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Faculty of Modern LanguagesComputational Linguistics – Bachelor 25%

Computational linguistics explores how human language might be automatically processed and interpreted. Research in this area considers the mathematical and logical characteristics of natural language, and develops algorithms and statistical processes for automatic language processing.

Facts & Formalities

DegreeBachelor of Arts
Type of programmeUndergraduate
Start of programmeWinter and summer semester
Standard period of study6 semesters
Language(s) of instructionGerman and English
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureSubjects with no admission restrictions
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.

Course Content

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Computational Linguistics at Heidelberg University covers the following topics:  

  • Computer science and programming 
  • Theoretical and empirical foundations for formal statistical language modelling 
  • Algorithms in computational linguistics: the core of theoretical and applied computational linguistics 

Whilst computer science, mathematics and linguistics provide a theoretical basis for computational linguistics, the central concern of the subject is the creation of algorithms to process and analyse linguistic content. Theoretical and practical elements of computational linguistics are inextricably linked, as theoretical insights are integrated into usable programmes. The symbiosis of theory and practice lends computational linguistics the character of an engineering science. The unique objective of computational linguistics is the development of linguistic algorithms. Computational linguists create statistical models or apply methods from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve a particular technological results. Learning, research and invention are key components of a computational linguist’s work.

Course Structure

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Computational Linguistics with a weighting of 25% can be studied in two possible variants; with a specialism in “Applied Computational Linguistics”, or with a specialism in “Formal Linguistics”. In both cases, students will receive an introduction to computational linguistics and linguistics which will cover the most important aspects of the subject area. 

Where students select the specialism in “Applied Computational Linguistics”, study will focus on the practical aspects of computational linguistics. Students will attend courses and lectures in programming and statistics. Where students choose to specialise in “Formal Linguistics” they will attend lectures and courses focussing on syntax and semantics and will gain greater insight into the linguistic foundations of computational linguistics. In both cases, students attend a seminar of advanced lecture in which knowledge is furthered.