Description of the course
Phonetics is the study of speech processing by human or machine. Phonetics is an interdisciplinary field. On one hand it deals with the physiological basis, cognitive and physical processes and speech technology, on the other it is characterized by strong bonds, in terms of both content-wise and methodology, to traditional fields like linguistics, computer science and medicine. The aim of the course is to provide training close to the modern professional image of the phonetician, while at the same time creating an understanding of the interdisciplinary role and the resulting research topics.
The training is designed to allow the students to comprehend phenomena of spoken language and its rules both on a theoretical and a practical level. This requires linguistic, mathematical, physiological and neurological knowledge. Another aim is to provide the programming skills necessary to analyze speech- and experimental data and to automatically process them. Finally the course provides insight into specific applications in different areas such as automated dialogue and information systems as well as the basic technology of speech recognition and synthesis.
General information
- Course
- Phonetics and Speech Processing
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Type of subject level
- Major
- Form of study
- Undergraduate course
- Standard period of study
- 6 Semesters
- Minimum period of study
- none
- Faculty
- Fakultät für Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaften
- Subject group
- Language and Cultural studies
- Conforms with ECTS-"Key Features"
- Conforms with ECTS-"Key Features" as defined by the EU-Commission.
- Diploma Supplement
- On successful completion of the course a Diploma Supplement is issued.
- Language skills
- German skills are necessary for admission to the B.A. "Phonetics and Speech Processing". For further information please read the information on the LMU site.
Minors
In addition to the major (120 ECTS), a minor must be chosen (60 ECTS). Eligible minors are:
- German as a foreign language*
- Computer science*
- Communication studies* (local admissions restrictions)
- Art / Music / Theater (local admissions restrictions)
- Philosophy*
- Law* (local admissions restrictions)
- Sinology*
- Scandinavian studies*
- Language, Literature, Culture
*Please note, that for these minors timetable overlap with the major may occur. Please visit the Student Advisory Service before choosing your minor!
Admission
- Formal prerequisites for study
- High school leaving certificate
- Mode of admission first semster
- No restrictions
- Mode of admission later semsters
- No restrictions
- Admission test
- No admission test required
- Link
- University entrance qualification
Career opportunities
The interdisciplinary nature of the BA Phonetics provides the skills and knowledge especially relevant to four main areas:
- Scientific and applied research
- Development of corpora and speech technology (speech recognition, speech synthesis and dialogue systems)
- Clinical phonetics und speech therapy
- Education
It is important to note that the study of phonetics is not equal to the training of a speech therapist or a teacher in special education, although there is some overlap in content. Parts of the course may also be useful for other vocational trainings. The main professional areas for Students who major in phonetics and speech processing are the fields of experimental scientist in the fields of empirical speech research and in speech technology.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Students should have foreign language skills (at least English, further languages desirable), basic mathematical and technical knowledge, interest in spoken language and willingness to acquire practical, experimental and programming experience.
Language of instruction
German, optionally English (Guest lecturers, student requests)
Orientation days
- For students wishing to find out more about the LMU and the courses it offers, there is an annual open day: LMU Campus Day
- At the beginning of each winter semester the Insitute for Phonetics and Speech Processing offers an orientation seminar: Orientierungsveranstaltung
Contact
Address
Consultation hours, announcements, changes to the curriculum:
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Institut für Phonetik und Sprachverarbeitung
Schellingstr. 3 Vordergebäude
80799 Munich
More: Contact & Directions
Student Contact Person
Office Hours: see Student Advisory Service
LMU Student Advisory Service
Whether and what to study, how it works, courses on offer, admissions and entry requirements, and other formal questions about tertiary study at the LMU:
Ludwigstr 27/I, Room G 109 (postal adress: Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1)
80539 Munich
Phone: +49 (0) 89 / 2180-9000 (Mon-Thurs 09.00-16.00)
Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 2180-2967
More info: Central Student Advisory Office
Examinations office
Matters regarding examinations, registration for examinations, credit transfer applications: