Linguistics at Cambridge is unique in the United Kingdom in that the study and research in theoretical and applied linguistics are integrated within a single academic unit. We provide great variety and flexibility in course contents, as well as subject-specific training and diversity of intellectual interactions.

The PhD in Computation, Cognition and Language is a doctoral track for students who conduct basic and applied research in the computational study of language, communication, and cognition in humans and machines. This research is interdisciplinary in nature and draws on methodologies and insights from a range of disciplines that are now critical for the further development of language sciences, including (but not limited to) Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology and Neuroscience. Irrespective of the discipline from which the applicant is progressing into the PhD in CCL, substantial background in linguistic theory is required. A variety of PhD topics that fall within this remit are accepted. Our current primary areas of research are:

• natural language processing
• computational and corpus linguistics
• computational models of human language acquisition and processing
• information extraction, mining, and presentation
• multilingual technology
• educational and assistive technology
• text data technology for health
• computational digital humanities
• computational approaches to the analysis of speech
• digital forensic speech analysis

In British universities, the PhD is traditionally awarded solely on the basis of a thesis, a substantial piece of writing which reports original research into a closely defined area of enquiry. The completion of the PhD thesis is generally expected to take three to four years, and most funding is based on this assumption. It is also possible to pursue a part-time route, and the expected timeframe is usually four to seven years.

While the PhD is not a taught course, students will benefit from the availability of courses and seminars offered both within the MMLL Faculty and by other departments concerned with language science in Cambridge (e.g., Computer Science and Technology, Education, Engineering, Psychology, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit). All research students also benefit from a programme of professional training run at various levels within the University and enabling cross-disciplinary interactions. The programme includes seminars and workshops on, for example, giving conference papers, publishing, writing applications and interviews, developing teaching skills, and acquiring specialist linguistic training. If you wish, you are likely to be given the opportunity to lead small group teaching for Colleges. There may also be opportunities to gain some experience in teaching at the Faculty level.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience, and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research and teaching) or other related professions.

Continuing

For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Advanced Study to a PhD, the minimum academic requirement is an overall distinction in the MPhil.

For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Thesis to a PhD, the usual academic requirement is a pass in the MPhil.

All applications are judged on their own merits, and students must demonstrate their suitability to undertake doctoral-level research.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments: