European Master of Science in Clinical Linguistics

The European Master in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL) is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) that has been running for over twenty years. The newest edition is offered by the University of Eastern Finland (Finland), Ghent University (Belgium) and the University of Groningen (The Netherlands). We also collaborate with twenty-six excellent associated partners.

At the University of Eastern Finland, the main focus is on speech technology and programming with Python, including both fundamental theory and methods, as well as their application to the assessment of, and adaptive solutions for, speech impairments. At Ghent University students are familiarised with advanced topics in statistics and psycholinguistics, including bilingualism, dyslexia, and eye tracking. Finally, at the University of Groningen the emphasis is on crosslinguistic studies of language-impaired children and adults, language testing in neurosurgical settings, and the usage of neurotechnology and IT for the diagnosis and treatment of language impairments.

In addition, we have the support of twenty-six associated partners, of which twelve are in the academic sector, five in R&D/neurotechnology, and nine in the clinical sector - for further details, take a look at this overview.

The curriculum consists of eight modules, most of which are covered in multiple terms. These are (Dutch and Finnish) Language and Culture, Methods, Clinical Linguistics and Neurolinguistics, Neurotechnology and IT for clinical linguistics. The curriculum also contains a work placement and a Master’s dissertation. Finally, we offer refresher classes prior to the first term (e.g., to refresh knowledge of linguistics or statistics) and additional research activities throughout the programme (research colloquia, a conference).

There is a strong emphasis on student mobility. Students take their first term at the University of Eastern Finland, with a focus on speech technology and IT. The second term is organised at Ghent University and focuses on psycholinguistics and research methods. The third term takes place at the University of Groningen, where the focus is on language impairment, language testing, and neurotechnology. This term also includes the mandatory work placement at one of our twenty-six associated partners. In their last term, students write their Master’s dissertation at one of the three partners.

The programme is strongly geared towards scientific research. Indeed, a majority (70%) of our students continue to do research in PhD programmes. Since 2017, we have furthermore seen an increasing number of our alumni pursue R&D and clinical careers, making our programme competitive on the international market. An interesting element in the programme is the Job Fair in the second term, where students can meet potential future employers.