Speech & Language Processing

Language processing, in parallel, involves computational aspects of linguistics. It addresses theories of grammar and meaning, and provides access to the fundamentals of linguistics, both as a science and as an engineering discipline. As an engineering discipline it is concerned with technology applications and tools that exploit linguistic knowledge, such as predictive text, automated personal assistants, web search etc.



The M.Phil. in Speech and Language Processing programme offers an elite, tailor-made programme, flexible design shaped by your interests in Linguistics; small class size, taught by experts; and a wide choice of elective modules each year.



Is This Course For Me?

Our students come from many backgrounds. Some have a background in language study, some have an interest in clinical speech and language analysis, some have a background in psychology, computer science or engineering. In general, they are people who are analytical (they may be interested in how dialects differ, they may love crossword puzzles or find legal reasoning entertaining) and wish to know more about what makes human language work.

Students take four core modules: Speech Processing 1: Spectral Analysis. Formal Foundations of Linguistic Theories. Laboratory Phonetics and Phonology. Corpora in Speech and Language Processing.



Students then choose two electives among the following menu of elective modules: Computer-Assisted Language Learning; Multilingualism; Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching; Speech and Language Technology for Education; Speech Processing 2: Acoustic Modelling; Speech Production, Hearing and Perception; and Technology, Language, and Communication.



In the final phase of the course, students prepare and write a 15,000-word dissertation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a good honours degree (at least an upper second or equivalent; GPA of at least 3.2). Previous knowledge of applied linguistics is not a requirement. Normally only graduates with language teaching experience are admitted to the course in Applied Linguistics.



Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must meet the College's requirements for English-language proficiency, i.e. the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 7.0. For this course, no individual IELTS band can be below 6.5 (or the minimum equivalents in other approved English language proficiency tests listed on the College website). Students whose first language is not English are encouraged to attend our pre-sessional Summer programme to prepare them for postgraduate study in Ireland (see here).



Applicants must provide a Personal Statement explaining their motivation in applying for their chosen course(s).

Closing Date: 30th April 2024

Post Grad Diploma 1 Year Full Time

MPhil 2 years Part Time

Next Intake: September 2024

Career Opportunities

Our alumni have followed various career paths, with many opting to pursue research at a higher level through the Ph.D.,in CLCS (e.g. becoming involved in research projects in the Phonetics and Speech Lab), with the computational linguists in TCD'sSchool of Computer Science and Statistics, and in other leading institutions across the globe. Some have also used this course as a foundation to enter Speech Therapy programmes in Ireland and abroad.