Masters in Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities

Studying in Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities (LingDig)

The Master’s Programme in Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities (LingDig) is an interdisciplinary degree that brings together five closely connected fields: cognitive science, digital humanities, general linguistics, language technology, and phonetics.

During your studies, you will gain a deep understanding of human language, its diversity, and the theoretical and digital tools used to analyse language and speech. You may also choose to focus on digital approaches within other humanities disciplines or explore topics related to human cognition and artificial intelligence. You are encouraged to explore student experiences to learn more about the programme.

Your studies begin with a shared introductory course that integrates perspectives from all five study tracks. Throughout the programme, you can easily combine courses across different tracks. Teaching is delivered by leading researchers who are actively involved in both research and teaching, and many courses are closely linked to current scientific developments.

The integration of these five disciplines into a single programme is unique, with no comparable programme offered elsewhere.

---

Why study Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities?

This programme is suitable for you if you want to:

• Develop a deeper understanding of language in general
• Become an expert in linguistic diversity at local or global levels
• Understand how humans perceive and process information
• Learn how to design artificial systems that model language, speech, and cognition
• Apply digital methods to study human history, society, and cultural development

---

What you will learn

During the programme, you will:

• Gain an advanced understanding of language structure, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, and how these systems interact
• Learn the principles of linguistic analysis and language description
• Become familiar with linguistic theories, models, concepts, and research methods
• Understand the relationship between language, cognition, speech, interaction, culture, and society
• Develop skills in using digital tools and methods to collect, manage, and analyse language data
• Gain insight into linguistic variation and diversity, including how languages differ, change over time, influence one another, and function in multilingual and endangered language communities

After graduation, you will be prepared for independent work in multidisciplinary fields related to language sciences. The programme also provides strong preparation for doctoral studies in linguistics and related disciplines.

---

Structure, content, and study tracks

The Master of Arts degree comprises 120 ECTS credits and is completed in two years of full-time study. The language of instruction is English.

Students choose one of five study tracks:

1. Cognitive Science
2. Digital Humanities
3. General Linguistics
4. Language Technology
5. Phonetics

You may complement your studies with elective courses from other tracks, other programmes at the University of Helsinki, or even other universities. Examples include Indigenous studies and computer science.

Your studies may also include international exchange, internships, or other work-oriented learning opportunities. Career development and working-life relevance are integrated into many courses throughout the programme.