Language Acquisition and Development
Bangor , United Kingdom
Master of Science in Language Acquisition and Development
Bangor University (Prifysgol Bangor)
Linguistics and Language Sciences
Program Overview: MSc Language Acquisition and Development
The MSc in Language Acquisition and Development at Bangor University develops your understanding of how language is acquired in childhood and how it changes as we age. You will gain the theoretical and practical skills to examine language development in children and adults, including in multilingual people and those with acquired and developmental conditions such as dementia or Down syndrome.
This MSc is the first master's programme in Wales to offer courses in typical and atypical language development in both monolingual and bilingual populations. The programme consists of a taught component including a combination of core and optional modules, followed by a research dissertation of 20,000 words.
You will have access to state-of-the-art learning facilities and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research, for example by joining Bangor's Child Bilingualism Lab. The course includes case studies from a range of languages and welcomes students from the UK and across the world.
Key Program Highlights
- First master's programme in Wales covering both typical and atypical language development in monolingual and bilingual populations
- Access to specialist research facilities including an eye-tracking laboratory, ERP laboratory, professional sound studio, and speech laboratory
- Personalised supervision for a 20,000-word independent research dissertation on a topic of your choice
- Small-group teaching delivered by research-active staff at the cutting edge of language acquisition science
Curriculum and Modules
The MSc in Language Acquisition and Development combines core taught modules with optional specialisations, culminating in an independent research dissertation. The curriculum covers both first and second language acquisition, bilingualism, psycholinguistics, and applied language teaching, equipping you with strong theoretical and methodological foundations.
SLA and Language Teaching
20 UK CreditsIntroduces key issues in second language acquisition by child and adult learners, covering L1 transfer, age effects, individual differences, developmental stages, and ultimate attainment through current theories of L2 acquisition and learning.
Phonology in Bilingual Acquisition
20 UK CreditsExplores theoretical and conceptual issues in phonological acquisition with a focus on children exposed to two languages simultaneously, examining transfer phenomena across phonological domains including phoneme inventories, phonotactic patterns, and syllabic structure.
Psycholinguistics
20 UK CreditsSurveys current research and approaches in psycholinguistics, covering major empirical issues including lexical and morphological processing, development of cognition, language and modularity, and information processing in both L1 and L2 contexts.
Linguistics Research Methods
20 UK CreditsProvides essential foundations, training, and tools to design and carry out qualitative, quantitative, experimental, or ethnographic research within linguistics, preparing you for your independent dissertation project.
Foundations of Linguistics
20 UK CreditsProvides an overview of the discipline of language science, covering key ideas and methodologies in the study of meaning, grammar, and sound. Students with prior linguistics coursework may substitute this module for optional credits.
MSc Dissertation
60 UK CreditsAn independent research-based dissertation of 15,000 to 20,000 words on a language acquisition topic of your choice, with personalised supervision from expert staff using applied, theoretical, experimental, corpus-based, or ethnographic methodological frameworks.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The MSc in Language Acquisition and Development welcomes applicants with a strong academic background in linguistics or a related discipline. Applicants with equivalent professional experience and non-graduate qualifications may also be considered on an individual basis through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA 2:ii (Lower Second Class Honours) degree or equivalent from a recognised institution
- Subject BackgroundLinguistics, Modern Languages, Translation, Psychology, English Language/Literature, or English Education
- Professional ExperienceWorking professionals with relevant non-graduate qualifications may be considered on an individual basis
- International QualificationsEquivalent overseas qualifications to a UK 2:ii honours degree are accepted
- Additional ConsiderationApplicants with substantial relevant work experience in education, speech therapy, or language services may be considered
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall 6.0 with no element below 5.5
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current accepted score equivalents
- Other TestsContact Uni4Edu for a full list of accepted English language qualifications
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Bangor University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support international and UK students pursuing postgraduate study. Over GBP 1,000,000 in bursaries and scholarships are available for new and returning students. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding opportunities.
Bangor University International Scholarship
Up to GBP 3,000 (postgraduate)Available to all international postgraduate taught students paying international tuition fee levels. No separate application is required; all eligible applicants are automatically considered based on academic performance, personal statement, and references.
Bangor Merit Scholarship
Up to GBP 10,000Awarded to outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement. This partial funding scholarship is available to both UK and international applicants.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Full funding (tuition, living costs, and travel)Jointly funded by Bangor University and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, this scheme supports masters students from eligible Commonwealth countries. Covers tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and warm clothing allowance.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The MSc in Language Acquisition and Development prepares you for a wide range of careers in the UK and internationally. Graduates gain the requisite skills, understanding, and knowledge to work effectively in organisations serving bilingual populations and second language learners with and without language impairment.
Potential Career Paths
Typical Employer Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
Bangor University, founded in 1884, has over 140 years of academic heritage and is recognised internationally for its research quality. In the REF 2021, 85% of the university's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Bangor is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 350 |
| Agriculture and Forestry | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 150 |
| Environmental Sciences | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 350 |
| Linguistics (School of Linguistics and English Language) | Complete University Guide | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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