UCL DIVISION OF PSYCHOLOGY AND LANGUAGE SCIENCES

The MSc in Language Sciences will provide students with an opportunity for an in-depth study of one or more areas of the Language Sciences. The MSc in Language Sciences is an ‘umbrella degree’, with a number of specialisation strands that follow a common structure. All students on the programme will take a core set of modules but they will then have an opportunity to specialise in one specific area of the language sciences, such as language development or speech and hearing sciences, which is most tailored to their interest. In selecting the modules for their specialisation, students will be able to takes full advantage of the breadth of expertise in language research in the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences.

This programme is designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge of one or more areas of the language sciences prior to registering for a research degree and will also be appropriate for individuals currently working in areas such as education, speech and language therapy, audiology, speech technology, who want to deepen their knowledge of the language sciences.

The MSc in Language Sciences with specialisation in Linguistics with Neuroscience includes mandatory modules, core modules and optional modules. It is designed to cater for students with a background in linguistics, who are interested

(i) in applying their knowledge in understanding language impairments in individuals with brain damage and/or in carrying out neuroscientific research (fMRI, ERP, TMS, MEG) on language processing,or

(ii) in pursuing theoretical linguistics research using the methods of the psychological sciences, such as eye-tracking and other behavioural methods, and imaging (ERP, fMRI, TMS, MEG).

All students of MSc in Language Sciences will follow the mandatory modules. Students of Linguistics with Neuroscience will specialise in one of the following areas of linguistics: Phonology, Syntax, Semantics-Pragmatics. They will take two theoretical modules in their chosen area as core modules. Finally, students can choose two modules from a selection of option modules which will allow them to further explore experimental research that is relevant to their chosen area.

Mandatory Modules

HCSCGH10: Introduction to the Brain and Imaging the Brain

HCSCGH11: Research Methods - Principles, skills and applications

HCSCGH20: Neuroscience of Language

PLING399: Research Project

Core Modules

Students register for 30 credits in their chosen area of linguistics, in consultation with the Programme Director, based on their linguistics background and interests. Options include the following:

Phonology

Syntax

 Semantics-Pragmatics

Option Modules

Finally, students register for two modules from all those offered within the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, subject to availability and agreement with the Programme Director.  A list of possible options is indicated below, these are suggestions only: choices are not limited to the modules on this list.

HCSCGH15: Rehabilitation of Acquired Neurogenic Communication Difficulties

HCSCGH16: Deafness - Cognition and language

HCSCGH17: Language Disorders - Topics in Aphasia

HCSCGH21: Developmental Language Disorders and Cognitive Neuroscience

PLING156: Language Acquisition

PLING157: Neurolinguistics

Not all modules will run every year.

Final research project submissions are in August, meaning that the programme runs over the course of 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time).

Programme Director: Professor Valerie Hazan

Each specialisation of the programme has it's own Strand Coordinatior:

• Language Development - Dr Nausicaa Pouscoulous
• Linguistics with Neuroscience - Dr Judit Druks
• Sign Language Studies - Dr Kearsy Cormier
  
• Speech and Hearing Sciences - Dr Yi Xu
  

The flexibility of the programme means that modules are taught by academic staff drawn from across the Division of Psychology & Language Sciences.

In addition, we can call on the support of visiting lecturers, Teaching Fellows and Postgraduate Teaching Assistants.

Teaching Administrator: Pete Buchanan

Funding

Departmental Scholarships

Four departmental scholarships of £2400 will be available for students applying for the MSc in Language Sciences. Candidates holding an offer of admission to UCL for the MSc Language Sciences by 1 June 2013 will be considered for these awards. It is therefore strongly recommended that applications for admission to UCL are submitted as early as possible, and certainly no later than six weeks before the 1 June 2012 scholarship deadline. These scholarships will be primarily awarded on the basis of academic merit rather than according to financial need. Successful applicants will be students with outstanding academic potential and will have achieved excellent results in the qualifications already obtained. Please note that these scholarships cannot be held in conjunction with other funding.

UCL Scholarships

For information on general scholarship opportunities, please select the link below:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/scholarships/graduate

Application

Entry Requirements

Applicants to the linguistics with neuroscience specialisation should have a demonstrable background in linguistics. Overseas applicants also need to provide evidence of proficiency in English.

Deadline for Applications

Application Process

A number of the undergraduate and Masters degree programmes based at Chandler House are participating in an Open Day event on Thursday, 27 June 2013. A drop in session with the Programme Director of MSc Language Sciences will take place at 11am, there will also be building and library tours.

You can view the programme of events here, and register to attend below.