Course Summary
Speech and language processing examines language from two distinct perspectives. Speech processing deals with the science of spoken communication, how speech is encoded by the speaker and decoded by the listener. It is also concerned with the processing techniques used to model speech in ways that can potentially be implemented in technology, such as speech synthesis. Speech science is at the intersection of many disciplines: acoustics, linguistics, engineering, psychology, anatomy and physiology, and is key to the understanding of disordered speech.
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Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry 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).
Application Details
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
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.
Duration
MPhil 2 years Part Time