Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural
Master of Arts (M.A.)
LiDAS enables you to study with a focus on both research and practice, allowing you to choose from three specializations and various linguistic focuses.
LiDAS can also be completed as a binational double degree in Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural—Sciences du Langage (LiDAS-SDL), featuring an integrated study abroad experience. Students spend one or two semesters at the Université d'Orléans and earn a German-French double degree. (Launching in winter semester 2025/26, pending accreditation.)
Shape your future at the University of 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) -
Admission restricted
No -
Language of instruction
German,
English, French, Spanish (depending on the chosen specialization)
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,
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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
FidE - Viktoriia Matiushenkova
My name is Viktoriia. I first earned a bachelor’s degree in translation and translation studies, along with a qualification to teach English and German, at Kemerovo State University in Russia. In the winter semester of 2021/2022, I began my Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics, specializing in Foreign Languages in Adult Education, at the University of Siegen.
I chose this program because I was excited by the chance to focus on both linguistics and foreign languages in adult education, and I wanted to deepen my expertise while exploring pedagogical approaches in different countries. The wide range of courses inspired me in my work as a foreign language teacher, and the DaZSi continuing education course (focused on German for new adult and child immigrants) gave me the professional preparation I needed to become certified to teach integration courses. Today, I work in adult education and put what I’ve learned into practice every day.
This master’s program has enriched me academically and personally, helped me develop important skills, and expanded my career opportunities. I am grateful for the support I’ve received and look forward to applying my knowledge in my professional journey.
Career-focused - collaborative - practice-oriented
PK - Thiemo Simstich
My name is Thiemo Simstich. Since the winter semester of 2021/22, I have been studying Professional Communication and Foreign Languages, specializing in Professional Communication in German.
I first developed an interest in applied linguistics during my bachelor's degree in Language and Communication, also at Siegen. I enrolled in the master’s program to deepen my understanding of the field. Beyond the academic benefits, I especially appreciated the diverse mix of people and the welcoming atmosphere on campus. This combination makes it easy to start conversations—you just need to take the first step.
Thanks to an internship I completed at a communications consultancy during my studies, I was able to secure a permanent position after graduation, which speaks to the practical value of the program and the university experience.
- 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
- 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.
Good reasons for studying Linguistics 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
