Studying Language Sciences MSc
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.
- 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 >
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.
Hear from MSc Language Sciences Programme Directors and students
Application FAQs
- 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 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.
- How will my application be assessed?
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 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.
- When should I apply?
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 timeApplicants 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