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International Experimental and Clinical Linguistics (IECL) | Master/Ph.D.

Building 14, Campus Golm
Photo: Matthias Friel

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.

THE PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
NameInternational Experimental and Clinical Linguistics (IECL)
DegreeMaster of Science und/oder Ph.D.
Standard period of study4/6 semesters
Credit point120
Language of instructionEnglish
Start of study (1st semester)Winter semester (Master) | Winter or summer semester (Ph.D.)
CampusGolm
Fees & ChargesSemester 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.

Annemarie Jäckel, 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.“

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).

(c) Knowledge in the area of theoretical and experimental linguistics (e.g. syntax, phonology, semantic, language processing, first language acquisition) totaling 6 CP

(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).

Annemarie Jäckel, 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.

CONTENT AND CREDIT POINTS

Modules

Credit points

Introductory Modules (mandatory)  24 CP
Foundations of Scholarly Work12 CP
Introduction to Statistical Data Analysis12 CP
Foundation Modules (mandatory) 24 CP
(1) First Language Acquisition6 CP
(2) Language Processing6 CP
(3) Evidence Bases for Language Disorders6 CP
(4) Language Acquisition and Processing in Multilingual Contexts6 CP
Advanced Modules (elective)
Successful completion of one advanced module 
12 CP
(1) Advanced Topics in First Language Acquisition 12 CP
(2) Advanced Topics in Language Processing12 CP
(3) Advanced Topics in Evidence Bases for Language Disorders12 CP
(4) Advanced Topics in Language Acquisition and Processing in Multilingual Contexts12 CP
Project Module (mandatory)6 CP
Internship6 CP
Individual Modules (mandatory)24 CP
(1) Academic Writing12 CP
(2) Individual Research Module12 CP
Master’s Thesis 30 CP
Total120 CP

Structure of the Doctoral Program

During the six semesters of the doctoral program you will earn a total of 180 credit points (CP).

CONTENT AND CREDIT POINTS

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
Total180 CP

Contact

Department of Linguistics

Dr. Nicole Stadie | Departmental Advising

 

Campus Golm
Building 14, Room 2.06

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), as well as the ammendments of these regualtions.