The Master of Language Sciences is a multidisciplinary course, covering several fields of study and developing diverse skills with a focus on regional specificities (focusing on Indian Ocean linguistic and cultural issues), and fundamentals (combination of disciplinary and transversal teaching).

This program aims to provide students with a solid foundation in language sciences and the principles and methods of analysis in theoretical and general linguistics, with a strong emphasis on the sociolinguistic dimension. Issues of linguistic and cultural heterogeneity, complex language contact phenomena, linguistic marginalization, and the impact of language policies will be extensively covered. The program also includes elements of linguistics applied to the school setting, addressing issues of typical and atypical language acquisition and illiteracy.

The strong link between training and research is reflected in various research activities (methodological Teaching Units (UE), research seminar, participation in scientific events, research papers, etc.).

The Master's program offers the opportunity to personalize the study path (one elective per semester: literature, information and communication, geography, history, English, preparation for competitive Category A exams, a course unit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) issues, or entrepreneurship) and to implement tools from various disciplines while developing transferable skills. Career placement is facilitated through a 120-hour internship, professional project and tutored project units, a management and conflict resolution unit, an entrepreneurship unit, and presentations by professionals. Student mobility is encouraged and prepared through foreign language units and courses taught in English.

Educational goals :

The Master's program in Language Sciences (SdL) aims to provide students with:

• disciplinary knowledge relating to the fundamentals in language sciences.
• Several fields are involved: general linguistics, French linguistics, applied linguistics, language acquisition and development, and especially sociolinguistics and creolistics.
• The program is enriched by courses in observational linguistics (fieldwork, surveys, recordings, corpus collection), as well as descriptive and explanatory linguistics (data analysis, etc.). Thus, in Master 1 (M1) and Master 2 (M2), the emphasis is placed primarily on the acquisition of methodological foundations: survey methodology, methodology for writing papers, defending dissertations, giving oral presentations, and communicating at study days and seminars, etc.
• Cross-cutting, linguistic and procedural skills:
• Consolidation of proficiency in French and foreign languages.
• Consolidation of oral and written skills in Réunion Creole.
• Developing the ability to use digital tools to process, produce and disseminate information, as well as to collaborate with professional partners.
• Consolidation of information processing capabilities (identifying, selecting and prioritizing various specialized resources) to problematize and process a subject.
• Developing critical thinking skills and analytical abilities.
• Developing soft skills: rigor, autonomy, intellectual curiosity, creativity, teamwork, independence, taking responsibility.
• Pre-professional skills are also used.:
• Developing skills in the creation and promotion of a professional project
• Consolidation of strategic capabilities to manage and analyze professional contexts.

Training opportunities:

The Master's program in Language Sciences offers a variety of course units that develop strong disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills, integrated with research and learning. The curriculum is structured to respect students' needs and best meet societal expectations by leveraging digital tools and offering innovative teaching methods (strategic axes 1 and 5 of the institution). This program addresses European and international issues while focusing on the multilingual context of Réunion Island, with a particular interest in creolistics and everything related to regional language and culture. It thus responds to a strong demand not only in Réunion, but more generally in the Indian Ocean region, with exchanges and partnerships in the French overseas departments and territories of the area: Seychelles, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Comoros, Mayotte, and Madagascar. This reinforces the University of Réunion's position within its regional and international environment. The Master's program also addresses European issues and promotes international mobility through courses in foreign languages ​​(strategic focus 8) and strengthens professional development (strategic focus 4) (pre-professional modules, tutored projects, and presentations by professionals). Finally, the program has a multidisciplinary dimension, offering courses in anthropology, history, geography, English, information and communication, and other fields to provide a deeper understanding of the research context.

