Start your postgraduate journey with us in 2025
Edinburgh has a proud and distinguished place in the teaching of language sciences and you will be taught by world-renowned experts.
Our department is home to academics leading research into a wide range of topics from historical linguistics and speech technology to sociolinguistics and phonetics.
You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, having the opportunity to select option courses across different disciplines.
Expand your horizons and forge lifelong connections through innovative and engaging research seminars and social events, organised for the student community throughout the year.
Why study Linguistics & English Language at Edinburgh?
- Linguistics & English Language is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- We're ranked 4th in the UK and 7th in the world for linguistics (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
- We're ranked 3rd in the UK and 7th in the world for English language and literature (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.
Showcasing Language Sciences at Edinburgh
Postgraduate programmes in Language Sciences
Applications are now open for 2025 entry. We operate a gathered field admissions approach with applications being processed in batches throughout the cycle. You can submit your application at any time. Find out more about our programmes and how to apply.
Spotlight on research
Our research has real world impact and we are committed to engaging and inspiring people beyond academia. Our researchers work with practitioners in health, policy, education and the arts to make a difference.
Our world-class research improves lives
Research on personalised speech synthesis has led to improved quality of life and commercial impact. A new spin-out company created by linguistics researchers at Edinburgh and established in collaboration with clinicians, provides personalised synthetic voices for users even when their speech is already degraded (e.g. as a result of motor neuron disease).
As well as improving the quality of life of people who have lost their voice, the research has led to new legislation guaranteeing access to communication support for all patients suffering voice loss. The research, led by Professor Simon King, has also underpinned commercial products and services offered by leading technology companies.
Simon King is the Programme Director for MSc Speech & Language Processing.
Read more about how our research is making an impact:
Our community
As a student in the department, you will be part of a thriving and diverse community within the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences (PPLS). Students are invited to join WhatsApp and/or Discord groups to connect with fellow classmates, and our Linguisitcs society, LingSoc, organises regular events throughout the year.
You will have access to a range of dedicated labs and facilities, many of which include state-of-the-art software and equipment, to support your studies and enable cutting edge research.
With around 90 students studying across our MSc programmes, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, develop your subject-area knowledge and have fun in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Student experience
Current position: Bilingual Communications Consultant
"My degree was a lot of hard work, but it was fascinating and I loved my courses and professors, who pushed me to develop academically. It was a worthwhile challenge, and even though it was stressful and overwhelming at times, I wouldn’t have changed anything.
I was very fortunate to land a position as a Research Associate at the Centre for Speech Technology Research, which complemented the degree I was undertaking. It was a very valuable work experience that allowed me to earn a bit of money on the side."
Connect with us
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
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