Linguistics

The minor Linguistics offers an introduction to the way in which people generate and understand language in the brain, how we learn language and how we use language.

Number of EC

30 EC

Start

Study period 1 and 3

Coordinator

BA Linguistics Coordinator

For study period 1 and 2 you can register between 2 June and 20 June 2025.
For study period 3 and 4 you can register between 3 November and 21 November 2025.

Content

The minor Linguistics offers a broad introduction into the scientific study of human language. It tries to answer questions like: how do children acquire a language, what is the relation between the language variety you speak and your social identity, what are the building blocks of language and the principles for combining them, how do we use language to make meaning and to communicate? Studying language brings together biological, cognitive, and social perspectives in an interdisciplinary way and it gives us a window on what makes us uniquely human, as thinking and talking animals.

Goal

The minor Linguistics aims to introduce students to the most important concepts and theories in the study of language, to linguistic research and to the academic, analytical, and methodological skills that are involved in this.

Curriculum

The minor consists of 4 compulsory courses (30 EC). The preferred order is period 1-4, but it is also possible to start the minor in period 3.

Important

  • If you are a student of the English Language and Culture BA and choose the specialisation “The Social Life of English”, instead of Sociolinguistics you take the course Digital Tools and Methods (TW2V23002). Contact your Study Advisor.
  • If you are a student of the Nederlandse taal en cultuur BA, instead of 'From Language to Linguistics' (TW1V13001) you take the course 'Psychology of Language' (TW1V19001). Contact your Study Advisor.

Interested in these Masters?

The minor provides substantive preparation for the Master's programmes listed below. It does not guarantee admission, so always check the entry requirements.

Register

First, check whether you meet the entry requirements. How you register next depends on whether you are already a student at Utrecht University or not.

Contact

With questions or for more information about the registration procedure, please contact the Humanities Student Information Desk.