University College London (UCL)
Language Sciences: Development of Language and Speech MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
This MSc program offers a comprehensive study of how language and speech develop and function. It combines insights from linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, and speech sciences to help students understand the underlying mechanisms of language acquisition and processing. The course covers key topics such as developmental language disorders, cognitive processes involved in speech, and the neural basis of language, providing a well-rounded foundation for those interested in research, clinical work, or further academic study.
Students will explore various research methods and analytical techniques needed to investigate language development and speech disorders. The program emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing students to analyze and interpret data related to language sciences. It also encourages independent critical thinking, enabling students to contribute to ongoing debates and advancements in the field. Graduates find this course valuable for careers in speech therapy, linguistics research, or related fields where understanding language development is essential.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
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.
For full-time students, typical contact hours are around 12 hours per week. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.
In terms one and two full-time students can typically expect between 10 and 12 contact hours per teaching week through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, crits and tutorials. In term three and the summer period students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.
Modules
Full-time
On the MSc Language Sciences programme (Development of Language and Speech route) you will complete 180 UCL credits from a range of compulsory, optional and elective modules. This selection of modules has been chosen to provide you with a flexible degree that you can tailor to your specific interests whilst meeting the learning outcomes of the specialised Development of Language and Speech route.
Three compulsory modules are taken by all MSc LangSci students, whatever their strand of specialisation which come to a total of 90 credits. One of which is the Research Project which is mostly carried out in the Summer period, after other assessments have been completed.
In addition to the compulsory modules listed above, you will register for a number of optional modules and will register for these from a choice of six which totals 45 credits.
You will then register for a further three elective modules also worth 45 credits.
Part-time
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.
Flexible
The programme structure for modular/flexible students will be dependent on the number of modules selected per academic year.
Compulsory modules
- Topics and Methods in Language Sciences
- Fundamental Statistics: Statistical and Causal Reasoning
- Dissertation/Project in Language Science
Optional modules
- Neuroscience of Language
- Developmental Disorders of Language Learning and Cognition
- Advanced Topics in Language and Speech Development
- Introduction to Children's Language Development
- Semantic-Pragmatic Development
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.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Language Sciences: Development of Language and Speech.
What this course will give you
The Development of Language and Speech route explores how humans acquire one of the fundamental yet most complex skills that is a hallmark of our species – the ability to communicate through language. Throughout your studies, you'll learn about different aspects of first language acquisition (syntax, semantics and pragmatics, speech perception and production), how we acquire a second language, and how to study language development in typical and atypical (e.g., dyslexic, autistic) populations.
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.
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 primarily go onto work in related sectors such as health and social care and education (Graduate Outcomes survey 2021-22).
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.