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Evolution of Language and Cognition at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 2025
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

22May
The University of Edinburgh - Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days
Postgraduate

Course summary

This programme is a unique and fascinating interdisciplinary programme which focuses on the treatment of language as a dynamic evolving system, bringing together origins, acquisition and change. Joining the world-leading Centre for Language Evolution, you will investigate the origins and evolution of human language. Key research areas As a student on this programme, you will become part of the world-leading Centre for Language Evolution (CLE) here in Edinburgh. The CLE is at the cutting edge of current research into the origins and evolution of human language, and is the biggest research group in the world in this area. You will be involved first-hand with the CLE’s ongoing research effort. Your dissertation project (undertaken as part of the Masters) will enable you to make your own contribution to our understanding of the evolution of language and cognition. Building on a first degree in psychology, linguistics, cognitive science, or a cognate discipline, the programme provides you with a broad introduction to the field of language and cognitive evolution, and allows you to tailor your studies to your own interests, by combining a wide range of courses in the area of language and cognition. Linguistics & English Language is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). What will I learn? This programme offers a range of courses covering the key concepts and methodologies in the evolution of language and cognition. This is an interdisciplinary programme, tackling key questions which are at the heart of the recent renaissance in the scientific study of the origins and evolution of human language, such as:

  • What is it that makes us human?
  • How did our brains evolve?
  • What are the origins of human language?
  • Why do we think the way we do?
  • What are the mechanisms of biological, cultural and linguistic evolution?
You can also take advantage of teaching and research both elsewhere in the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences and within other relevant schools. Is this MSc for me? You will be involved first-hand with the CLE’s ongoing research effort. Your dissertation project will enable you to make your own contribution to our understanding of the evolution of language and cognition. 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. Reputation, relevance and employability Edinburgh has a proud and distinguished place in the teaching of Linguistics and you will be taught by world-leading experts. Our Linguistics and English Language department is home to academics leading research into a wide range of topics. You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, having the opportunity to select option courses and attend research seminars across different disciplines. Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals. Our programme has an excellent reputation among employers and further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training and we have a high academic job placement record. Find out more about our community The School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences is home to a large, supportive and active student community, hosting events and activities throughout the year which you can join. As a postgraduate student you will have access to a range of research resources, state of the art facilities research seminars and reading groups.

Modules

See our website for detailed programme information.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on our website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

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Additional fee information

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Evolution of Language and Cognition at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS