Understanding language

Linguistics focuses on our uniquely human capacity to use language – something indispensable in our daily life. As a linguist, you are interested in how language and speech are structured, how we acquire we language, how it can be impaired, how it is represented in the brain, how it functions in society, how we deal with 2, 3, or 4 languages at the same time, and how it changes. All of these questions are addressed in this broad Bachelor's programme in Linguistics.

Why study Linguistics at the UvA?

• A world-class education
  The programme is ranked highest in Continental Europe and 27th overall according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022. The UvA is ranked 58th in the 2023 QS World Rankings, the highest ranked university in the Netherlands and is one of two Dutch universities in the top 100. The UvA also ranks 60th on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022-2023.
• The chance to learn a new language
  You will study a new language during your first year, and are offered the opportunity to master it in your second and third years.
• A broad programme
  This is one of the very few programmes in the world that offers you the opportunity to familiarise yourself the whole subfield of linguistics, so that later on you can make your own choices with regard to your future.
• The opportunity to study in a multilingual city
  With inhabitants of 180 different nationalities, Amsterdam is a truly multilingual city that offers an excellent testing ground for linguists.

After graduation

A Bachelor's degree in Linguistics offers a wide range of career possibilities. You may apply for jobs in the specific fields of linguistics, but also in other positions that require a critical, independent, and analytical mind in combination with good language skills. After your Bachelor’s, you choose to enrol in a related Master’s programme. Graduates have found positions in scientific research into language, language teaching, language development, software companies, publishing houses and information management.

Degree certificate

Linguistics is an accredited degree programme. After completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Bachelor's degree and the title Bachelor of Arts (BA).