The Master's degree in Language Sciences (SdL) is a program designed to promote the success of all students at the University of Reunion Island and is tailored to its local context by offering:

• A multidisciplinary program covering several fields of study and developing diverse skills. It includes course units that address the societal and political challenges of the region and contribute to students achieving their various objectives, whether in fundamental research, in-depth reflection on multilingual and multicultural situations, or practical applications within society. Thus, the program enables the acquisition of fundamental disciplinary knowledge in language sciences and other disciplines (particularly through minors).
• Contextualized training: all modules deal with issues relating to national/international issues and also focus on regional aspects.
  • A program focused on student success. The following are offered: a refresher seminar at the start of the master's program, modules designed to facilitate written and oral communication skills, access to a self-training platform for spelling; several methodology modules, a personalized assessment by the teaching team, a personalized project and (Semester 2 (S2) and Semester 3 (S3)), a progressive specialization of teaching and teaching methods adapted to students with diverse skill levels.
  • A training program using digital tools to enable active and interactive learning.
  • A research-based training program offering presentations by specialists in the issues addressed, from several sections (7^rd, 10^rd, 20^rd section 23^rd, 70^rd, 71^rd and 73^rd sections), from the University of Rennes (UR) and also from Europe, the Indian Ocean region, and the Caribbean. The methodology modules provide a variety of tools and approaches for research. Master's and doctoral students contribute to these courses to ensure a better connection between the first and second years of the Master's program. Participation in scientific events is valued each semester, and the research thesis plays a significant role (24 ECTS credits). A methodology seminar is planned for the fourth semester (S4), in which doctoral students in Linguistics and Anthropology will participate to ensure continuity between the Master's and doctoral levels.
• Enhanced professional development: Connections with the professional world are fostered through the involvement of socio-economic and cultural stakeholders in several course units. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to internships (120 hours). Tutored projects are offered, as well as a course unit on management and conflict resolution. A minor in preparing for competitive Category A civil service exams is also available.
  • An internationally focused program: English and Creole courses taught in English, with international student and faculty exchanges encouraged. A policy for welcoming international students is in place, whether through European and North American exchange programs or outside of mobility programs (students from Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, and the University Diploma program in China).
  • A course offering various further study options (Master's in Teaching, Education and Training (MEEF), doctorates, etc.) and professional integration in several sectors of activity (teaching, media, health and social services, culture, regional and international cooperation, etc.).

Total student hours: 545

The course offering is structured into semesters and teaching units grouped into majors and minors. Training time is evenly distributed throughout the week, and course content is designed progressively across the different semesters.

• The major course units consolidate disciplinary skills:
• 3 modules in Semester 1: the introductory seminar, with the consolidation of basic concepts, the General Linguistics and Creole module and the Introduction to Sociolinguistics module.
• 3 modules in Semester 2: the Language Contact module, the Typical and Atypical Language Acquisition module in a Creole-speaking context, and the Language Policy module.
• 3 modules in Semester 3: the module "Creoles of the Indian Ocean", the module "Language practices in public and private organizations" and the module "Theories of creolization".

• The major course units consolidate transferable skills:

• 3 LVE UEs (S1, S2 and S3).
• 3 Research Methodology modules (S1, S2 and S3).
• 2 professional and tutored project modules (S1 and S2) and the Management and Conflict Management module (S3) help to clarify professional orientations.
• 2 EU Contributing to participation in scientific events (S2 and S4).

• Semester 4 (second semester of M2) does not include any formal teaching: it is reserved for the internship (120 hours), research and methodology seminars, finalizing the writing of the research paper, and preparing for the defense.

• Minor modules provide the opportunity to personalize the multidisciplinary training path (one to choose from per semester: literature, information and communication, geography, history, English, digital humanities, preparation for category A competitive exams, module relating to AI issues) and implement tools from various disciplinary fields while developing transversal skills.

The skills acquired during this training are in line with those of the RNCP record

This internship aims to allow students to experience the professional environment by understanding situations related to local or regional socio-cultural activities. Among the organizations where students can complete their internship are:

• Museums in Réunion and the Indian Ocean countries
• Regional parks: Marine Park, Highlands Park
• Cultural services of local authorities: Town Hall / Departmental Council / Regional Council
• Cultural and social associations
• Public and/or private companies
• Research centers: Research Institute for Development (IRD), National Center for Scientific Research of the Comoros (CNDRS)...
• Research laboratories
• Libraries and media libraries
• Social services
• Private or public educational institutions, etc.

