Language Sciences: Technology of Language and Speech MSc

UCL (University College London)

The Language Sciences MSc course provides an opportunity for in-depth study in one or more areas of language science. 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. 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. It is an umbrella degree with five separate specialised routes. 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 are aimed at students with a background in linguistics and psychology. Modules are designed with an assumption of prior knowledge in these areas. 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. Throughout your studies, you'll learn a range of computational methods, from the fundamentals of programming for speech analysis, to deep learning approaches for analysing language data, as well as the physiological and theoretical cornerstones of speech production and perception, which help inform and guide computational approaches. 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. An MSc in Language Sciences is typically well-suited for graduates with a background in linguistics, psychology, speech and language therapy, cognitive science, or related fields. We anticipate that the course will appeal to those with an interest in healthcare and/or languages who wish to develop their interests and gain applicable skills. 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 enabled some of our former students to pivot their careers in to wide-ranging career fields.