About This Course
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.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
Students will be trained in various areas of language technologies such as natural language processing (NLP), 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.
Topics will be introduced and explored with a firm basis in relevant theory and students will be given the opportunity to deal with subjects in a critical and rigorously scientific manner. This course includes a strong practical component intended to produce skilled researchers and practitioners. Compulsory/core modules:
- Introduction to Programming*
- Foundation of Linguistics**
- Natural Language Processing
- Language Technologies / Technolegau Iaith
- Translation in Practice***
- Research methods
- MSc Dissertation or Computer Science dissertation
*Compulsory for students without a computer science background
**Compulsory for students without a linguistics background
***Compulsory for students without a translation background.
Optional Modules
Modules vary from year to year, they include:
- Msc Generalist Mini-Project
- Language and Communication
- Historical Linguistics
- Psycholinguistics
- Language Change
- Speech Science
- Welsh Linguistics
- Using Corpora: Theory & Practice
- Language Contact & Bilingualism
- Phonology in Bilingual Acquisition
Non-native English speakers may be asked to take zero-credit courses with ELCOS to help with their English, unless exempted by their tutor.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change
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.
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.
Careers
Bangor’s MSc in Language Technologies develops skills and knowledge that employers need in a number of areas related to the field of language technologies, especially areas such as natural language processing, machine translation, text-to-speech conversion. You will also find that you develop transferable skills that will allow you to progress to different career areas or to continue your studies at PhD level in language technologies or a related field.
Graduates from this course will appeal to employers in a wide variety of fields related to the broader field of linguistics (e.g., education, management, government, research, health) especially where an understanding of language and human-machine interaction are needed. Others may seek to pursue careers where an understanding of language-based problems is relevant (e.g., translation, software development, cryptography, language planning). To that end, a Masters in Language Technologies might go on to obtain professional qualifications or to further enhance their employability in their chosen field. After successful completion of the MSc in Language Technologies, you may also decide to pursue an academic career in Computer Science or Computational Linguistics, by applying for a place on the PhD in either Computer Science or Linguistics.