The internship can take place in the territory of Reunion Island or in a country in the Indian Ocean.

Registration fees are set annually by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space and are available on our institution's website: Register at the University of Reunion

• Have a good academic level or even demonstrate progress during higher education. Have obtained a significant average in linguistics or related disciplines (≥ 12/20 in general);
• Having obtained satisfactory results in the contributing disciplines: psychology, sociology, philosophy of language, didactics, educational sciences, languages, literature, anthropology, etc.
• Possess strong skills in written and spoken French.
• To be able to argue critically and provide explanations in an organized manner.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify, select and prioritize various specialized resources to problematize and address a topic.
• Demonstrate analytical skills.
• Knowing how to use digital resources to process, produce and disseminate information
• To have a critical mind and intellectual curiosity;
• Demonstrate rigor, autonomy and possess a sense of organization;
• Demonstrate cooperation in group work.
• Propose a clear and realistic academic project consistent with the objectives of the master's program.
• State your explicit motivation for language sciences and in particular your curiosity about language as an object of study.
• Promoting the diversity of one's experiences and career path in particular
  – involvement in language-related activities,
  – participation in seminars, conferences or study days
  – scientific readings.

• Particular attention will be paid to the grades from the different years of the candidate's post-baccalaureate course: bachelor's degree grades, distinctions obtained, ability to progress (improvement over the bachelor's degree years), grades in disciplines related to language sciences.
• Training and research project, Curriculum Vitae (CV) and activity certificates.
  Results of previous coursework in methodological modules and in expression techniques.
• Results obtained in the transversal modules of the previous course.
  Activities listed in the CV.
  Possible annual teacher evaluations
• A cover letter outlining the training project in line with the training content.

Bachelor's degree in the field of literature, languages ​​and humanities and social sciences or Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE).

Depending on the student's situation, applications for admission to the first year of the Master's program (M1) follow three specific procedures (the national platform MonMaster, Études en France, Validation of Acquired Experience). For more information, please consult the university's student services page. Enroll in the first year of a Master's program.

Baccalaureate + 3 or equivalent

The target audience is quite broad and includes anyone interested in language and cultural issues in the Indian Ocean, European and international regions, in particular

• undergraduate students in the fields of literature and languages ​​or humanities and social sciences.
• professionals from public, private and semi-private organizations, communities and various institutions.

35 seats

The admission dates for the first year of the Master's degree (M1) are set nationally each year and are available on the platform. My Master

For admission to the second year of the Master's degree (M2), the schedule is determined by the institution. It is available on the student services page of the university website: Students re-registering

In 2023-2024:

M1: 70%

M2: 50%

According to a survey conducted by teachers between 2020 and 2023 among master's students:

• The employment rate is very respectable (between 50% at 12 months and 70% at 30 months) and depending on the year, in the education sector (50%), book trades (20%), commerce, accommodation and catering, services and health (30%).
• The number of students continuing their studies is between 20% and 10% at 12 and 30 months depending on the cohorts.
• Students waiting for a job represent around 5%.

The jobs held are in line with the diploma in 70% of cases and are mostly public sector jobs (73% of cases).

Doctorate in Language Sciences (7th section) and doctorate in Regional Cultures and Languages, Creolistics (73rd section).

The sectors of activity and types of employment targeted by this training correspond to those listed in the RNCP record

Job opportunities are available in the following sectors:

• communication, media and multimedia
• information and communication
• specialized, scientific and technical activities
• public administration

And in the following professions:

• higher education professions (research professor, researcher, research engineer);
• teaching and training professions;
• professions in culture and heritage, professions related to language policy (regional languages ​​in the Indian Ocean area, border contacts, European and international integration, etc.),
• professions related to linguistic and cultural mediation, and communication,
• professions in the health and social field (collaboration with speech therapists or care structures for the analysis of language disorders, interventions for educational language projects, collaboration with psychologists or educators on issues of linguistic identity and integration).