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Studying Language Sciences MSc

The Language Sciences MSc at UCL provides a thorough multi-disciplinary introduction to knowledge and current research in the inter-related aspects of human communication.

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 >

Register your interest


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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. 

Find out more about this programme 

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 in typical and atypical populations.

Find out more about this programme.

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.

Find out more about the programme.

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, as well as providing a theoretical underpinning for why these patterns might exist and how they relate to human language use.

Find out more about this programme.

Hear from MSc Language Sciences Programme Directors and students

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Student testimonials

 

Chrysi Anastasaki
Chrysi Anastasaki, Language Sciences: Neuroscience of Language and Speech MSc

"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." 

Hear more from Chrysi about their experience studying MSc Language Sciences. 

Haotian Ma
Haotian Ma, Language Sciences: Neuroscience of Language and Speech MSc

"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."

Hear more from Haotian about their experience studying MSc Language Sciences.

 

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 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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