specific area of specialisation, a total of 66 ECTS credits
• Module 7: Research, Master’s thesis and Master's examination, 24 ECTS credits

One area of specialisation within the Linguistics Master's programme is offered in cooperation with the Università di Verona and completed with a double degree. This area of specialisation is the Double-Degree Option with the Università di Verona and has a focus on applied linguistics (see below).

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 programmes who have not yet graduated are welcome to apply. In exceptional cases, the programme might admit applicants 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 Linguistics 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.

If you apply for the double-degree option, fees at Verona will be waived.

The cost of living for students in Konstanz was approx. 997 EUR per month as of 2021. (By now, we recommend calculating an additional 200 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, and sports: 60 EUR
• Health/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 from 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. For an overview of the different options and general tips, see the advice on housing by the International Office.

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.