Psychology and Language Sciences MSci
Become the next generation of psychology and language sciences experts by studying UCL’s Psychology and Language Science MSci course. On this integrated Master’s course, accredited by the British Psychological Society BPS, you will study modules across psychology, language sciences, and linguistics. In your fourth year, you will gain additional experience by completing a placement either with a UCL research group or in a workplace applied setting, in addition to completing another research project.
Key information
Entry requirements
- Grades
- A*AA
- Subjects
- To include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
- GCSEs
- English Language, Mathematics and Two Sciences (Double Award acceptable) at grade B or 6
Contextual offer
- Grades
- AAB
- Subjects
- To include grade A in one of either Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
- GCSEs
- English Language, Mathematics and Two Sciences (Double Award acceptable) at grade B or 6
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- Points
- 39
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects to include grade 6 in one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, with no higher level score below 5. If Mathematics is offered at higher level, the course will accept either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 36
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects to include grade 6 in one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, with no higher level score below 5. If Mathematics is offered at higher level, the course will accept either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 3
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
About this course
Communication and language are fundamental to human behaviour, how we perceive the world, and how we interact with one another. By studying Psychology and Language Sciences, you will gain a valuable perspective and education that opens up a wide variety of further study and career destinations.
The Psychology and Language Sciences MSci is a four-year course that develops your knowledge and expertise in psychology, language sciences, linguistics and communication. You can also find out more about the three-year undergraduate BSc course here.
As this is an integrated Master’s course, you will graduate with a Level 7 qualification the same level as a standalone MSc courses and is a great option for students looking to pursue either a clinical or research career.
There are two specialist routes to this course: research and applied.
- Students on the research route will be embedded within a UCL research lab or department for most of their final year, working alongside world-leading researchers and their teams to produce an independent piece of research.
- Students on the applied route will gain experience of applying psychology and language science theory within a workplace setting and will also be exposed to the challenges of carrying out research within a work environment. Typical applied setting routes include NHS Trusts, partner research institutes, charities, and the private sector.
Year 2 students have the option to complete a weekly observational placement with children in an early years’ setting as part of the Development of Communication and Cognition module.
Our departments continuously produce innovative, cutting-edge, and highly cited research. You are encouraged to engage with our research community and will be invited to research lectures throughout the year, as well as there being opportunities to apply for research internships.
Additionally:
- We are top in the UK for research power in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, with more than 90% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent UK Research Excellence Framework 2021 .
- UCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world QS World University Rankings 2010-2026.
- We are ranked 4th in the UK for Psychology in The Guardian University Guide 2026
- We are ranked 6th in the world for Psychology QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
In addition to meeting the entry requirements for this course, we especially welcome applications from students who are passionate about the scientific foundations of psychology. Our modules and projects are designed for students who are curious about how behaviour can be studied empirically, including through statistical analysis, and who are interested in language and communication as important aspects of development, clinical work, and everyday life.
Course structure
Years 1 comprises mainly compulsory modules taken by all students, as well as research methods modules, lab classes and Academic Tutorials.
In Year 2, you take five compulsory modules and choose two additional modules, one from a selection of psychology and language options and another that can be taken from a wide choice of modules belonging to other UCL degree courses. You also have the option to complete a weekly observational placement with children in an early years’ setting. You continue having research methods modules, lab classes and Academic Tutorials in Year 2.
In Year 3, you choose a research project similar to a dissertation in other courses to be completed under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field. Alongside your research project, you select six optional modules from a broad range of specialised areas. Academic Tutorials complete the Year 3 diet.
The MSci follows the same course as the BSc for the first three years.
Year 4 consists of an advanced research project based either on work conducted at UCL in the research pathway or in a workplace setting the applied pathway. Students on the applied route take a research methods module while students on the research route have the option to take it. You can take additional Master’s-level modules to make up the remainder of your credits. These are mostly taught modules, but the Practical Research Skills module offers additional mini placements in UCL labs.
Modules
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
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 is 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.
Compulsory modules
- Perception, Attention and Learning (PALS0007)
- Memory (PALS0008)
- Introduction to Speech Science (PALS0009)
- Neural Basis of Perception, Memory and Language (PALS0011)
- Introduction to Statistical Methods (PALS0046)
- Introduction to Language (PLIN0006)
- Evidence and Enquiry in Psychology (PSYC0008)
- Social Psychology and Individual Differences (PSYC0266)
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Rehabilitation of Acquired Neurogenic Communication Difficulties (PALS0003)
- Conversation Analysis (PALS0004)
- Perspectives on Clinical Psychology (PALS0015)
- Developmental Disorders of Language Learning and Cognition (PALS0016)
- Brain Stimulation (PALS0019)
- Deafness, Cognition and Language (PALS0020)
- Deaf culture and identities (PALS0032)
- Introduction to deep learning for speech and language processing (PALS0039)
- Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition (PALS0042)
- Advanced Statistical Research Methods (PALS0043)
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Development of Speech Perception and Production (PALS0017)
- Practical Research Skills (PALS0037)
- Practical Research Skills (PALS0038)
- Current Research in Dementia (PSBS0003)
- Current Research in Psychosis and Bipolar (PSBS0005)
- Neuroscience of Mental Health (PSBS0006)
- Applied Decision-making (PSYC0028)
- Advanced statistics: Data analysis and modelling with R (PSYC0146)
- Behavioural Research in Applied Settings (PSYC0180)
Your learning will be dynamic and engaging, making use of different study modes. You will attend lectures sometimes shared with students on other courses, smaller laboratory classes, and back-up classes. Regular group tutorials with a member of staff will provide an opportunity to integrate your learning and discuss the topics you have studied in more detail. Each student has regular meetings with a personal tutor to discuss academic progress.
