1) Description of the program:

The educational programs of the Doctoral School of Linguistics provide students with theoretical and methodological knowledge necessary for doing research into the theoretical, historical, typological and applied aspects of linguistics as well as writing scholarly papers and a PhD dissertation. In the programs basic theoretical subfields of linguistics are introduced such as phonology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics and/or applied sciences in language teaching, research methods, writing papers and a PhD dissertation. Rigorous coursework includes learning about theoretical issues and research directions, and it develops critical thinking, and various abilities of analyzing and processing information.

There is also a focus on developing skills to identify and solve scholarly problems, carry out research, and prepare publications. Graduates usually choose their careers in academic disciplines, teaching and translation.

The programs of the doctoral school are the following (applicants have to apply to a specific program):

a) Altaic Studies – in English,

b) English Applied Linguistics – in English,

c) German Linguistics – in German,

d) Hungarian Linguistics - in Hungarian,

e) Romance Linguistics - in French, Italian or Spanish, and in English,

f) Russian Linguistics – in Russian,

g) Slavic Historical Studies – in Russian,

h) Theoretical Linguistics – in English or in Hungarian and

i) Uralic Studies in English or in Hungarian.

2) Application fee: 35 EUR (non-refundable) and entrance exam fee: 250 EUR (non-refundable)

3) Tuition fee: 3500 EUR per semester

4) Application and admission requirements:

a) a Master’s degree (in an official English version) – preferably in Modern (foreign) languages, Hungarian language and literature, Theoretical/Applied/Historical/Comparative Linguistics (international applicants completing their final semester of studies are required to provide full Master’s transcripts including an explanation of the grading system in an official English version)

b) general language proficiency requirements (see also degree requirements) – at least B2/intermediate level proficiency in any language certified by an accredited language examination or otherwise

c) language proficiency requirements specific to educational programs

Altaic Studies – apart from the knowledge of the investigated oriental (Turkish or Mongolian) language, proficiency in German or Russian and at least intermediate level proficiency in English

English Applied Linguistics – advanced proficiency in English: CEFR C1, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 94 or higher, CET-4 570 or higher, CET- 6 550 or higher

German Linguistics – advanced proficiency in German and some knowledge of English (reading and understanding)

Hungarian Linguistics - knowledge of Hungarian (at least at an intermediate level) and some knowledge of English or German (reading and understanding)

Romance Linguistics - proficiency in the language of their specialization (at least C1 level) and knowledge of English (at least B2 level)

Russian Linguistics – advanced proficiency in Russian and some knowledge (reading, understanding) of another widely spoken European language

Slavic Historical Linguistics - knowledge of Russian (at least at an intermediate level) and knowledge of the investigated Slavic language (Bulgarian, Russian, Serbian or Ukrainian)

Theoretical Linguistics – knowledge of English or Hungarian (at least at an intermediate level)

Uralic Studies - apart from the knowledge of the investigated Uralic language, some knowledge of German or Russian (reading, understanding) and at least intermediate level proficiency in English or Hungarian

d) a research proposal in the field of the chosen program with the following sections:

1. Proposal summary (half a page)

2. Extended synopsis of proposed research project (max. 4 pages including references)

2.1. Background/State of the art

2.2. Goals and research questions

2.3. Data and data analysis planned

2.4. Conclusions/Expected results

2.5. References

e) a list of scholarly publications (if any)

f) an individual (online) interview

5) Application procedure: see the homepage of the Faculty of Arts for up-to-date information:

 http://www.arts.u-szeged.hu/english/apply

6) Degree requirements:

a) Duration of the doctoral studies is 2 + 2 years (120 + 120 credits). In the first two years students fulfill coursework requirements and carry out research. At the end of the first two years students are required to take a comprehensive examination that has two parts, one measuring the general knowledge in their research field and the other evaluating the research already completed by the student. Students must present their dissertation proposal outlining their plans for research during the second two year period of their studies. If the comprehensive examination is successful, the student can enter the second two year period. In this part there are no obligatory coursework, only research to be carried out. Normally, at the end of this period the dissertation should be completed and submitted for defense.

b) Prerequisites of the defense of the dissertation:

ba) publication of at least 5 peer-reviewed scientific papers

bb) documented knowledge of two languages necessary for scientific communication

B2/intermediate level proficiency certified by an accredited language examination or otherwise

proficiency certified by the Center of foreign languages at the University of Szeged

(in the case of foreign citizens with a first language other than Hungarian, their first language can be accepted as B2/intermediate level proficiency in accordance with the requirements of the Doctoral School)

c) The successful public defense of the dissertation