Evolution of Language and Cognition MSc, Diploma, Certificate

The programme involves two taught semesters and your own research dissertation. Compulsory courses (in addition to the dissertation) provide a solid foundation, while optional courses allow you to explore your own areas of interest.

The taught element is delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical sessions. Assessment is by written/project work and examination.

Compulsory courses:

• Current Issues in Language Evolution
• Foundations of Evolution
• Origins and Evolution of Language
• Simulating Language
• Language Evolution in the Lab

Option courses may include:

• Universals of Language
• Computer Programming for Speech and Language Processing
• Diachronic Linguistics
• Dialogue
• First Language Acquisition
• Human Evolution
• Introduction to Phonology and Phonetics
• Sociolinguistic Research Design
• Introduction to Syntax
• Language Behaviours, Brains and Cognition: Principles and Approaches
• Psychology of Language Learning
• Univariate Statistics and Methodology Using R

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.

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

• a comprehensive synthesis of the most recent scientific findings relating to the origins and evolution of human language
• a firm basis for subsequent advanced specialised research
• a broad awareness of issues and findings in the evolution of language and cognitive evolution across participating single-subject disciplines

This programme provides solid grounding in the scientific study of human behaviour, which provides the ideal basis for further research in many associated areas, including linguistics, cognitive science and human evolution.

Recent graduates have gone on to roles in teaching (following further training), journalism and translation services for companies such as Pearson Education, BPD Training and ITWeb.

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

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

For 2020 entry we accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 23 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• PTE Academic: total 67 (at least 61 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 23 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

*(Revised 21 February 2020 to remove PTE Academic from 2021 entry requirements. Revised 21 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition in 2020 and 2021 entry requirements.)

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Read our general information on tuition fees and studying costs:

• Fees and costs

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding