Fakta
Informasjon er oppdatert av UiT Norges arktiske universitet
14. mars 2022.
Om studiet
The programme is well suited for students who wish to study language from a comparative perspective. The programme places special emphasis on the formal aspects of grammar, in particular syntax and phonology. The approach to these disciplines relies on comparative studies of many languages.
The Master's of Philosophy in Theoretical Linguistics covers
graduate level studies in theoretical linguistics, and is to be
seen as an extension of work at the Bachelor's level. The
programme places special emphasis on the formal aspects of
grammar, in particular syntax and phonology. The approach to
these disciplines relies on comparative studies of many
languages. Students will develop insight into the structure of
language, comparative aspects of linguistic research, social and
geographic variation, the historical development of languages and
language acquisition. At the Master's level, students will
develop special interests based on their coursework and will
write either a Master's Thesis or two article-length papers.
The programme consists of the following
components:
- 60 ECTS of coursework and
- 60 ECTS for either (1) one thesis, or (2) two articles.
The two elective ten credit courses can come from any 3000-level
course in language or linguistics offered by the groups for
English and General Linguistics, Russian, Finnish and Saami. Note
that elective courses must be oriented to theory of language
rather than practical language learning. By application, other
courses may be accepted (e.g. courses in philosophy, psychology,
mathematics, and so on), as long as their relevance to the degree
can be documented.
Interdisciplinary courses
Several "interdisciplinary"
courses are offered, and these courses are assigned a HIF-code in
the university course catalogue. Not all of the HIF-courses,
however, may be appropriate for incorporation into the programme.
To find out which HIF-courses are accepted as part of the Master
in Theoretical Linguistics, please contact the programme
staff.
Progression
The following courses are compulsory in Semester 1: HIF-3010
Syntax I, and HIF-3022 Phonology I. In addition students are
required to complete an elective course.
The following courses are compulsory in Semester 2: HIF-3011
Syntax II, and HIF-3021 Phonology II. In addition students are
required to complete an elective course.
Master's Thesis
The degree includes
60 ECTS which must be earned either (i) by writing one Master's
Thesis (60 ECTS) or (ii) by writing two papers (30 ECTS each).
This work is normally done individually, but may be part of a
research project being carried out at the Department of Language
and Culture (ISK). The topic and supervisors for this work will
be chosen in consultation with one of the academic staff. There
is no other restriction on the subfield of linguistics that the
thesis should deal with, but it is expected that the content be
contextualized to reflect an understanding of the relevant issues
from linguistic theory. This applies also to those opting to
write two papers, but in this case the two papers cannot be in
the same subfield.
Undervisningsopplegg
Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars. The Master's in Theoretical Linguistics is a demanding programme that requires the student to work throughout the term. The students are expected to spend 40 hours per week on their studies, including preparation for lectures and seminars, work on term papers and other assignments.
Evaluation is carried out at the end of each course on the basis of a portfolio of the students' written work. As a Master's student, you will be assigned a supervisor who will monitor your progress throughout your studies. The Master's Thesis will be assigned a grade (from A to F); the coursework will be graded on the same scale. For information about examinations, please see the individual course descriptions.
Opptakskrav
Bachelor's Degree in a language or linguistics
Opptaksinformasjon
Admission to the Master's programme in Theoretical Linguistics requires a Bachelor's Degree (180 ECTS), or equivalent qualification, in a language or linguistics, or a degree combining linguistics and literature (minimum 80 ECTS in linguistics/language/literature, of which minimum 60 ECTS must be in linguistics and/or language). Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand: An average grade C as a minimum requirement. Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in countries other than the above mentioned region/countries: An average grade B as a minimum requirement.
A special interest in the formal and descriptive properties of natural language is a precondition.
Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:
- The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is 20 April
- Her finner du all informasjon knyttet til søking og opptak.
Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:
- The application deadline for international applicants is 1 December
- You will find more information about international admission here.
Please note that all questions related to the admission process should be directed to the International Admission Office at the university.
Læringsutbytte
After completing the Master's programme in Theoretical Linguistics the candidate will have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge - the candidate has:
- specialised knowledge of a linguistic subfield through work with the Master's Thesis
- deeper knowledge of theoretical linguistics through the study of core subjects
- broadened knowledge of adjoining fields through elective courses
- a critical view of the theories and methods that have been underlying linguistic research
Skills - the candidate can:
- orient himself or herself in linguistic scientific literature with special regard to the development of theory and methods, and to earlier research
- solve problems, analyze linguistic data, and present findings according to academic standards
- communicate scientific content at a high level
General competence - the candidate is able to:
- work in occupations that require thorough knowledge of human language and/or experience with independent project work
- analyze academic, professional and research ethical problems in linguistics
- apply his/her knowledge and skills in new linguistic areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
- communicate extensive independent work and masters language and terminology of linguistics
- communicate about linguistic issues, analyses and conclusions, both with specialists and the general public
- contribute to new thinking and innovation processes in linguistic theorizing
Karrieremuligheter
The programme is an excellent starting-point for further study at the PhD-level.
It also qualifies candidates for work in occupations that require specialized insight into language and/or experience with independent project work, for example programming, administration, industry or the media.
Utveksling
Exchange studies abroad will make you more attractive on the job market. Studies abroad will increase your learning outcomes, improve your language skills, give you unique adventures and international experience. Students taking the Master's in Theoretical Linguistics are encouraged to make use of one of our exchange agreements in the second semester.
For an updated overview of exchange universities, please take a look at UiT's webpage on student exchange.
The application deadlines are:
1 February (autumn semester)
1 September (spring semester)