Understanding the use and development of language at all stages of life
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.
Why study Developmental Linguistics at Edinburgh?
- Linguistics & English Language is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- We're ranked 4th in the UK and 5th in the world for linguistics (QS World University Rankings by subject 2024).
- You will be part of a learning community which includes the largest concentration of language scientists in the UK.
Showcasing Language Sciences at Edinburgh
Programme structure
This programme comprises two semesters of taught compulsory and optional courses, followed by a dissertation.
Most courses consist of lectures and tutorials, the latter comprising lab work, paper discussion or presentations, depending on the topic of the course. Some courses feature project work that require two or more students working together to carry out an empirical study.
Coursework assessment is done through a mixture of exams and assignments including essays, critical reviews of published work, analysis of real or mock data, and mini-research projects.
Course options
Core courses:
- Introduction to Syntax
- Introduction to Phonology and Phonetics OR Introduction to Phonology
- First Language Acquisition
- Second Language Acquisition
- Statistics and Quantitative Methods
- Research Methods in Developmental Linguistics
Optional courses may include:
- Origins and Evolution of Language
- Universals of Language
- Simulating Language
- Guided Research in Linguistics and English Language
- Online experiments for language scientists
- Bilingual interaction
- Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching
- Or any other course available to MSc students subject to approval from the programme director
When to apply
We operate a gathered field approach to applications. You may submit your application at any time.
All complete applications that satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be placed on a shortlist and held until the next batch processing deadline. Applications will then be ranked and offers made to the top candidates.
Find out more about the degree programme and how to apply:
Connect with us
If you have any programme-specific enquiries please get in touch with the programme director:
Professor Vicky Chondrogianni (Programme director)
Feel free to get in touch with our friendly Postgraduate Team with any questions you might have about academic or English language requirements, course information, enquiries about your application and information on arriving at the University.
Postgraduate Team enquiries:
Email: pplspgoffice@ed.ac.uk
How to apply and fees & funding information:
Degree Finder for MSc Developmental Linguistics
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