Speech and Language Processing

This intensive programme covers all areas of speech and language processing, from phonetics, speech synthesis and speech recognition to natural language generation, machine translation and generative AI. You will have an exciting opportunity to learn from world leaders in both informatics and linguistics.

The programme provides research and vocational training and can be either freestanding or used as preparation for a PhD. The modular nature allows you to tailor it to your own interests.

Key research areas

This programme combines elements of linguistics, artificial intelligence, computer science, and engineering and is taught by leading researchers from Linguistics & English Language, the Centre for Speech Technology Research, and the School of Informatics.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), Linguistics research at Edinburgh is ranked 3rd in the UK (Times Higher Education, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Rank order by GPA).

What will I learn

You will develop up-to-date knowledge of a broad range of areas in speech and language processing and gain the technical expertise and hands-on skills required to carry out research and development in this challenging interdisciplinary area.

This programme covers all areas of speech and language processing, from the foundations of phonetics, speech technology and natural language understanding, to the latest methods using large generative speech and language models.

The flexible nature of the programme allows students to take courses ranging across other areas of linguistics, informatics, and cognitive science.

Is this MSc for me?

This programme is best suited to applicants whose academic background is in:

* linguistics

* computer science

* engineering

* cognitive science

It provides specialist knowledge and is an excellent preparation for subsequent research, whether you choose to pursue this in academia or in a professional career.

Reputation, relevance and employability

Edinburgh has a proud and distinguished history of teaching in speech and language processing and you will be taught by world-leading experts.

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’ dissertation projects are sometimes published in academic conferences or journals.

Our programme has an excellent reputation amongst employers. Many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training, either directly or after a period in industry.

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.

Find out more about our community on our website.