Speech and Language Processing (Taught)

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

• engineering

It is taught by leading researchers from Linguistics and English Language, the Centre for Speech Technology Research, and the School of Informatics.

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 you 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

Applicants from adjacent subject areas, including mathematics, philosophy and psychology, and applicants with relevant professional experience will also be considered.

The programme 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. Our programme has an excellent reputation amongst employers.

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.

Many of our graduates have gone on to PhD training, either directly or after a period in industry.