Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition PhD, MScR
Awards: PhD, MScR
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Strongly interdisciplinary in nature, the Institute for Language, Cognition and Communication (ILCC) is dedicated to both basic and applied research in the computational study of language, communication, and cognition, in both humans and machines.
As technology focuses increasingly on language-based communication tools, research into the automation of language processing has become vital. ILCC offers you the broadest research scope in the UK, and a strong computational focus.
Our primary areas of research are:
- natural language processing and computational linguistics
- spoken language processing
- dialogue and multimodal interaction
- information extraction, retrieval, and presentation
- computational theories of human cognition
- educational and assistive technology
- visualisation
Much of our research is applied to software development, in areas as diverse as social media, assisted living, gaming and education.
You may find yourself working closely with other departments of the University, particularly the School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences.
Many of our researchers are involved in cross-disciplinary research centres, for instance:
Centre for Speech Technology Research (CSTR)
The Centre for Speech Technology Research (CSTR) is an interdisciplinary research centre linking Informatics and Linguistics. Founded in 1984, it is now one of the world's largest concentrations of researchers working in the field of language and speech processing.
CSTR is concerned with research in all areas of speech technology including:
- speech recognition
- synthesis
- signal processing
- acoustic phonetics
- information access
- multi-modal interaction
- dialogue systems
The Centre is home to state-of-the-art research facilities including:
- specialised speech and language-orientated computer labs
- a digital recording studio
- perception labs
- a meeting room instrumented with multiple synchronised video cameras and microphones
There is also access to high-performance computer clusters, the University storage area network, a specialist library, and many speech and language databases.
Centre for Design Informatics
Data-driven innovation is transforming society and the economy. In the Centre for Design Informatics, we design systems for better human data interaction, in diverse settings such as health, culture, mobility and finance.
We explore design from, with, and by data: the central concern is the design of data flow which sustains and enhances human values. Relevant technologies range from:
- the Internet of things
- blockchains
- robotics
- speech recognition
- data visualisation
- interaction design
- social computing
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Informatics | 3 Years | Full-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
You will carry out your research within a research group under the guidance of a supervisor. You will be expected to attend seminars and meetings of relevant research groups and may also attend lectures that are relevant to your research topic. Periodic reviews of your progress will be conducted to assist with research planning.
A programme of transferable skills courses facilitates broader professional development in a wide range of topics, from writing and presentation skills to entrepreneurship and career strategies.
The School of Informatics is committed to advancing the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. The School is deploying a range of strategies to help female staff and students of all stages in their careers and we seek regular feedback from our research community on our performance.
The award-winning Informatics Forum is an international research facility for computing and related areas. It houses more than 400 research staff and students, providing office, meeting and social spaces.
Amongst other research facilities, it also contains:
- several robotics labs
- an instrumented multimedia room
- eye-tracking and motion capture systems
- a full recording studio
Its spectacular atrium plays host to many events, from industry showcases and student hackathons to major research conferences.
Nearby teaching facilities include:
- computer and teaching labs with more than 250 machines
- 24-hour access to IT facilities for students
- comprehensive support provided by dedicated computing staff
Among our entrepreneurial initiatives is Informatics Ventures - set up to support globally ambitious software companies in Scotland, and nurture a technology cluster to rival Boston, Pittsburgh, Kyoto and Silicon Valley.
While many of our graduates pursue an academic career, others find their skills are highly sought after in the technology industry. A number of our students serve internships with large UK and international software developers, while others take up positions with major social media companies.
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, typically in an area of informatics, such as artificial intelligence, cognitive science or computer science. You should have experience in computer programming.
We may also consider a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics or psychology.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.
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, Trinity ISE or PTE, 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:
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 (non-MESC).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Academic Technology Approval Scheme
If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Informatics | 3 Years | Full-time | Tuition fees |
| PhD | Informatics | 6 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
| MScR | Informatics | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
| MScR | Informatics | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
Most PhD students in Informatics receive full scholarships to cover their tuition fees and living costs.
Others may use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- scholarships
borrowing money
- taking out a loan
- family support
- personal savings
- income from work
- employer sponsorship
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
Featured funding
- School of Informatics scholarships for research students
- Research scholarships for international students
- Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship
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
- your residency status.
Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- IGS Admissions Administrator
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5635
- Contact: phd-admissions@inf.ed.ac.uk
- School of Informatics Graduate School
- Office 3.42, Informatics Forum
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9AB
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
PhD Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition - 3 Years (Full-time)
PhD Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition - 6 Years (Part-time)
MSc by Research Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc by Research Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition - 2 Years (Part-time)
Applications are now open and can be submitted all year round. However, please note that to be considered for School of Informatics funding, you must apply by one of the following deadlines:
| Round | Application deadline | Places awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 November 2024 | by 30 April 2025 |
| 2 | 17 February 2025 | by 30 April 2025 |
Please submit your completed application at least three months before your desired entry date. If you need an ATAS certificate you must submit your application at least six months before your desired entry date.
You must submit two references with your application.
You must submit an application via the EUCLID application portal and provide the required information and documentation. This will include providing:
- the name of a proposed supervisor
- a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- a research proposal (three to five pages long)
- degree certificates and official transcripts for ALL completed and in-progress degrees (plus certified translations if academic documents are not issued in English).
- contact details for two academic references
Only complete applications will progress to the academic selection stage.
Read through detailed guidance on how to apply for a PGR programme in the School of Informatics:
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- IGS Admissions Administrator
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5635
- Contact: phd-admissions@inf.ed.ac.uk
- School of Informatics Graduate School
- Office 3.42, Informatics Forum
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9AB