International Experimental and Clinical Linguistics (IECL) | Master/Ph.D.
The English-language Master’s / Doctoral Program International Experimental and Clinical Linguistics (IECL) at the University of Potsdam is a combined study program at the Linguistics Department starting with a master’s program that can directly lead into a doctoral program. It offers innovative instruction, combining linguistic knowledge with interdisciplinary research and an international orientation.
| Name | International Experimental and Clinical Linguistics (IECL) |
| Degree | Master of Science und/oder Ph.D. |
| Standard period of study | 4/6 semesters |
| Credit point | 120 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Start of study (1st semester) | Winter semester (Master) | Winter or summer semester (Ph.D.) |
| Campus | Golm |
| Fees & Charges | Semester fees and charges: yes Tuition fees: no |
Program Content
The IECL provides an advanced academic training in research methodology in a flexible format and prepares you for a scientific career in the areas of psycho- and neurolinguistics. The IECL has a specific focus on the neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying language processing, language acquisition, their disorders, and their rehabilitation. You can develop your own area of interest within a research framework of first language acquisition, speech and language processing, evidence based practice in speech and language disorders, and multilingual language acquisition and processing.
Course Objective and Future Career Options
The program provides intensive, research-based training in experimental and clinical linguistics in which students can deepen and expand the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies gained in their bachelor’s studies. This includes the theoretical, methodological and experimental foundations for scientific work, and prepares the student for a career in fields related to applied science, research, and teaching. The program does not provide basic training for working as a speech and language therapist.
Prerequisites for Admission to the Master’s Program
The general prerequisites for enrolling in the master’s program are:
(1) a first academic degree i.e., a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in a subject essential for the degree program in experimental cognitive sciences, or an academic degree in speech and language treatment, or an experimental degree program closely related to the field, with at least 180 CP of coursework.
(2) knowledge of experimental-empirical competences evidenced by at least:
(a) 6 credit points in statistics and / or quantitative research methods
(b) 12 credit points in the field of experimental cognitive science (psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, developmental psychology, biopsychology).
(3) English language skills (if it is not your first language) at least at C1 level (CEFR, Common European Framework of Reference). The necessary certificates to document language skills can be seen here.
Prerequisites for Admission to the Doctoral Program
Students or graduates of the Master's programme IECL or a comparable Master's program may apply for admission to the doctoral program. The examination board decides on the comparability of the content of the Master's qualification (Master's degree). The general prerequisites for enrolling in the doctoral program according to the regulations from 2019 (not yet online) are a successful completion of a Master's program and a pronounced research orientation of the applicant, recognizable from the required project outline (see below).
The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
(1) Certificate of completion or overview of all achievements to date during the Bachelor's and Master's programs
(2) Copy of the Master's thesis (or publications corresponding to the Master's thesis)
(3) Two letters of recommendation from a University professor and/or a University professor
(4) Project outline (5 pages) for a doctoral thesis/thesis that has been prepared in consultation with at least one person entitled to supervise doctoral studies
(5) Promise of supervision by the principal supervising person that will be converted into a binding supervision commitment if accepted as a PhD student (according to the Potsdam PhD regulations).
Program Graduate
„The large proportion of independent academic work within the IECL Program has prepared me well for presenting my own research project at an internationally renowned conference in Toronto.“
Program Structure
During the four semesters of the master’s program you will earn a total of 120 credit points (CP). For additional information, please consult the subject-specific Degree Regulations or the Departmental Advisory Office.
Modules | Credit points |
|---|---|
| Introductory Modules (mandatory) | 24 CP |
Foundations of Scholarly Work Introduction to Statistical Data Analysis | 12 CP 12 CP |
| Foundation Modules (mandatory) | 24 CP |
(1) First Language Acquisition (2) Language Processing (3) Evidence Bases for Language Disorders (4) Language Acquisition and Processing in Multilingual Contexts | 6 CP 6 CP 6 CP 6 CP |
| Advanced Modules (elective) Successful completion of one advanced module | 12 CP |
(1) Advanced Topics in First Language Acquisition (2) Advanced Topics in Language Processing (3) Advanced Topics in Evidence Bases for Language Disorders (4) Advanced Topics in Language Acquisition and Processing in Multilingual Contexts | 12 CP 12 CP 12 CP 12 CP |
| Project Module (mandatory) | 6 CP |
| Internship | |
| Individual Modules (mandatory) | 24 CP |
(1) Academic Writing (2) Individual Research Module | 12 CP 12 CP |
| Master’s Thesis | 30 CP |
| Total | 120 CP |
Structure of the Doctoral Program
During the six semesters of the doctoral program you will earn a total of 180 credit points (CP).
Modules | Credit points |
|---|---|
| Colloquium (colloquium attendance and presentation of scientific data) | 15 CP |
Professional Skills (taking over responsibilities in scientific research management, in the acquisition of research financing or by teaching and tutoring under supervision) | 15 CP |
| Doctoral Project / Dissertation | 150 CP |
| Total | 180 CP |
Advantages at a Glance
- research-oriented training within laboratory internships
- options for specialization within different areas of experimental and clinical linguistics
- direct transition from master degree to doctoral studies
- affiliation with the university Research Focus Cognitive Science
The University of Potsdam has taken into account the actual conditions among students and introduced the option for part-time study into several degree programs. This also pertains to International Experimental and Clinical Linguistics. For more information, go to part-time studies at the University of Potsdam.
Application
Are you interested in becoming part of the Master's / Doctoral Program International Experimental and Clinical Linguistics (IECL) at the University of Potsdam? Then you should take the next step on the application pages to find out more about current application and enrollment procedures.
Contact
Department of Linguistics
Dr. Nicole Stadie | Departmental Advising
Campus Golm | Building 14, room 2.06
This description is based in part on the information provided by the Program-Specific Regulation for the Master's/ Ph.D. Program International Experimental Clinical Linguistics (IECL) at the University of Potsdam, dated 13 January 2019 (AmBek No. 7/19, p. 378).