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The Development of Language and Speech route explores how humans acquire one of the fundamental yet most complex skills that is a hallmark of our species – the ability to communicate through language. Throughout your studies, you'll learn about different aspects of first language acquisition (syntax, semantics & pragmatics, speech perception & production), how we acquire a second language, and how to study language development in typical and atypical (e.g., dyslexic, autistic) populations.
Application
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.
Who can apply?
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 in language development/speech sciences/neuroscience (delete as applicable), linguistics or a related discipline and will also appeal to individuals currently working in areas such as education, speech and language therapy, audiology and speech technology.
Successful applicants will normally hold, or be progressing towards, a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a language-related area such as Linguistics, Speech Sciences, English Language, Psychology or Cognitive Science. We also warmly welcome applications from those with degrees in a cognate discipline such as Computational Science.
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.
What to include in your personal statement:
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 Language Sciences at UCL,
• why you have applied to your chosen strand (Language Development, Neuroscience Language & Communication, Speech Sciences, Sign Language & Deaf Studies),
• which module(s) on the strand interest you most and why,
• if there is a particular research area, research question, or research project you would like to work on; if there is a specific staff member you would like to work with, we encourage you to include this,
• 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.
Virtual Q&A Event - Thursday 14th March 2024
Please join us for our next virtual Q&A event via Zoom. Please register your interest here: MSc Language Sciences Q&A Event and enter a question for the programme team if you wish.
This event is a fantastic opportunity to ask the programme team any questions you have about the Language Sciences MSc programme or life at UCL.
This event will be delivered via Zoom.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
Applicants who require a visa: 05 Apr 2024
Applicants who do not require a visa: 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time
For more information see our Applications page.