English Linguistics

Overview

There is a long tradition of Linguistics in Tübingen, but there are more linguists now working on a wider variety of aspects of linguistics than ever before. In part, this is due to the  exceptional success of Tübingen linguists in attracting research funding over the last 20 years. The course structure of the M. A. program English Linguistics reflects this depth and interdisciplinarity. While there is an emphasis on the description and processing of the English language, perspectives are always enriched by crosslinguistic comparison and interdisciplinary approaches ranging from experimentation to literary studies. For this reason, students can combine courses offered in English Linguistics with selected M. A. courses offered by the other Linguistics departments.

An important aspect of the M. A. program is the degree of choicein independent study. From the very beginning, students are encouraged to design and conduct their own research projects.

Supervised by staff, they can contribute to the ongoing research of the Institute of English Languages and Literatures, and joint publications with staff are often the result. The academic and empirical skills thus acquired provide students with excellent qualifications for further study in Linguistics at doctoral level.

In recent international and national ratings, Linguistics in Tübingen fared very well. For example, in the QS World University Ranking, Linguistics is in the worlds’ top 100.

Career prospects

The English Linguistics program from University of Tübingen qualifies students for various career options. Students can pursue an academic career by applying for a Ph.D. program in Linguistics or Cognitive Science, or they can use their linguistic and analytical skills for a career in the wider economy in fields related to language and communication. M. A. holders are able to work on linguistic topics at an academic level, they have learned to abstract and synthesize information, to evaluate explanations critically, and are competent in the planning and execution of research and project work. With these abilities they are qualified for positions, in publishing, language technology and teaching, translation agencies, and journalism just to mention a few.