English Linguistics (Master of Arts, 1-subject)
The English-taught MA degree program English Linguistics (single-subject) is a two-year program that aims to teach students in-depth knowledge and skills in English linguistics with a special thematic focus on linguistic variation. Students will learn about how contextual, social, regional, and psycholinguistic factors shape language, as well as how it varies over time (language change). In addition to this, students will acquire a broad spectrum of methodological skills pertaining to gathering and analyzing quantitative data in linguistics, which promotes general data literacy.
Due to the program’s practical and hands-on nature, students will not just be learning these skills in the classroom: the English Linguistics MA degree program includes a research-based or vocational internship. This not only helps students gain perspective on their future careers, but also gives them the opportunity to hone their skills and put them into practice.
Starting in their second semester, students can study abroad and profit from our partnerships with universities in Great Britain and France.
The English Linguistics Master’s program also has a strong interdisciplinary component with four areas of electives to choose from: Anglophone Literatures and Media; Natural Language Processing; Digital Humanities; Phonetics. These subjects tie in well with linguistics and, at the same time, enable students to pursue further interests and flesh out their individual profiles.
| Course | English Linguistics |
| Degree | Master of Arts |
| Program type | 1-Subject |
| Course length | 4 semester |
| ECTS (Credits) | 120 |
| Admission restrictions | none (Winter Semester 2025/26) | none (Summer Semester 2026) |
| Course starts | Winter Semester | Summer Semester |
| Language of Instruction | English |
Programme Co-ordinator | English Linguistics Programme
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Sebastian Hoffmann
Tel.:+49 651 201-2287
E-Mail: hoffmann@uni-trierde
Subject and Degree Specific information
- Homepage of the Department of English Studies
- Departmental Website of the Master´s degree ,,English Linguistics"
- Departmental Academic Advisor
- Info for students in their first semester
- Infos for prospective students
Study Documents
A single-subject master’s degree programme has a standard period of study of four semesters.
- Module overview | English Linguistics (Master of Arts, 1-subject)
- Curriculum | English Linguistics (Master of Arts, 1-subject)
The subject examination regulations regulate the purpose, content and procedure of the examinations and are legally binding. If you have specific questions about the content of an individual examination, please connect your examiners, otherwise contact the departmental academic advisor. The University Examination Office will answer any questions regarding the organisation of examinations.
The module descriptionsspecify the modules laid out in the examination regulations and provide information on the content of the courses in the modules as well as the learning objectives and competences to be acquired.
Application and Admission
§ 2 Admission requirements
In addition to the admission requirements set out in § 2 general subject examination regulations for masters degree (in german)., the following admission requirements apply to the Master's degree programme in English Linguistics (1-subject):
1. bachelor's degree in English Studies, American Studies, General Linguistics or equivalent degree The decision on equivalence is made by the Examination Board on a case-by-case basis.
2. modules totalling at least 10 credit points from the field of English linguistics.
3. proof of knowledge of the English language in accordance with § 4 para. 2 of the enrolment regulations (in german) of Trier University in the currently valid version.
Further information on application, admission and enrolment is summarised on the application page.
This information is a non-binding overview in English. The legal text of the respective order applies (in german).
Internship
An internship is not compulsory in this programme.
Nevertheless, it is recommended to make contact with employers through internships at an early stage and get to know the future working world. The university supports internships in Germany and abroad through Career Services by providing information and internships offers.
Stay abroad
A study/stay abroad is not compulsory but is recommended. The mobility window is in the 3rd semester, but a stay abroad can also take place in other semesters.
The university supports study and internship stays abroad through numerous exchange programmes. Further information: