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Language Sciences: Principles of Language and Speech MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Language Sciences MSc programme provides an opportunity for in-depth study in one or more areas of language science. It is an umbrella degree with five separate specialised routes. The Principles of Language and Speech route explores the fundamental theories and methods behind the science of spoken language.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£15,100
£7,550
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
All applicants: 16 Oct 2023 – 05 Apr 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Normally 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 science related area such as linguistics, speech sciences, English language, psychology, cognitive science, or a cognate discipline.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Language Sciences MSc programme provides an opportunity for in-depth study in one or more areas of language science. It is an umbrella degree with five separate specialised routes. Each route follows a common structure, enabling students to tailor the degree to their own interests.

All students take a core set of modules, forming a basis from which to study and undertake research in diverse areas of language science. You will then tailor the degree to your own interests through choosing specialised modules to develop and build upon your existing research interests, enabling you to take full advantage of the breadth of expertise in Language Sciences in the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences.

Who this course is for

The Language Sciences MSc 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. Students will become specialists in their chosen route and complement their knowledge according to their tastes with further modules in speech, language or psychology. The modules aim at students with a background in linguistics and psychology. Modules are designed with an assumption of prior knowledge in these areas.

Many of our alumni work in interdisciplinary teams where they contribute as specialists in speech and language or are valued for their expertise in rigorous scientific working. The latter motivated and enabled some of our former students to pursue careers in entirely different fields.

The programme puts a large emphasis on the research project, which prepares students to pursue a PhD after completion. Many courses contain components with hands-on experience, such as lab or coding sessions, in which students obtain skills that are valued by industry and academia alike.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

The UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences undertakes world-leading research and teaching in mind, behaviour, and language. Staff and students benefit from cutting-edge resources including extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, and cognition.

Opportunities for students to work with world-renowned researchers exist in all areas of investigation. The Division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Many students who graduate from the Language Sciences MSc programme go on to further study or research. Recent graduates have gone on to PhD study at UCL, or in other UK and overseas institutions. Others have gone to work in related industries (e.g., speech technology including Google and Amazon, cochlear implants manufacturers) or in education.

Employability

The skills that the Language Sciences MSc develops - independent research, written and oral presentation skills, and data analysis - are all transferable skills that are very highly sought outside academia.

Networking

Opportunities for students to work with world-renowned researchers exist in all areas of investigation. The Division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group teaching and a virtual learning environment. Some modules also involve workshops or practical classes.

Student performance is assessed through coursework, examinations and the research project.

Each 15-credit taught module has approximately 15 hours of contact time (lectures, seminars and group activity). Students are expected to supplement these contact hours via self-directed study to make a total of 150 hours work per module.

Modules

The Principles of Language and Speech route explores the fundamental theories and methods behind the science of spoken language, in order to understand how we perceive and produce speech, how we tailor our speech for others, and how we acquire the sounds of our language(s). Throughout your studies, the emphasis is on developing research skills alongside theoretical knowledge: you’ll have the opportunity to learn about and use specialist methods, including acoustic analysis, behavioural experiments, EEG, ultrasound, and computational modelling.

See the Language Sciences MSc webpage for additional information.

The programme structure for part-time students will be dependent on the modules selected. Normally, part-time students are expected to complete at least the compulsory modules in the first year of study.

See the Language Sciences MSc webpage for additional information.

The programme structure for Modular/flexible students will be dependent on the number of modules selected per academic year.

See the Language Sciences MSc webpage for additional information.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules









Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Language Sciences: Principles of Language and Speech.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Language Sciences MSc Virtual Information Event

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The Language Sciences MSc virtual information session will give those attending a chance to learn more about our programme and routes, meet the programme team, and ask any questions they may have about the application process, programme, and life as a postgraduate student at UCL.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £15,100 £7,550
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Additional costs

Data collection for some Research Projects may involve contact with children or vulnerable adults. A Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check may be required for these projects. As a student you will not incur the cost of this application.

You may incur expenses in completion of your Research Project, for example travelling or paying test subjects. These costs will be approved in advance of being incurred and you will be reimbursed.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

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 route
  • Which module(s) on the route interest(s) 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

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Psychology and Language Sciences
Division of Psychology and Language Sciences

pals.langsci@ucl.ac.uk

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