Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural
Master of Arts (M.A.)
LiDAS offers a mix of research and practical training, with three specializations and several language‑area tracks to choose from.
LiDAS is also available as a binational double degree in Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural – Sciences du langage (LiDAS‑SDL), with an integrated semester abroad. You study one or two semesters at the Université d’Orléans and receive both a German and a French degree.
Shape Your Future, Starting in Siegen
LiDAS lets you focus your studies on both research and practice while choosing from three specializations and multiple linguistic tracks: (1) Structures of Language(s) - Digital Linguistics (DL) with two linguistic specializations, (2) Professional and Public Communication (PÖK) with one linguistic specialization, and (3) Foreign Languages in Adult Education (FidE) with one linguistic specialization. You’ll develop expertise that opens doors to academic careers and professional fields alike.
If you choose the binational LiDAS-SDL option, you will select French as your language focus. You will spend the third, and optionally the fourth, semester at the Université d'Orléans and earn the German-French double degree: M.A. Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural and Master Sciences Humaines et Sociales, mention Sciences du Langage. Besides the study abroad experience, the program incorporates other international elements such as the option for binationally supervised theses, optional internships in the partner country, and an internationally diverse student body during the second and third semesters.
Quick Facts
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Start of studies
Winter semester and
Summer semester -
Standard period of study
4 semesters (full-time)
8 semesters (part-time) -
Separate application required
Yes -
Language of instruction
German,
English, French, Spanish (depending on the chosen specialization)
LiDAS-SDL:
English (prerequisite: B2),
French (prerequisite: C1)
Career Prospects
Structures of Language(s) - Digital Linguistics
- Activities related to the development and distribution of media-supported communication platforms (language data analysis, web applications, data journalism, etc.),
- mediation between languages/speakers/communicating users on the one hand and IT specialists on the other,
- the development of our own language technology applications for tasks in research, education and business.
Foreign Languages in Adult Education
- Activities in the planning and organization of foreign language courses in continuing vocational training and general education, including the use of digital media and forms of communication,
- supervision/management of language departments or language centers at universities and at public and private continuing education institutions,
- development and management of multimedia self-study centers,
- working for publishers of teaching and learning materials and online providers of language learning resources.
Professional and Public Communication
- Planning and organization of seminars to develop (job-related) oral and written communication skills with a special focus on media-supported, especially digital communication and intercultural constellations,
- Responsible activities for language and communication experts, especially in the areas of HR work/training and further education, corporate communication (especially on digital platforms), internal communication in organizations, public relations in multilingual contexts, communication consulting, coaching, and training
Double degree LiDAS-Sciences du Langage
- Responsible activities in the fields of language technology, adult education, and communication-oriented professional roles in businesses and public institutions, with particular emphasis on digital media, as well as multilingual and intercultural environments.
Students Voices: Insights into LiDAS
Interdisciplinary — Hands-On — Well-Rounded
LiDAS: PÖK – Giulia Franke
My name is Giulia Franke. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Language and Communication (German–English) at the University of Siegen, I decided to stay on and continue with a master’s here. The LiDAS program—Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural—has replaced the previous master’s in Applied Linguistics and offers a wide range of opportunities, both for personal development and for thinking more clearly about future career paths.
Within LiDAS, I chose the specialization in Professional and Public Communication, as it best matches my interests and what I would like to do after my bachelor’s degree. I’ve been studying in the program since the winter semester 2024/2025, and one of the things I value most is the close exchange with other students, along with the variety of modules offered.
One experience that stood out to me was the seminar Language and Media Criticism in Public Discourses. As part of the course, I wrote a critical essay that was later published in the department’s “Diskursmonitor.” Through this, a publishing house became aware of my work and approached me about including it in a future school textbook.
The two-semester research project is also a great part of the program. It gives you the chance to carry out your own research and really focus on a topic in depth. At the same time, it’s very helpful preparation for the master’s thesis and the final colloquium.
LiDAS: PÖK – Johanna Pickhan
My name is Johanna, and I’m currently in my third semester of the LiDAS master’s program (Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural) at the University of Siegen. Since I had already successfully completed my bachelor’s degree in Language and Communication here, continuing on to the master’s program felt like the perfect way to build on and deepen what I had already learned.
When choosing my specialization, I decided on Professional and Public Communication (PÖK), mainly because I really enjoy the interdisciplinary approach.
In addition to the two-semester research project, the program also offers exciting hands-on experience in computational linguistics. Even though I had no prior experience with programming, I quickly found that I enjoyed it and was able to achieve some early successes. What really helped was the direct exchange with my fellow students and the strong sense of mutual support in the courses.
Another highlight for me has been the General Management module, which gave me valuable insights into business administration. This addition to the linguistics-focused modules is what makes the program feel especially varied and well-rounded to me.
- 1) Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject with a focus on linguistics, or
- 2) a first professionally qualifying university degree in a comparable course of study. This includes in particular teacher education courses with a standard period of study of at least six semesters as well as equivalent foreign courses.
You must provide proof of English language skills at level B2. A further requirement for admission is proof of very good knowledge in the chosen language specialization(s) at the following levels:
- English, French: level C1
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Spanish: level B2
The current examination regulations always apply.
Departmental Examination Regulations/Degree Plans/Module Handbooks
General Examination Regulations for the Master’s Degree (known in German as Rahmenprüfungsordnungen-Master, or RPO-M) and the general subject-specific regulations in the Departmental Examination Regulations (PHIL-FPO-M) define the general framework conditions for studying in Siegen and in particular within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
In addition, the Departmental Examination Regulations (Fachprüfungsordnungen, FPOs) for the individual degree programs or degree components define the basic structures of a degree program or degree component (such as admission requirements and curriculum). The departmental examination regulations are accompanied by recommended course sequences, which present an ideal course of study in the individual subjects, as well as module descriptions (content-related information on modules).
The current (German-language) version of an FPO automatically applies to students when they enroll for their first semester.
Why choose LiDAS at the University of Siegen?
- Diverse, interdisciplinary study program
- Integrated linguistic theory, practice, and empirical research
- Interdisciplinary work at the intersection of social and educational sciences, media studies, computational linguistics, and foreign language didactics
- Integration of the study program into ongoing teaching and research projects (such as the Discourse Monitor)
- Extensive creative/design freedom through the implementation of independent multi-semester research projects
