Introduction
The Evolution of Language and Cognition programme focuses on the treatment of language as a dynamic evolving system, bringing together origins, acquisition and change.
It provides a broad introduction to the field of language evolution and cognitive evolution and can form the basis for further study for those wishing to continue their research.
Explore your own interests
As well as taking core courses covering the fundamentals of evolutionary theory and the main issues in the origins and evolution of language and the human language faculty, you can tailor the programme to your own interests, by combining a range of courses taught by faculty members in Linguistics, Psychology and other related subject areas in Edinburgh.
World-leading research
Students on the programme will become part of the world-leading Language Evolution and Computation Research Unit here in Edinburgh. The LEC is at the cutting edge of current research into the origins and evolution of human language, and is the biggest research group in the world in this area.
You will have the opportunity to be become involved at first hand with the LEC's ongoing research effort, and the dissertation project you will undertake as part of the Masters provides the opportunity for you to make your own contribution to our understanding of the evolution of language and cognition.
Beyond the programme
The Masters programme can be freestanding, but also provides an excellent starting point for PhD study either here in Edinburgh or elsewhere, in a range of disciplines. Students who already have the relevant background, and a strong research proposal can, of course, apply directly for the PhD.
If you are interested in learning more about the evolution of human cognition and language, and about the many disciplines that contribute to its study, we'd like to hear from you.