Multilingualism Studies

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study programme focuses on the individual and social components of multilingualism. The emphasis is placed not only on the acquisitional, cognitive and didactic processes of multilingualism but also on the institutional, political and economic dimensions of linguistic diversity in contemporary societies.
The study programme is deeply rooted in research on multilingual repertoires, the dynamics of change to languages in contact, the role of languages in the construction of social inequalities, language challenges in migratory situations and the different forms of institutional management of linguistic diversity. There is a practical module with an internship to allow students to relate theory to social reality.
A Rhaeto-Romance option is also available in this master's course for those wishing to go deeper into Rhaeto-Romance linguistics and literature. This option offers the possibility to conduct research projects dedicated to Rhaeto-Romance languages.

  • Show the study programme profile

    Profile of the study programme

    The master programme in Multilingualism Studies comprises five modules:

    1. The first module gives students the theoretical foundations upon which to study the historical, individual and social components of linguistic diversity;
    2. The second module goes deeper into psycholinguistic dimensions. It thus focuses on the development of language skills and the cognitive aspects of multilingual acquisition;
    3. The third module explores sociolinguistic dimensions. It focuses on power issues and political, anthropological and economic aspects of languages;
    4. Designed to help students apply theoretical knowledge to ground realities, the central hub of the fourth module is an internship accompanied by seminars;
    5. At the end of the study programme, students write a thesis. This gives them the opportunity to explore research issues using scientific tools. The choice of subject is open.

    Rhaeto-Romance option
    Students who choose the Rhaeto-Romance option benefit from a dedicated module enabling them to expand their methodological knowledge in linguistics and literature, which they then put to work in the form of empirical research. A module focused on practical aspects is dedicated to individual, social and legal aspects of multilingualism in the Swiss canton of Grisons, with a special focus on the promotion and institutional use of Rhaeto-Romance in addition to documentation of this language from both a historical and contemporary viewpoint. Both seminar papers and the master's thesis are related to Rhaeto-Romance.

    Fribourg profile
    Ideally integrated in the multilingual environment of Fribourg and Switzerland, in keeping with the subject, the study programme in Multilingualism Studies provides teaching in French and German, as well as in bilingual, or even trilingual, mode, with much of the documentation studied being in English.

    This study programme is held in close cooperation with the Institute of Multilingualism of the university and the University of Teacher Education, Fribourg, which was established as a Research Centre on Multilingualism by mandate of the Federal Council.

    This collaboration allows students to enjoy a number of international events, to carry out an internship in a stimulating environment, depending on openings, and to find, in the documentation centre and the foreign language library, the majority of journals and scientific publications they need to successfully conclude their studies.

    Career openings
    The master study programme prepares graduates for a research career at universities, academic or teacher training institutes within areas related to multilingualism. Depending on ongoing projects, our graduates integrate the Institute of Multilingualism or the Research Centre on Multilingualism. This study programme is a useful specialisation for graduates from teaching, development or consultancy training institutes at different levels. Master's graduates may thus capitalise on this specialisation within institutions dedicated to integration and exchange programmes or jobs in the communication department of companies or multinational organisations.

    The Rhaeto-Romance option opens up a variety of opportunities, ranging from administrative jobs in the canton of Grisons or in cultural and linguistic institutions, bilingual schools or the media to positions in the federal administration, universities and other academic institutes, as well as in national research projects.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

90 ECTS credits + 30 ECTS credits as an option in a minor study programme freely chosen or in a specialisation programme, 4 to 5 semesters

Curriculum

Comments

A productive language level equivalent to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in French or German (speaking and writing) is a minimum requirement to enrol in this programme. Very good receptive skills should be attained in the other language respectively. In general, the information in the application suffices for the admission jury to estimate this level, so no language certificates need to be included in the application (though they may). Should a student's language level in one of the languages prove to be slightly lower than this requirement, they will be requested to attend a language course at the Language Centre or at the Department of Multilingualism and Foreign Language Education (see additional programme).

Admission

Master's degree programmes are built on the knowledge and abilities that were acquired when obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a Swiss university are admitted to a master's degree programme without any preconditions if they have earned 60 or 90 ECTS credits – depending on the chosen master's degree programme – within the corresponding discipline. However, additional requirements can be required. The same applies to holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a foreign university, provided that the bachelor's degree is recognised and considered equivalent by the University of Fribourg.

Holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a Swiss or a foreign university, provided that the bachelor's degree is recognised and considered equivalent by the University of Fribourg, who do not fulfil this condition can be admitted to a master's degree programme with preconditions (which must be successfully completed before starting the master's degree programme) and/or additional requirements (which can be completed during the master's degree programme). The preconditions and/or additional requirements may not exceed 60 ECTS credits in total. The same applies to holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a Swiss university of applied sciences, according to existing agreements.

The respective conditions of admission for each master's degree programme are reserved.
Holders of a bachelor's degree in a philological branch of studies awarded from a Swiss university can be admitted to this master programme (minimum 60 ECTS credits) without any additional requirements. The same applies to holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a foreign university, provided that the bachelor's degree is recognised and considered equivalent by the University of Fribourg.

Alternatives

Also offered as a minor study programme and as a specialisation programme (30 ECTS credits).

Minor study programmes to be chosen

Key points

Degree conferred

Master of Arts in Languages and Literatures: Multilingualism Studies

Languages of study

Study in two languages, in French and German (students can attend some lectures in English or in Rhaeto-Romance).

Options

For information on the optional award of the distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German», please contact the relevant Department (see Contact).
A Rhaeto-Romance option is also available for this degree programme.

Commencement of studies

Commencement of studies in the Autumn Semester (September) or in the Spring Semester (February)

Access to further studies

This master programme qualifies students for the doctoral programme Language Sciences.

Contact

Faculty of Humanities
Department of Multilingualism and Foreign Language Education
Nicolas Félix
nicolas.felix@unifr.ch
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-multilingualism