There is an optional, weekly, observational placement in an early years setting (nursery, kindergarten etc) in Term 2 of Year 2, lasting half a term. Students must have a DBS check before they are allowed to take part in the placement. In Year 4, students undertake one or more placements - these can either be an external placement, e.g., in the NHS, or a research placement in a UCL research lab.
Each module is examined separately, often by a combination of essays, data exercises and examinations and performance is always assessed in the same academic year in which you take it.
Depending on the year of study and module choices, the number of contact hours typically averages 10 hours per week and ranges between 8–12 hours a week and includes lectures, tutorials, lab sessions and practice-based activities. You will be expected to spend 25–30 hours per week in independent study for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted in the course.
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
This course has no additional costs. If you require a DBS check, the cost for this will be paid by UCL.
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Why study this course at UCL?
The UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences is known worldwide for its teaching and research in the fields of psychology, speech sciences, and linguistics. The work of our staff appears in internationally acclaimed journals and books and 16 of our Faculty’s professors are named as being among the most influential academics in the world (Clarivate Web of Science’s Highly Cited Researchers 2025). You will be joining a community of academics and researchers whose own research contributes to the subjects that they teach.
This course provides experiential learning in our research specialisms, emphasising the complementary nature of psychology, speech sciences and linguistics, and providing special insights into the human mind, language, and communication.
Please note, it is not possible to guarantee a particular workplace or research lab setting for your final year placement. Although we will try to support you in finding a placement option that best fits with your future study and career ambitions, placements are limited by local availability.
If you choose the research route in the fourth year, you gain advanced research skills and join world-leading researchers in the lab. Students on the applied route will meet the challenges of carrying out research in the workplace, for example, in a clinical or educational setting.
You benefit from excellent resources including our virtual learning environment VLE , which makes all teaching materials including course outlines, lecture presentation slides, handouts, video recordings of lectures available to all students. UCL runs a Language and Speech Sciences Library in which students can access relevant materials, for example, tests of language and cognitive capacity used in clinics and in education.
The Division of Psychology and Language Sciences is also home to the departmental Psychology Society and the PALS Programme Society which are both student-run and have many social activities as well as external guest lecturers and talks presented throughout the year.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
Students graduate with a wide range of transferable skills and are employed in a variety of fields, including clinical, educational and organisational psychology, speech and language therapy, consultancy, research, academia, civil service, IT roles including software development, user experience, website development, data analysis.
As this is a research-intensive course, you will gain advanced training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Additionally, graduates will have transferable skills in autonomy and responsibility, teamwork, and delivering presentations.
While many of our graduates have gone on to work in the National Health Service (NHS), others have gone on to work in education, government and policy, social care and research. Our graduates have also gone on to work as psychologists, writers, researchers and teachers.
93% of MSc Psychology and Language Sciences Graduates were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Data is from the Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates from 2017-2023.
The fourth year on the integrated Master’s course will be of particular benefit to those students who wish to pursue a career in research (e.g., progressing to a PhD) or in clinical or educational work. Our aim is to help you develop advanced interdisciplinary research and transferable skills valuable in a wide range of careers.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. UK applicants for graduate membership and the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership GBC require a minimum of a lower second-class Bachelor’s degree. Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership is required for entry to all accredited postgraduate and doctoral courses as part of the route to becoming a chartered psychologist. As a graduate, you will be eligible to become a member of the BPS.
Open days
Find out more about our in-person Open Days, online events and courses and subjects that interest you.
Register nowRegister your interest
Register your interest in undergraduate study and become part of the UCL community.
Register nowHow to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Applications should be made through UCAS. All applicants who are offered a place on the course will be invited to attend an offer holder open day. These will be both online and in-person to accommodate those here in the UK and Overseas. These sessions are intended to allow candidates to make an informed decision about whether the degree course is right for them.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Psychology and Language Sciences MSci course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
Got questions? Get in touch
We are here to help. Get in touch with us for more information about our courses.
Division of Psychology and Language Sciences
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