Program Overview
Skip to content Accessibility statement Home Study at York Postgraduate taught Courses 2026/27 Forensic Speech Science (MSc) MSc Forensic Speech Science Learn how to apply linguistics, phonetics and acoustics to legal investigations and proceedings. Year of entry: 2026 (September) Overview Course content Fees and funding Teaching and assessment Careers Entry requirements Start date September 2026 View semester dates Length 1 year full-time School/department Department of Language and Linguistic Science Apply for this course Sign up for event invites Sign up for our postgraduate emails to get event invites straight to your inbox. Find out more Forensic Speech Science (FSS) comprises various applications of phonetics, linguistics, acoustics, and computer science to tackling problems in police work or providing evidence in legal cases. Areas of FSS also overlap with those central to speech and recording technology, and to automatic speaker recognition as used to establish a person’s identity. The MSc in Forensic Speech Science at York equips you with a comprehensive foundation in the aims, practices, and principles involved in this range of tasks.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at University of York.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers and skills
Successful completion of the MSc entails a solid and detailed grounding in forensic speech science, an introduction to the practical and technical skills to carry out forensic casework, and experience in conducting original research. You'll develop confidence and critical skills, equipping you to exercise independent learning in future careers. The MSc provides excellent training for doctoral research as well as professional forensic speech analysis. It also enables you to develop transferrable skills to an advanced level suitable for entry into a range of professions including police work.
Career opportunities
- academic research
- computing and software development
- emergency services
- forensic speech laboratories
- police
- security services
- teaching
Transferable skills
- research design
- the ability to read, use and present technical material
- data analysis using qualitative, quantitative and statistical methods
- graphic and statistical presentation of data
- writing professional reports
- communication skills in team work and small group work
- time management
- intercultural awareness
Program Curriculum
Course content
You do not need a prior background in phonetics or linguistics to apply to this course, though the majority of applicants do come from these fields. The programme provides a two-part taught structure leading to a dissertation.
Semester 1 provides a general introduction to the field of FSS, and a grounding in key areas of phonetics and linguistics. Students with little or no background in these subjects take introductory modules; more advanced options are available for those with substantial experience.
In Semester 2 students progress to detailed phonetic and linguistic analysis of speech recordings, which can be applied in the forensic context. Throughout the MSc, students also develop general research skills and conduct independent research for the final element of the programme, the dissertation.
Modules Dissertation Modules Core modules Semester One Introduction to Forensic Speech Science Technical Foundations of Forensic Speech Science Semester Two Research in Forensic Speech Science Quantitative Methods Option modules You will also study two option modules: Advanced Phonetics and Phonology or Phonetics and Phonology Sociophonetics (or other options as available) The options available to you in Semester 2 will be confirmed after you begin your course. For further information please get in touch . Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Dissertation Dissertation You'll prepare and write a research dissertation over Semester 2 and the vacation. This will be supervised by a member of staff. Recent topics for a dissertation have included: Electronic voice disguise: witness anonymity The phonetics of distress The use of hesitation markers The effects of ANC technology in mobile phones and effects of listener age on perceived guilt More MA dissertation topics
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements .
If you haven't met our English language requirements You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses . These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer. The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements. After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 15,680/year (international)
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,500 | £27,250 |
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
Funding information
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,500 | £27,250 |
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
Funding information
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
About University of York
University of York
Heslington, United Kingdom
University of York is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)
