Course of Studies

Here you find information on your course of studies. Note that the program is still undergoing final decision processes at the university and all information is subject to those decisions. Current and binding information will in future be found in the Prüfungsordnung and Modulhandbuch under

Forms&Formalities

You should inform yourself in full detail about the course of studies in our Modulhandbuch and Prüfungsordnung. But as a first impression, these will be the modules you will have to complete for the Master's program:

  • The module Computational Linguistics during the first and second semester will introduce you to methods and theories from computational linguistics, touching on topics like tokenizing and parsing, machine learning (including NN methods) and pipeline programming. You will learn by using the programming language python. The goal is to prepare you for work with more complex programs in groups by informing you on good coding principles and good communication about programs.
  • The module Linguistic Data Science introduces you during the first two semesters to methods and theories of Linguistic Data Science. You will learn by using the language R and apply your knowledge to first problems of Linguistic Data Science. Another goal of this module is to teach you apply methods from Data Science to Linguistic problems and learning to differentiate between general methods and Linguistic applications.
  • The Supplementary Module lets you form your own profile during the first two semesters so that you can either strengthen your focus or broaden your horizon after choosing classes with the academic advisory office. Note that you have to check with the advisory office if a course you chose will be accepted. You can prepare this during the mandatory advisory session before the first semester and pick up later before the second semester.
  • Core Module 1 (2nd and 3rd semester) and Core Module 2 (3rd semester) both consist of three advanced courses that you will pick to form your Focus (Theoretical Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, Linguistic Data Science). In these you will learn more about specific theories or models, implement solutions or work through a more detailed background for your Focus. You finish these modules with one exam each, one of which has to be a written and one a presentation task.
  • Research Module 1 (2nd and 3rd semester) and Research Module 2 (3rd and 4th semster) will be defined by you - you choose a topic to research alone or in a group with your advisor. You will work on a problem from Linguistic Data Science, Computational Linguistics and/or Theoretical Linguistics. Additionally, seminars on project management and active participation in a weekly colloquium will be part of these modules.
  • You finish the program with a Master Thesis in your fourth semester. You can use your experience from the research modules and build on your topics or choose something new entirely.

General information on Module Structure

  • The Supplementary Module consists of several courses you pick yourself in agreement with the Advisory office. You have to pass enough courses to collect 16 CP. The requirements for passing differ from course to course. Note: If you were admitted under conditions, you have to fulfill these within the module (for example by choosing courses from Linguistics, Computer Science, or Mathematics) before looking for other courses that fit your interests.
  • The Master Thesis Module consists of your Master Thesis. It is usually scheduled for the fourth semester and can build on your Research projects from past semesters.

Study and Examination Achievements

Each of the other modules consists of several courses. To finish a module, you must pass one or more Study Achievements (Studienleistungen, will be abbreviated SA here) and an Examination Achievement (Prüfungsleistung, will be abbreviated EA here). The SAs usually ask for active participation, solving tasks at home or in a tutorial, or giving a short presentation in a course. They prepare you for the EA, which usually consists of a longer presentation, a paper, or a written exam.


Usually, there is no fixed order in which to complete these, but we can say from experience that a student who has not passed all SA(s) for a class yet in general has more difficulties in an exam.

For each module you can check SAs and EAs in the Module Manual, but this page gives you an overview over this semester’s courses and the modules they belong to.

How to calculate your grade

This excel sheet will help you calculate your final grade based on your current grades. Save it with your personal goals and keep track of your course of studies.

The calculator is just a tool to help you, it does not give (legally) binding information. It also leaves out the Supplementary Module, that will not influence your grade but is important for you to finish the program.

If you have additional questions, you can always contact the academic advisory office.