Investigate the origins and evolution of human language
Joining the world-leading Centre for Language Evolution (CLE), you will investigate the origins and evolution of human language, tackling questions such as ‘What is it that makes us human?’, ‘How did our brains evolve?’ and ‘what are the origins of human language?’
The CLE is at the cutting edge of research in this area and one of the world’s biggest research groups working on language evolution.
The programme focuses on a treatment of language as a dynamic evolving system, bringing together origins, acquisition and change. It provides a broad introduction to the field of language evolution and can form the basis for further (typically PhD) study for those wishing to continue their research.
Why study Evolution of Language & Cognition at Edinburgh?
- We're ranked 4th in the UK and 7th in the world for linguistics (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
- You will be part of a learning community which includes one of the largest concentration of language scientists in the UK.
Programme structure
This programme comprises two semesters of taught compulsory and optional courses, followed by a dissertation.
This programme offers a range of courses covering the key concepts and methodologies in the evolution of language and cognition.
In addition to the core courses you can choose further courses, according to your interests and chosen research focus. This could include courses introducing you to the foundations of linguistics or experimental psychology, or advanced courses in a variety of areas, including language acquisition, language change, pragmatics of human communication, psycholinguistics, the neuroscience of language, and evolutionary psychology.
The dissertation consists of a piece of independent research of around 8,000 words intended to demonstrate knowledge of the literature and research skills in a particular area of the programme
Course options
Compulsory courses:
- Origins and Evolution of Language
- Simulating Language
- Online Experiments for Language Scientists
- Statistics and Experimental Design (exemption available)
- Introduction to Syntax (exemption available)
- Introduction to Phonology and Phonetics (exemption available)
- Research Ethics
- Guided Research in Linguistics and English Language
Optional courses
Optional courses previously offered include:
- Computer Programming for Speech and Language Processing
- First Language Acquisition
- Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics
- Historical Linguistics
- Language Production
- You may also be able to take a course from other degree programmes in the School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences, and in some cases from elsewhere in the University, with permission of the Programme Director.
When to apply
We operate a gathered field approach to applications. You may submit your application at any time.
All complete applications that satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be placed on a shortlist and held until the next batch processing deadline. Applications will then be ranked and offers made to the top candidates.
Find out more about the degree programme and how to apply:
Connect with us
If you have any programme-specific enquiries please get in touch with the programme director:
Professor Kenny Smith (Programme director)
Feel free to get in touch with our friendly Postgraduate Team with any questions you might have about academic or English language requirements, course information, enquiries about your application and information on arriving at the University.
Postgraduate Research Administration Team (MScR/PhD enquiries):
Email: pplspgoffice@ed.ac.uk
How to apply and fees & funding information:
Degree Finder for MSc Evolution of Language & Cognition
Sign up to hear about the latest School events, news and programme updates:
Follow us on social media:
This article was published on