FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the academic level of the Master of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics with respect to the European Framework?
The Theoretical and Applied Linguistics Master is at level 7 of the EQF European framework. The official website of the EQF is the following: http://ec.europa.eu/eqf/home_en.htm
What will I find in the Master in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics?
This Master's program unites state-of-the-art theory and practical applications of linguistics, providing students with a solid trainingin the fundamental areas of linguistic theory and giving them a choice to specialize in either formal linguistics, computacional linguistics, acquisition of language, teaching of language and lexicon: lexicology, lexicography and terminology.
How many credits have to be passed in order to obtain the Master's degree?
60 credits. (Apart from the Master thesis and the Practicum, courses are generally of 5 credits each.)
How many courses have to be passed in order to obtain the Master's degree?
In the research track, 9 courses of 5 credits and a master thesis of 15 credits.
Could any of the courses done in my previous studies be recognized?
Students whose previous university training includes courses equivalent to some of the advanced foundational courses may substitute elective courses for up to two of the advanced foundational courses.
Do I have to combine the courses with the developing of the Master's thesis?
The third quarter is usually left free of classes so that the Student can concentrate on the Master's paper.
In which languages are the courses given?
While Catalan, English, and Spanish are the working languages of Universitat Pompeu Fabra, which means that any of these languages can be used by students and staff for any academic purpose, the university guarantees that a student can complete this Master's program in the specialization of formal and descriptive linguistics taking only courses taught in English. In addition, since Barcelona is a vibrant multilingual community in which both Catalan and Spanish are the official languages, the university offers language courses to enable newly arrived students to follow courses in either of these languages.
Do I have to be proficient in English in order to do the master?
Nowadays the international lingua franca in academia and science is English and the field of linguistics is no exception. A good level of English (B2 or higher in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), at least in listening and reading comprehension, is highly recommended to anyone wishing to enrol in the M.A. in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. If your level of comprehension in English is not good and are interested in pre-registering for the Master's, please first contact us to discuss your situation.
When I finish the Master, can I access to a PhD program?
Students wishing to pursue doctoral training at UPF after completing the Master's program may enroll in the Doctoral Program in Translation and Language Sciences. In the first year of the doctoral program students are required to prepare a doctoral research plan and to participate in the two courses belonging to their chosen area of specialization that are taught in that year. In this way, students who enter the doctoral program after the Master's program in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics will have taken part in a total of four courses belonging to their area of specialization in the first two years of graduate training.