Psychology of Language MSc

This unique programme offers an opportunity for intensive advanced training in the psychology of language focusing on the mental representations and processes that underlie human language use.

Key research areas

Building on the research methods training, you will take topical courses related to the core research areas of our department including theoretical and methodological aspects of the psychology of language.

Your MSc culminates in a research dissertation in a core research area, an original, publication-quality piece of research, undertaken in close collaboration with researchers in the relevant group.

The teaching and supervision are conducted by internationally recognised researchers from our Language, Cognition and Communication Research Group, one of the largest collections of natural language researchers in Europe, with links to:


* computer scientists


* neuroscientists


* linguists


* philosophers


The group’s expertise covers the broad scope of psycholinguistics, with connections to other areas of social and cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Members use a wide range of experimental, observational, computational, and neuroscience methods.

What will I learn?

You will take courses concerned with core areas of the psychology of language and conduct an original research dissertation in this area. You will also take an additional psychology course, chosen from a range of options.

You will receive thorough training in advanced academic skills and research methods related to the psychology of language. This includes comprehensive coverage of statistical modelling and research design using the R statistical language.

Is this MSc for me?

This programme provides an understanding of advanced topics, methodologies and issues in the psychology of language, as well as research design and management, and you can flexibly choose an option course to customise your learning in areas you are most passionate about.

It provides an excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of the psychology of language, whether you choose to pursue it in further research or use it for another professional career.

Reputation, relevance and employability

The University of Edinburgh has a long tradition of research expertise in psychology. Our large Psychology department is home to academics leading research in the field.

You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, having the opportunity to select an option course and attend research seminars across different disciplines.

Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals.

This programme has an excellent reputation amongst employers and across other universities. Many of our graduates have gone on to PhD training and academic careers as well as professional careers.

We maintain close contact with professional organisations such as the British Psychological Society (BPS).