Course summary

This 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. 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 related 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. 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 s known to prepare students well for further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone on to PhD training, and we have a high academic job placement record.