Master of Arts in Historical Linguistics and Literature

This MA programme combines the expertise in the field of historical linguistics and literature for about ten languages or groups of languages. Linguistics and literature are not considered as isolated fields of study: texts are always situated within the culture-historical context of their origins and use. The programme responds to the needs of the cultural sector, where there is an increasing interest in national and international heritage, in libraries and archives, in the history of the book and the effects of the past.

Master's Programme
1 year 60 credits
Faculty of Arts and Philosophy
Dutch
About the programme
Programme summary
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After graduation

What

This MA programme is one of four MA programmes that build further on the Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Literature: two languages. The programme combines the expertise in the field of historical linguistics and literature for about ten languages or groups of languages. The programme is also suited for undergraduates who hold a different degree in humanities and have a special interest in historical texts of all kinds, whether these are handwritten or printed documents. In this programme, linguistics and literature are not considered as isolated fields of study: texts are always situated within the culture-historical context of their origins and use.

The Master of Arts in Historical Linguistics and Literature aims to familiarize students with analytical methods that demonstrate the determinacy of texts and provide insights into other linguistic expressions. By doing so, the programme responds to the needs of the cultural sector, where there is an increasing interest in national and international heritage, in libraries and archives, in the history of the book and the effects of the past.

Remarks

Only Ghent University offers this Master of Arts in Historical Linguistics and Literature.

For whom

The admission requirements vary. Depending on your prior education, you are either able to enrol directly, or there are additional requirements.

Structure

The Master in Historical Linguistics and Literature consists of three components: two mandatory course units and five electives (mostly literature or linguistics, 35 credits), a research work placement (10 credits) and a dissertation (15 credits). The programme structure allows students to tailor the curriculum according to their own study interests and prepares them thoroughly for the career path they choose.

The list of electives offers many course units in which the study of texts and linguistic expressions from about ten languages are the central focus. These electives can be combined at will, provided that the student possesses the necessary background knowledge to start each particular course unit. One can also enroll for more historically oriented course units, or choose a course unit taught at another Flemish university.

During the research work placement the student will conduct a small research project in a cultural heritage institution in Belgium or abroad, or in a research group. Students opting for a work placement in a cultural heritage institution will also familiarize themselves with the daily routine within these institutions, whereas a work placement in a research group will provide students with a unique opportunity to explore their study area thoroughly and to prepare for a career as researcher.
The Master’s dissertation is a requirement for every candidate in order to obtain a Master‘s degree.

Labour Market

A Master in Historical Linguistics and Literature offers training in the same general skills as a Master in Linguistics and Literature. The work placement provides students with an additional benefit to experience their first contact with the labour market.

Alumni of the Master in Historical Linguistics and Literature are well prepared to find employment in one of the traditional career opportunities of the Master in Linguistics and Literature, such as research, the cultural sector, business, and education. For employment in the education sector, you can obtain a Master's Degree in Teaching of 60 ECTS (in Dutch: Educatieve Master). The ‘Educatieve Master’ however is a Dutch-taught programme. More information can be found on www.ugent.be/educatievemaster.

However, the added value that the Master in Historical Linguistics and Literature offers its students is the broad historical perspective on language and its cultural components, and the unique combination of skills that can be acquired due to the flexible programme structure. Considering that the historical components of language, literature and the cultural past are thoroughly scrutinized, students can respond to the cultural sector's increased demand for research and management of the written past. The Master in Historical Linguistics and Literature provides an excellent preparation for the advanced masters, such as the Master of Arts in Archival Science: Cultural Heritage Management and Records Management or the Master of Advanced Studies in Linguistics.