English Acquisition and Multilingualism - master

Facts

Duration:	2 År
Credits (ECTS):	120
Qualification:	Master of English Linguistics with specialization in Language Acquisition and Multilingualism
Admission requirements:
Application deadline:	Nordic applicants: 15 April, EU/EEA + Swiss applicants: 1 March, Non-EU/EEA applicants: 15 November
Application code:	Nordic applicants: 5064 EU/EEA + Swiss applicants: 7164 Non-EU/EEA applicants: 2056

Programme description

The Master covers graduate level studies in acquisition and multilingualism with English as one of the languages involved. The course work provides a solid grounding in how languages are acquired in different contexts (first, second, third, heritage/minority languages), how multilingualism may influence the course of development in a language, and how it affects not only the languages but also the brains that house them.

Programme structure

Studieplan

	10 ects	10 ects	10 ects
1. sem. (autumn)	ENG-3019 Psycholinguistics and Neurocognition of Multilingualism - 10 stp. ENG-3070 Varieties of English - 10 stp.	ENG-3050 Second Language Acquisition - 10 stp.	ENG-3060 Multilingualism - 10 stp.
2. sem. (spring)	HIF-3082 Quantitative Methods in Linguistics - 10 stp.
3. sem. (autumn)	ENG-3991 Master's Thesis in English Linguistics - 60 stp.

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the Master's program gain extensive knowledge of English language acquisition, variation, and attrition, including how languages influence each other and shape English globally. They can critically evaluate literature, identify linguistic structures, apply methodologies, and use theoretical frameworks for analysis. Graduates can conduct small research projects, apply their knowledge to new contexts, and effectively communicate academic content to diverse audiences.

Teaching and assessment

The course work consists of a combination of lectures and seminars. The candidate is expected to take an active part in their own learning experience, and acceptance of an offer to study on the programme is to agree to do so. All courses include various compulsory assignments, such as oral presentations, problem-solving tasks, and smaller paper assignments.

The Master's in English Acquisition and Multilingualism is a demanding programme that requires the student to work throughout the term. The students are expected to spend 40 hours per week on their studies, including preparation for lectures and seminars, work on term papers and other assignments.

Most courses contain assignments that must be approved in order to take the exam. These may include researched or reflective writing assignments, problem solving tasks, or oral presentations.

The most common forms of examination are home exams written on assigned topics over a one-two week period or term papers on topics that students choose in cooperation with course instructor.

For further information about work requirements, exam format and evaluative criteria, see the individual course descriptions on the UiT website.

Language of instruction

The language of all teaching and examinations is English.

Exchange possibilities

Exchange studies abroad will make you more attractive on the job market. Studies abroad will increase your learning outcomes, improve your language skills, give you unique adventures and international experience. Students taking the Master's in English Acquisition and Multilingualism are encouraged to make use of one of our exchange agreements in the second semester.

The department has a student exchange agreement with the following institutions:

The University of Konstanz, which offers an MA in Multilingualism
The University of York (via the Norwegian Study Centre in York)

For an updated overview of exchange universities, please take a look at UiT's webpage on student exchange.

The application deadlines are:

1 February (autumn semester)
1 September (spring semester)

Job prospectives

With increasing migration, experts on multilingualism are constantly becoming more sought after in both public and private work places. The programme provides the candidate with a solid background in language acquisition and multilingualism. Upon completion of the study, candidates are well suited for work in educational institutions, administrative public institutions related to issues of multilingualism, as well as international associations, organisations, and enterprises that deal with multilingual and multicultural issues.

The programme is also an excellent starting-point for further study at the PhD-level, as it provides the candidate with in-depth training in an exceptional research environment which places a great deal of emphasis on teamwork and co-publishing.