Dr. Wilbert Spooren

Professor

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Biography

Wilbert Spooren is a Professor emeritus at Radboud University, specializing in Discourse Studies. His research focuses on the role of language in optimizing communication genres. He has specifically investigated how individuals rely on structural signals for planning and interpreting discourse, which varies according to the genre of discourse. Throughout his career, Spooren has supervised PhD theses on diverse topics, including subjectivity in news discourse, the persuasive effects of advertising layout, conceptual linguistic complexity in nominalization, and the effectiveness of using Twitter to create feelings of safety. He has also researched the complexities of Dutch and English sentence structures in various genres and the relationship between police interrogations and recorded police records. Wilbert began his retirement in September 2023 and continues to serve as a confidential advisor on scientific integrity at Radboud University.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor emeritus

2000-01-01 — 2023-09-01

Radboud University • Nijmegen, Netherlands

Taught courses and supervised research in Discourse Studies and related fields.

Confidential advisor on scientific integrity

2024-11-15 — Present

Radboud University • Nijmegen, Netherlands

Advises on matters related to scientific integrity within the university.

Requirements for Radboud University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:5
Reading
Required:4.5
Writing
Required:4.5
Speaking
Required:4.5
Total
Required:100
PTE
Listening
Required:61
Reading
Required:61
Writing
Required:61
Speaking
Required:61
Overall
Required:67
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in relevant field (Linguistics, Communication, or related) Bachelor's thesis grade of at least 8.0/10 (US 3.5+ equivalent)
Application Checklist
  • Passport or ID
  • Official Bachelor's degree certificate (or proof of graduation)
  • Academic transcript of records
  • Description of grading scale
  • Personal statement/Motivation letter
  • CV/Resume
  • Course list/Course descriptions
  • Research proposal or Bachelor thesis
Specialization Notes

Applies to Research Master's in Linguistics and Communication Sciences (Centre for Language Studies/Department of Language and Communication).