Speech and Language Processing (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)

Course Overview

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.

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.

Applicants should have a good honours degree (at least an upper second or equivalent; GPA of at least 3.2).

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

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band C, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Our alumni have followed various career paths, with many opting to pursue research at a higher level through the PhD in CLCS (e.g. becoming involved in research projects in the Phonetics and Speech Lab), with the computational linguists in TCD's School 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.