Master's Degree in Multilingualism

Program overview

This two-year Master’s programme brings together current research in linguistics and multilingualism within a research-intensive department that is part of the German Excellence Initiative. Instruction is in English (and French for courses taken in Bordeaux), and the curriculum covers theoretical and empirical approaches to multilingualism with particular attention to psycholinguistic, neurolinguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives. Students gain systematic training in research design, experimental methods and statistics while deepening their knowledge of how language develops and functions in diverse bilingual and multilingual groups.

Degree structure and mobility

Students may follow a double-degree pathway with Université Bordeaux Montaigne: in that case they spend the first year in Bordeaux within the “Sciences du langage” programme (focus: Plurilinguisme), where teaching emphasises regional multilingualism in France—especially in the Aquitaine region—and the second year at Konstanz. Students who do not take the double-degree option can instead complete one semester abroad at a partner university of their choice or undertake an internship in Germany or abroad; internships can also be completed locally in Konstanz and surrounding areas. The Department of Linguistics at Konstanz provides access to advanced experimental facilities students can use for research, including reaction-time setups, eye-tracking, ERP equipment and baby-lab resources.

Career and research preparation

The combination of methodological training, empirical experience and applied project work prepares graduates both for doctoral study and for a range of non-academic careers. Alumni are well suited for PhD programmes and for professional roles in education, administrative and international institutions, NGOs, and multicultural businesses where multilingual competence and research skills are valued.

Key facts and entry-related points

• Duration: 2 years (Master’s level)
• Language(s) of instruction: English; courses in the Bordeaux year are taught in French
• Suitable academic backgrounds: linguistics, education, psychology, cognitive science, speech and language therapy, or related fields; also open to applicants with a strong interest in bilingual/multilingual language development
• Double-degree option: first year at Université Bordeaux Montaigne (Sciences du langage, Plurilinguisme), second year at Konstanz; Bordeaux component focuses on regional multilingualism (Aquitaine)
• Alternative to double-degree: one semester abroad at a partner university or an internship (in Germany or abroad); internships may be completed locally
• Research training: emphasis on research design, methods and statistics; access to reaction-time, eye-tracking, ERP and baby-lab facilities
• Career outcomes: preparation for PhD programmes and professional roles in education, international organisations, administrative bodies and multicultural enterprises

Program structure and curriculum (summary)

This two-year, 120 ECTS master's programme is taught over four semesters. During the first two semesters (taken either in Konstanz or—if you choose the double-degree route—in Bordeaux) students typically complete nine courses spanning core linguistics, research methods, multilingualism from the individual and societal perspectives, and one course from a related discipline. These early semesters build a comprehensive theoretical and methodological base for studying multilingualism.

The core linguistics training covers all major levels of analysis (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics) and their interfaces. Research-methods training includes quantitative approaches, statistics, and experimental design with particular attention to methods used in language acquisition research. Courses on multilingualism and the individual examine bilingual first-language development, heritage-language acquisition, second- and third-language learning, and psycholinguistic, neurolinguistic and clinical dimensions. Societal modules address sociolinguistic and sociological aspects of multilingualism, language contact and change, and language attrition. Related-discipline options (for example politics, psychology, sociology), additional linguistics electives, or foreign-language study add an interdisciplinary element.

In the third semester, students who do not follow the double-degree path undertake either a study-abroad period or an internship to broaden academic networks or gain practical experience; double-degree students remain in Konstanz and continue coursework there. The fourth semester is reserved for empirical research culminating in the master’s thesis and an oral examination; students also participate in a research colloquium and a research seminar during this phase.

Key modules

• Module One: Linguistic Foundations
• Module Two: Methods
• Module Three: Multilingualism and the Individual
• Module Four: Multilingualism in Society
• Module Five: Study Abroad or Internship (not required for double-degree students)
• Module Six: Related Disciplines and Language Courses (additional courses)
• Module Seven: Research (research seminar/colloquium)
• Module Eight: Master's Thesis and Oral Exam

Learning outcomes (what you will gain)

• A solid, cross-level grounding in linguistic theory and analysis (from phonetics to pragmatics).
• Practical empirical research skills, including quantitative analysis, statistics, and experimental design tailored to language-acquisition studies.
• Specialist knowledge of individual multilingual development (bilingualism, heritage languages, L2/L3 acquisition) and its psycholinguistic, neurolinguistic and clinical aspects.
• Understanding of sociolinguistic and sociological drivers of multilingualism, including language contact, change and attrition.
• Interdisciplinary competence through related-discipline coursework or additional language study.
• International or workplace experience via study abroad or internship (where applicable).
• The ability to design, carry out and present independent empirical research (master’s thesis) and to defend findings in an oral examination.

Completion requirements (concise)

• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), total workload 120 ECTS.
• First two semesters: ~9 courses across linguistics, methods, multilingualism (individual & society), and a related-discipline option.
• Third semester: study abroad or internship (unless you follow the double-degree track, in which case you remain in Konstanz and take courses).
• Fourth semester: empirical research, master’s thesis submission and oral exam; attendance at research colloquium and research seminar.

Graduates are well prepared for academic careers, including PhD programmes, thanks to the programme’s strong methodological and empirical research focus. The Master’s thesis and research training provide direct experience in experimental and quantitative approaches valued in doctoral research.

Beyond academia, alumni can apply their skills in education, language policy and planning, international organisations, NGOs, administrative institutions and multicultural enterprises. Training in research methods, data analysis and applied multilingualism equips graduates for roles that require evidence-based language expertise and cross-cultural competence.