Psychology and Language Sciences

The BSc Psychology and Language Sciences at University College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between language and human cognition. This interdisciplinary programme combines foundational theories and cutting-edge research methodologies to deepen understanding of how language influences thought, communication, and social interactions across different contexts and populations. Throughout the course, students will examine key topics such as psycholinguistics, cognitive neuroscience of language, language development, linguistic diversity, and the psychological mechanisms underlying language processing. The programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, providing opportunities for experimental research, data analysis, and critical evaluation of current scientific literature. Students will engage with innovative technologies, including neuroimaging techniques and computational models, to investigate language function in the brain and its impact on behavior. The curriculum is designed to foster scientific inquiry, analytical thinking, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in research, clinical practice, speech and language therapy, education, and related fields. With access to UCL’s world-class facilities and expert academics actively involved in pioneering research, students will benefit from an intellectually stimulating environment that encourages inquiry, collaboration, and professional development. The programme also offers pathways for further study, including postgraduate research and professional training in psychology, linguistics, and related disciplines. Graduates will emerge with a robust understanding of psychological and linguistic principles, advanced research skills, and a global perspective on language-related phenomena, making them well-equipped to contribute to advancements in science and society.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

You will undertake language study throughout the programme, selecting one language on which to concentrate. The European languages available are French, German, Italian and Spanish. You will spend the first two years of study at Sciences Po, at one of the following five campuses: Paris, Poitiers, Menton, Nancy and Dijon. Students specialising in French may choose from any one of the five. For other languages, the destinations are: Spanish - Poitiers or Paris, German - Nancy, Dijon or Paris, Italian - Menton, Dijon or Paris.

Modules fall into three groupings: common core, language and social sciences electives. The European common core involves working in a multidisciplinary environment, gaining insights into a range of academic disciplines and engaging critically with competing analytical perspectives.

In the last two years at UCL you may specialise in any of these major subjects: Economics, History, International Relations, Law, Philosophy, and Politics. If you intend to specialise in Economics, Law or History while at UCL, you must take optional modules in the relevant discipline at Sciences Po.

A levels

Grades

A*AA

Subjects

A humanities or social science subject (or Mathematics) preferred. Mathematics at A* required for full Economics specialism if chosen. French or Spanish required if one of these is to be studied as a major language. Other language requirements may apply depending on the campus chosen - see www.ucl.ac.uk/r992-entry.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

39

Subjects

A score of 19 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5. Higher level subjects to include French B or Spanish B at grade 6 if one of these is to be studied as a major language. A humanities or social science subject (or Mathematics) at higher level is normally a requirement. Mathematics at grade 7 at higher level is required for the full Economics specialism, if chosen. Other language requirements may apply depending on the campus chosen - see www.ucl.ac.uk/r992-entry).

The Psychology and Language Sciences program at University College London offers a diverse range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for domestic students are set annually by the university and are subject to change, with current figures available on the university's official website. For international students, fees are typically higher and also vary depending on the specific course and year of entry. In addition to tuition fees, students should consider the costs of living in London, which include accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials.

UCL provides several scholarships and bursaries for both domestic and international students. These awards are highly competitive and are generally based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as country of origin or field of study. For example, the UCL Global Masters Scholarships, accessible to eligible international students, cover tuition fees and sometimes include a living expense stipend. Similarly, there are departmental scholarships specifically aimed at students enrolled in Psychology and Language Sciences, which can significantly reduce the financial burden.

Students are also encouraged to seek external funding sources such as government-sponsored loans, international scholarship programs, and student aid funds offered by various organizations. The UK government offers postgraduate loans for eligible students, which can be used to cover tuition fees and living costs and are repayable after graduation based on income levels. Additionally, many students finance their studies through part-time work, internships, and grants provided by private foundations.

UCL has dedicated financial aid offices that provide guidance on applying for funding and managing costs. Prospective students are advised to explore all available options early in the application process to ensure they can secure the necessary financial support to complete their degree. Overall, students are encouraged to plan their finances carefully and research the full spectrum of available funding schemes to make their studies at UCL more affordable.

The BSc Psychology and Language Sciences at University College London is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed to explore the intricate relationships between psychological processes and language development, structure, and use. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how language influences cognitive functions and vice versa, integrating insights from psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and related fields. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics including cognitive psychology, linguistics, psycholinguistics, developmental psychology, and neuroscience, allowing for the development of a multidisciplinary perspective on language and its psychological underpinnings.

The curriculum is structured to include both compulsory and optional modules, offering flexibility for students to tailor their studies according to their interests within the broad scope of psychological sciences and language studies. Core modules typically cover foundational areas such as cognitive psychology, introduction to linguistics, research methods, and data analysis. Elective modules may include specialist topics like language acquisition, neuropsychology, speech and language pathology, artificial intelligence in language processing, and advanced research projects. The program emphasizes practical skills, including experimental design, statistical analysis, and research methodologies, enabling students to prepare for careers in research, clinical settings, and various roles within the language and mental health sectors.

UCL's strong emphasis on research ensures that students have opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology and participate in ongoing research projects within the department, often collaborating with experts across disciplines. The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories dedicated to psycholinguistics, neuroimaging, and speech sciences. Additionally, students benefit from guest lectures, seminars, and visits from industry professionals, providing insights into current challenges and innovations in the field of psychology and language sciences.

Graduates of this program are equipped with a solid foundation for further study in postgraduate psychology, linguistics, speech therapy, or cognitive neuroscience. They also develop transferable skills including critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in numerous sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and research.

The program duration is typically three years (full-time), with options for part-time study. Entry requirements generally include A-levels or equivalent qualifications with strong grades in relevant subjects such as psychology, languages, or sciences. The university promotes an inclusive learning environment and provides support services for students, including academic guidance, counseling, and career advice to facilitate their professional development and academic success.

Overall, the BSc Psychology and Language Sciences at UCL offers a rigorous and engaging academic experience for students passionate about understanding the complex interactions between language and mental processes, preparing them for a range of careers in academia, healthcare, technology, and beyond.