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MSc Evolution of Language & Cognition

  • DeadlineStudy Details:

    MSc: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Course Description

Joining the world-leading Centre for Language Evolution (CLE), you will investigate the origins and evolution of human language, tackling questions such as:

  • What is it that makes us human?
  • How did our brains evolve?
  • What are the origins of human language?

The CLE is at the cutting edge of research in this area and one of the world’s biggest research groups working on language evolution.

You will have the opportunity to become involved with the unit’s research effort, and to make your own contribution to this dynamic field through your dissertation.

The programme focuses on a treatment of language as a dynamic evolving system, bringing together origins, acquisition and change.

It provides a broad introduction to the field of language evolution and can form the basis for further (typically PhD) study for those wishing to continue their research.

The programme draws on several disciplines across the university, including linguistics, psychology, and informatics.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in linguistics, psychology, cognitive science, computer science or biology.

Fees

Please see our website

Student Destinations

Recent graduates have gone on to roles in teaching (following further training), journalism and translation services for companies such as:

  • Pearson Education
  • BPD Training
  • ITWeb

Module Details

Compulsory courses

  • Origins and Evolution of Language
  • Simulating Language
  • Online Experiments for Language Scientists
  • Statistics and Experimental Design (exemption available)
  • Introduction to Syntax (exemption available)
  • Introduction to Phonology and Phonetics (exemption available)
  • Research Ethics
  • Guided Research in Linguistics and English Language

Option courses

  • Option courses may include:
  • Computer Programming for Speech and Language Processing
  • First Language Acquisition
  • Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics
  • Historical Linguistics
  • Language Production
  • You may also be able to take a course from other degree programmes in the School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences, and in some cases from elsewhere in the University, with permission of the Programme Director.

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