A Bachelor's diploma in Applied Linguistics ensures an excellent command of Dutch and one or two foreign languages. Moreover, you gain experience in communication and translation through various tools designed for this purpose, which enhances your digital skills. Additionally, we explore multiple research fields, such as translation studies, foreign language acquisition, and intercultural communication. Applying intercultural communication is a valuable skill that can be developed by spending a term abroad at one of our international partner universities, alongside other activities.

If your passion for language is intertwined with your interest in the functionality of GenAI tools, you should consider combining a foreign language with language technology. You will learn to program in Python and gain expertise in natural language processing. You will discover how computers comprehend and generate language and understand the complexities of language tasks. You will become acquainted with self-learning systems and learn to utilise big data for their training.

Bachelor

Our offer of German, English, French, Italian, Russian and Spanish allows for varying language combinations. However, one of these languages should always be German, English or French.

• Throughout the first year, we focus on written and oral proficiency. You will take some introductory and language proficiency course units alongside students in Linguistics and Literature. The 'applied' focus becomes evident from the second and third years onwards: you learn to use your languages in challenging intercultural situations, translation assignments or oral communication.
• In the third year, you will focus on your Bachelor's dissertation, which will be on a topic related to applied linguistics. It is an excellent preparation for the Master's programme. You will spend the first term of the third year abroad, which is a real added value.
• If you choose either German-French, German-Spanish or French-Spanish, you can opt for an additional international experience through the AEL programme. This means you will take four years to complete your Bachelor's programme, two of which are spent at different universities.

If you choose only one foreign language in combination with Language Technology, the curriculum for that language remains the same. In addition, you become more proficient in language technology, acquainting yourself with self-learning systems in the first year to develop effective and empathetic chatbots by the final year.

Master

The three-year Bachelor's curriculum in Applied Linguistics, which is the same for all students, branches into three so-called 'domain' Master's programmes: Translation, Interpreting, or Multilingual Communication.

• If you choose the Translation programme, you will learn two-way translations of more specialised texts.
• The Interpreting programme is for those who wish to specialise in liaison interpreting. Step by step, you will familiarise yourself with various interpreting techniques.
• Those interested in communication within an intercultural professional context will feel at home in the Multilingual Communication programme. You will gain an understanding of different cultures, their verbal and nonverbal habits, effective communication practices, and suitable linguistic codes to facilitate meetings and negotiations.
• Please note that if your language combination includes Language Technology, you will not be eligible for admission to the Master of Interpreting programme.

Translating

If you choose the Translating programme, you can establish yourself as a self-employed translator, work as an employee at a translation agency, or join the translation department of an international business or government. Specialisation options include sworn translator, terminologist, translator-corrector, or subtitler. Alternatively, you could combine your role as a translator with creative copywriting, managing multilingual websites or social media channels, or adapting software and video games to fit the language and culture of the local market. With your expertise as a language technologist, you can enhance and utilise existing translation software.

Interpreting

The Master of Arts in Interpreting prepares you for a career as a conversation interpreter. The increasing internationalisation of economic, political, and social life creates a favourable environment for self-employed interpreters or those working in the interpreting departments of (inter)national organisations, businesses, or government entities.

Multilingual Communication

If you aspire to a career in the communications sector, such as a multilingual spokesperson, PR professional, company journalist, editor, or communications manager, a diploma in Multilingual Communication is the ideal choice. By combining Multilingual Communication with Language Technology, you can elevate digital communication and marketing within an organisation. Lastly, you may choose a career path in academic research or, after completing the Master of Science in Teaching, in education.

• In short, a wide range of career options is available to you. Can't wait to see where you will stand in four years? What skill sets you will have acquired? How you will have grown? Check out our alumni testimonials or go to durfdenken.be