MSc Augmentative & Alternative Communication at University of Dundee

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to strategies and techniques used by individuals who experience difficulties with communication because they have little or no functional speech. AAC can augment speech or it can provide a replacement for spoken communication. In addition, AAC can also support the development of language and natural speech. 

Why study this course at Dundee?

Dundee has an international reputation in the development of AAC devices. Academics in Psychology and Computing have collaborated to develop this course, which is inherently multi-disciplinary and user-centred. The main aim of the course is to provide individuals with psychology, computing, industry, teaching or clinical-care backgrounds, a tailored research training that will allow them to become more efficient and effective scientist-practitioners in AAC. This will be achieved through an enhanced understanding of:

• the psychology of language and communication development
• the design ethnography of AAC solutions
• the engineering of AAC solutions
• evidence-based evaluation of AAC solutions on an individual and group basis

At Dundee, we have specialised equipment, dedicated laboratories and world-class research facilities. These include EEG labs, a variety of eye tracking technologies, 2D and 3D movement tracking systems and offsite fMRI access via the Clinical Research Centre at Ninewells Teaching Hospital. Learn more about our research facilities. 

What is so good about this course?

Psychology is a small, friendly department which offers focused teaching and research training. This means that we get to know our students and can provide them with the individual support they need throughout their studies. 

Computing at the University of Dundee is truly distinctive. Our students have a unique opportunity to collaborate with a broad range of user groups who meet in the purpose-built Queen Mother Building to ensure that technological systems are developed to meet the needs and aspirations of a wide variety of people, including those with severe speech and physical impairments and adults with acquired aphasia.

Our MSc students have their own dedicated social and study areas within the Psychology and Computing buildings. There is an active student Psychology society, which organizes social events. It is easy to meet students from other disciplines (e.g. architecture, engineering, business, geography, law, and politics). This will allow you to situate your learning in a broader context, as well as to make contact with other students who have come from across the world to study in Dundee.