Forensic Linguistics and Speech Science (Taught)

An ideal course for careers in the security, intelligence, and law enforcement sectors, as well as related fields that require expertise in linguistic analysis. In an era defined by state-sponsored disinformation, cybercrime, and sophisticated AI-powered fraud, Lancaster's MSc in Forensic Linguistics and Speech Science provides a unique and comprehensive integration of forensic linguistics and speech science.

Why Lancaster?

• Study in a world-leading department with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research

• Benefit from a unique interdisciplinary approach that integrates forensic linguistics, forensic speech science and their intersection with AI

• Take advantage of our strong links to intelligence, investigative and evidential research centres and projects

• Gain advanced knowledge and skills to tackle pressing challenges such as AI-powered fraud, disinformation and cybercrime

• Develop practical skills with state-of-the-art resources: You will have hands-on experience using our outstanding resources, specialist labs and facilities

Linguistic excellence meets forensic expertise
Our MSc in Forensic Linguistics and Speech Science (FLiSS) offers an unrivalled context for success. You’ll study with Lancaster University’s world-leading Linguistics team, acknowledged experts in both forensic linguistics and forensic speech science. They’ll share their up-to-date knowledge and practical experience in these dynamic fields.

Real-world insight through expert collaboration
Our close collaborations with security organisations and practitioners will place you at the centre of conversations taking place within the field, offering a valuable glimpse into the practical realities of working in this high-stakes domain.

We have strong links to intelligence, investigative, and evidential research centres and projects, including The Security Lancaster Institute (SL), The Cyber Security Research Centre (CSRC), The Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST) and the North West Cyber Corridor with its links to GCHQ in Manchester.

You will have opportunities to engage with events hosted by FACTOR (Forensic Linguistics, Cybersecurity, and Technology Research), providing valuable activities and talks that complement and enhance your learning.

Specialist resources for hands-on experience
At Lancaster you will benefit from our world-leading reputation in corpus linguistics and phonetics – the foundational components of forensic language analysis.

You will gain hands-on experience using our outstanding resources, such as state-of-the-art tools and specialist labs equipped for phonetics, corpus linguistics and live investigations. These resources will allow you to engage practically with methods, techniques and cases central to the field.

Professional analytical skills
The MSc in Forensic Linguistics and Speech Science (FLiSS) addresses the growing need for professionals who can analyse both written and spoken language in forensic, intelligence and investigative contexts. You’ll learn these skills through practical engagement enhancing your analytical capabilities across linguistic and speech science domains.

You’ll gain a strong foundation in the core analytical components of forensic language analysis, such as:

• Corpus linguistics

• Sociolinguistics

• Phonetics

• Speech technology

Crucially, you will also investigate how AI intersects with each of these, both as a weapon in the hands of criminals, and as a tool for the analyst.

You will be encouraged to critique, test, validate, and apply your learning to challenging cases and datasets. You will also work on the ethical considerations and regulatory matters pertinent to the field.

Finally, you’ll undertake an extended piece of self-directed research on a topic of your choice within forensic linguistics or speech science, supervised by our expert staff.