The Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at University College London (UCL) is proud to announce the offering of a new strand as part of the MSc in Language Sciences, with a specialisation in Sign Language Studies. We are recruiting students for the 2013-2014 academic year. This programme will allow students to study Language Sciences whilst focusing their studies and research on language and cognition linked to deafness and the linguistics of sign languages.

The MSc in Language Sciences is an umbrella degree that provides students with an opportunity for the in-depth study of one or more areas of the Language Sciences. The new strand on Sign Language Studies complements three existing specialisation strands: language development, linguistics with neuroscience, and speech and hearing sciences. Students take a set of mandatory modules and have the opportunity to specialise in one specific area of the language sciences through the selection of core and optional modules, and a research project.

Core modules for the new Sign Language Studies specialisation include Linguistics of Sign Languages; Deafness, Cognition and Language; and (for students without signing experience) an introductory course in British Sign Language. Optional modules may include courses on linguistic theory and structure, language development, language disorders, and interpreting, among many others. Modules will be taught by staff within the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, including staff at the Deafness, Cognition and Language (DCAL) Research Centre, a world-renowned centre of excellence for research on language, communication and cognition in deaf adults and children.

This programme is designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge of language sciences prior to registering for a research degree. The programme also provides a basis for the application of this knowledge in applied settings in a range of areas including teaching, technology, marketing, and consultancy. It is also appropriate for individuals currently working in education, speech and language therapy, sign language teaching, and sign language interpreting/translation who wish to extend their knowledge of this field.

Deadline for applications for 2013/2014 is 2 August 2013. Some scholarships are available. Further information can be found at:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/dcal/msc_sign_lg_studies

For questions or to express interest in the MSc in Language Sciences with specialisation in Sign Language Studies, contact Dr. Kearsy Cormier (k.cormier@ucl.ac.uk) at DCAL, or Pete Buchanan (p.buchanan@ucl.ac.uk) in Language Sciences.