Human Communication Sciences Research

In the Research Excellence Framework 2014 we received our highest ratings to date for the quality of our research. 100% of our research impact was rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

Our research clusters

Most of our research fits within the following three clusters. The cross-disciplinary nature of our research is reflected in the fact that a number of people belong to more than one cluster. In addition, many staff pursue further research interests of their own with other departments and other universities.

A trainee meeting a patient.

Clinical and Interactional Linguistics

The central focus of this research cluster is the application of the principles and methods of phonetics, linguistics and conversation analysis to human communication and communication impairment in children and adults.

Clinical and Interactional Linguistics

Students training in communication with an iPad.

Cognitive Neuroscience of Speech and Language

Research in the Neuropsychology and Neuroscience cluster involves studies of speech and language processing in healthy children and adults, and also in people with acquired brain lesions and developmental disorders.

Cognitive Neuroscience of Speech and Language

A trainee in Communications Science speaking to a patient.

Speech, Language and Literacy: Development, Difficulties and Intervention

This cluster investigates how speech, language and literacy develop within and across languages. It also investigates how speech, language and literacy may be impaired and what interventions are most effective.

Speech, Language and Literacy