Our programme
The Language Sciences MSc is taught by experts at the UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences who undertake world-leading research and teaching in mind, behaviour, and language. By studying with us you will benefit from cutting-edge resources including extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, and cognition.
The programme offers a variety of aspects related to speech and language in its five routes relating to neuroscience, development, technology, principles/fundamentals of language and speech, and sign language and deaf studies.
| Programme | Apply |
|---|---|
| Language Sciences: Neuroscience of Language and Speech MSc | Apply now |
| Language Sciences: Development of Language and Speech MSc | Apply now |
| Language Sciences: Sign Language and Deaf Studies MSc | Apply now |
| Language Sciences: Principles of Language and Speech MSc | Apply now |
| Language Sciences: Technology of Language and Speech MSc | Apply now |
Speech and Language Sciences at UCL
Tailored to you
Language Sciences MSc is an umbrella degree with five separate specialised routes. Each route follows a common structure, enabling you to tailor the degree to your interests.
Language Sciences: Neuroscience of Language and Speech MSc
The Neuroscience of Language and Speech route explores the neural mechanisms involved in speech production, speech perception, and language processing.
Language Sciences: Development of Language and Speech MSc
On the Development of Language and Speech route, you'll learn about different aspects of first language acquisition, how we acquire a second language, and how to study language development.
Language Sciences: Sign Language and Deaf Studies MSc
On the Sign Language and Deaf Studies route, you will study language, cognition, and the brain from the unique perspective of deafness and deaf communication.
Language Sciences: Principles of Language and Speech MSc
The Principles of Language and Speech route explores the fundamental theories and methods behind the science of spoken language.Find out more about this programme.
Language Sciences: Technology of Language and Speech MSc
The Technology of Language and Speech route explores computational methods and practices involved in uncovering underlying patterns in language and speech data.
Hear from MSc Language Sciences Programme Directors and students
Student testimonials
During my time at UCL, I had the opportunity to learn from exceptional scientists while gaining hands-on research experience. I ran experiments independently, analysed their data, and disseminated results. Beyond that, UCL provided the latest resources for the topics that fascinated me and fostered critical thinking. These experiences shaped my ability to apply knowledge effectively in other roles.
The research experience I had with my mentor aligned with the needs of my current work and the skills I learned from the course and were really the key to the job I have now. I’m working as a research specialist at the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania. I use ML models and depth EEG to study audiovisual integration in human speech perception.
Application FAQs
This programme is designed for students with a background in a related discipline who wish to deepen their knowledge of language sciences. The degree is ideal preparation for those interested in applying for a research degree and will also appeal to individuals currently working in areas such as education, speech and language therapy, audiology and speech technology.
For detailed entrance requirements please visit the relevant prospectus page linked above.
Your application will be evaluated on the basis of the quality of your degree and degree institution; the quality of your references; your relevant skills and experience; the quality of your personal statement and the suitability of your career plans.
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
When we assess your personal statement, we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Language Sciences at graduate level
- why you want to study at UCL
- why you have applied to your chosen route
- which module(s) on the route interest you most and why
- if there is a particular research area, question, or project you would like to work on
- if there is a specific staff member you would like to work with
- how your academic and professional background have prepared you for the programme
- how studying for the MSc will enable you to meet your short- and long-term career goals.
You are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
Application deadlines:
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time
Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time
Why study with us?
- UCL is ranked first for research power in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience by the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), with more than two thirds of our research in these areas rated as world-leading (4*)
- We offer cutting-edge resources such as extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception and cognition, a centre for brain imaging and a behavioural neuroscience laboratory
- UCL is 1st in Europe and 2nd in the world for neuroscience and behaviour, based entirely on quantitative data relating to scientific papers (2024 National Taiwan University report)
- We are ranked 5th in the world for psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
- UCL is the 1st in Europe and 4th in the world for psychology (Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024)
- We are ranked in the top ten in the world for psychology and clinical and health subject areas (Times Higher World University Rankings 2024 by subject)
- UCL is 1st in Europe and 2nd worldwide for citations in neuroscience and behaviour, with more than twice as many published papers as any other European university (InCites Essential Scientific Indicators 2024)
- We use our expertise to shape national and local policy. For example, Professor Peter Fonagy OBE is a mental health specialist member on a UK Parliament Expert Panel and our academics are part of a steering group convened by the Princess of Wales to examine how early life experiences shape the human brain.
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Open days
Watch a recording of a Virtual Information Session that took place in January 2025.
Learn more about UCL and the fantastic opportunities we can offer you at our Graduate Open Events.
Case study
Digital avatar may improve wellbeing for those hearing voices
A novel treatment using computer-generated avatars, developed by UCL researchers, is an effective way of helping people with psychosis who hear distressing voices, according to a new study.
Read the news storyFunding
Postgraduate loan for master's degrees (UK/EU students)
Eligible Students starting a postgraduate degree can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with programme fees and living costs.
You can find more information on the UK Government website.
UCL Scholarships
For information on general scholarship opportunities, please use UCL's Scholarship Finder.
UCL SHaPS Excellence Bursary
The is a new busary for UK students who want to tackle challenges in speech and language. Please visit UCL SHaPS Excellence Bursary web page for further details.
Programme Director
"Students have the chance to gain the same knowledge and experience within a single year that took me personally several years to acquire."
Contact us
Get in touch via email or phone. Find us on X at @ucl_langsci.
