Developmental Linguistics MSc, Diploma, Certificate

Programme description

This programme will develop your understanding of how knowledge of language changes as people acquire or lose language at various points in their lifespan.

It is designed primarily for graduates with a background related to linguistics and/or psychology who wish to develop their knowledge of current research on language acquisition (first, second, bilingual, and impaired) and language change from a cognitive perspective and from the point of view of current linguistic theories.

Joining a vibrant research community of developmental linguists, you will have the opportunity to carry out advanced research to try to answer questions related to the area of language development and bilingualism, such as ‘how do children learn language?’ or ‘what happens when we forget a language?’

You will benefit from the programme's strengths in:

• scope (with equal emphasis on first and second language acquisition and bilingualism)
• interdisciplinary teaching (staff drawn from linguistics, psychology and informatics)
• skill-oriented training (through methodology courses, lab sessions and project work)

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, you will have gained:

• an advanced understanding of current issues, theories and findings in developmental linguistics;
• intellectual skills to analyse and interpret language data with specific reference to the developmental aspects of linguistic knowledge;
• practical and specific skills needed to conduct novel research in this field.

Career opportunities

This programme will provide you with the specialised skills you need to perform research in language learning and development. It will also serve as a solid basis for doctoral study.

Recent graduates are now conducting research and working as translators and teachers of braille and English as a foreign language, for organisations including Euroschools, Global Language Services and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, preferably in linguistics, psychology or a related subject.