Is Linguistics and Literary Studies for you?

Want to know if the Multilingual Master in Linguistics and Literary Studies is a good match for you? See the information and activities below to find out.

What does this programme involve?

Do you have a passion for languages and literature? Are you an avid reader who also prefers to read books in their original language? Do you have a knack for picking up foreign languages? Are you eager to explore the internal structure of languages, or fascinated by the way language and literature give expression to culture in all its diversity?

If your answer to one or more of these questions is ‘yes’, then you are particularly suited to studying Linguistics and Literary Studies. By developing your talent, you will gain access to a host of exciting professions in cultural institutions, the civil service, multinational companies in fields as diverse as communication, education, IT, journalism, tourism, politics, publishing, and various other sectors that need polyglots such as you!

Discover the study programme

Who better to tell you what this programme is like than the students who've participated?

Why study at VUB?

Studying at VUB offers you more than just a degree. You learn to view the world with an open mind and without prejudice. You hone your critical thinking, and you learn to express your opinion. You commit not just to study, but to participate in meaningful social projects that make the world a better place. In short, this is where you shape your identity: Who are you today, and who do you want to be tomorrow?

Discover our general strengths as a university

Calendar of upcoming events for future students

We look forward to meeting you on campus at one of our Open Days or catching up online via Microsoft Teams during an info session! You can register for an event of your choice by clicking one of the links below. See you there!

Upcoming info sessions

MUMA info sessions coinciding with the 2024-2025 academic year application campaign will take place on 6 November, 4 December, 15 January, 5 February, 4 March, 6 May, 3 June. In the registration form, choose "Master of Arts in Linguistics and Literary Studies" and pick the date that suits you best. The info sessions are identical to each other, so there is no need to register for several — unless you missed something the first time.

Register for your MUMA info session

Upcoming Open Days

Would you like to meet our professors and students in person, and take a tour of VUB as well? Then register for one of our Open Days*. 

17 March  28 April  1 September

*The registration process for VUB Open Days is different from the info sessions. If you would like to attend several Open Days, you will need to register for each one separately via individual sign-up forms (above). 

Spread the study load

Create your own studypath 

Within the VUB, we want to maximize our commitment to personal development and give as many students as possible the opportunity to continue their studies and develop themselves. Depending on your personal situation, it may be more difficult to devote full time to your studies. For example, you combine your studies with a job, you do top-level sports, ...    

At VUB you study at your own pace. With a flexible study pathway you make room for your personal situation (elite sports, dyslexia, disability, etc.). More information?

Check 'Is this for you'   Contact Study Guidance 

Study and examination flexibility

Reflex status

Do you have a physical disability, learning disability or chronic illness, or are you starting a business or finding it harder to study because of your personal situation? If so, you qualify for Reflex Status.

With this you can ask for a flexible approach to your studies and exams, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.

Find out more about Reflex Status

Elite sports and studying

Elite sports and study

Keen to combine your elite sporting career with a programme at VUB? It makes sense, as it strengthens your position in the jobs market after your sporting career ends.

Our Elite Sports & Study department helps you work out a personal study pathway and guides you through to the end.

Find out more about elite sports and study at VUB

Studying with a disability

Studying with a functional impairment

Do you have a disability (for example, a learning disability, chronic medical condition, psychiatric or sensory disability)? If so, you qualify for a flexible approach to your studies and exams through Reflex Status, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.

Find out more about Reflex Status

For extra support there are other student services to draw on at VUB. For example, a wheelchair-adapted room, study guidance and a personal study-pathway, mental healthcare, medical care, etc.

Read more about study in certain situations

Study Guidance

Study Guidance

An experienced team of student psychologists, student counsellors and study-pathway supervisors are there to give you personal study advice, guidance and training. At every phase in your study career.

  • Individual - Advice on your choice of programme, stress and anxiety training, help with exam planning, help for students with dyslexia...
  • Group (workshops, courses) - Choosing a subject for your bachelor's or master's thesis, learning to present, dealing with stress and anxiety...
  • Tools - An example of good weekly planning, tips and tricks for a good study method, a step plan to help you choose the right programme...

Discover what study guidance can mean for you

Combining your studies with a job

The Linguistics and Literary Studies programme is a daytime only programme. Therefore, there is no option to combine this study with a fulltime job.

Discover VUB programmes designed for working students