Language Sciences with specialisation in Neuroscience and Communication

The combined specialisation in Neuroscience and Communication provides a thorough multidisciplinary introduction to modern knowledge and current research in the inter-related aspects of neuroscience, speech processing and language impairments where students have completed related previous study which may not include demonstrable experience in theoretical linguistics.

Students take a core set of modules building a foundation to study current issues and research in neuroscience and communication such as neurobioliogy, speech processing, developmental and acquired language disorders and linguistics. In selecting the modules for their specialisation, students will be able to take full advantage of the breadth of expertise in language research in the UCL Division of  Psychology & Language Sciences.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), a research report (105 credits) and plan (15 credits).

Core modules

• Introduction to the Brain and Imaging the Brain
• Research Methods: Principles, Skills and Applications
• Introduction to Syntax
• Students select two specialisation modules from those below:
• Introduction to Speech Sciences
• Neurobiology of Speech Processing
• Neuroscience of Language
• Seminar in Neurolinguistics

Optional modules

Students select two modules from all those offered within UCL Psychology and Language Sciences, subject to availability and agreement with the Programme Director. A list of possible options is listed below:

• Conversation Analysis
• Current Issues in Production, Perception and Neural Processing of Speech
• Deafness - Cognition and Language
• Designing and Analysing an fMRI Experiment
• Developmental Disorders of Language Learning and Cognition
• Developmental Language Disorders and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Introduction to Event-Related Potential Techniques
• Language Acquisition

Not all modules will run every year, some modules may require a minimum number of registered students.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project on an aspect of speech, language and cognition which culminates in a research plan of 3,000-6,000 words and a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group teaching and a virtual learning environment. Some modules also involve workshops or practical classes. Student performance is assessed through coursework, examinations and the research project.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a language-related area such as linguistics, speech sciences, English language, psychology, cognitive science, or a cognate discipline.