Language Technologies

Entry requirements

Undergraduate degree at 2.ii (or equivalent) in a related discipline (e.g. linguistics, computer science, psychology).

Applications from working professionals with non-graduate qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact us for more information.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Bangor University’s MSc in Language Technologies is aimed at those seeking to develop critical understanding of issues pertaining to the development and application of computer technology to language-based problems, and to prepare them for a career in the fast-growing field of language technologies. Students following this course will have the opportunity to explore issues relating to the distinct context of language-based problems and their treatment in automated machine applications. They will also be able to learn about innovative techniques in developing new speech and language technologies in multilingual settings, especially for less-resourced and minoritized languages.

On this course you will undertake study of a variety of academic, scientific and applied approaches to language structure and language technologies, with a general focus on both linguistic theory and technological applications. You will also develop an understanding of key issues, including:

• language structure
• natural language processing
• translation practice
• machine-based learning
• corpus analysis.

Students will be trained in various areas of language technologies such as natural language processing, speech science and automated translation. The course will enable you to develop the necessary skills to be able to conduct independent experimental research and develop potential solutions to problems in automated language use and machine-based language processing

This course also provides the opportunity for you to carry out a practical research project, as well as the potential to capitalize on the high-performance computing resources of Supercomputing Wales, to co-operate with cutting-edge research in natural language processing working with PhD level researchers in the AI, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing (AIMLAC) Centre for Doctoral Training Centre and to collaborate with Bangor University's Language Technologies Unit and use tools and resources from the their [Welsh National Language Technologies Portal].

The Department of Linguistics, English Language and Bilingualism, Computer Science and Language Technology Unit / Uned Technolegau Iaith staff have a wide range of internationally recognized specializations and research profiles in the following fields:

• computer science
• language technologies / Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• corpus linguistics
• language variation and change
• language and communication
• minority languages and Welsh language dialectology
• variation and change.

We are an accessible, friendly diverse staff who are passionate about passing on their expertise and subject knowledge and committed to delivering the highest quality learning experience for our students. Our research informs our teaching provision at all levels, with our students benefitting from enthusiastic staff at the cutting-edge of academic enquiry and developments. Students will have access to our team of experienced researchers and work collaboratively with them on selected projects, sharing insights into problems and solutions to real life LT challenges.

We take a leading role in international LT networks for less-resourced languages and students will be able to participate in our high-profile conferences and workshops, and collaborations with leading industrial partners and organisations such as the Mozilla Foundation. And our staff is also committed to providing an excellent student experience with strong personalized student support throughout the duration of your Masters studies.

Bangor’s state-of-the-art learning, testing and computing facilities include the following:

• A professional grade sound / recording studio (our Speech laboratory);
• Dedicated corpus-linguistics facilities and resources;
• Access to Canolfan Bedwyr's Language Technologies Unit’s resources, staff and expertise
• Use of the high-performance computing resources of Supercomputing Wales;
• Superbly-equipped computer and networking laboratories;
• Cooperations with cutting-edge research in natural language processing working with PhD level researchers in the AI, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing (AIMLAC) Centre for Doctoral Training Centre.

Information for international students

For students whose first language is not English/Welsh an IELTS score of at least 6.0 (with no element below 5.5), or equivalent, is required.

Please note: scores lower than IELTS 6.0 or equivalent will also be recognized for entry onto our Online Pre Sessional English courses.

Fees and funding

Please see our Fees & Finances pages for more information. You can also visit our Scholarships, Studentships & Bursaries to learn more about funding available.