Program Overview

PhD in Forensic Speech and Audio

The PhD in Forensic Speech and Audio is a research-based program that focuses on the application of phonetics, acoustics, and computer science to legal casework. This program is designed to facilitate complex and dynamic research on topics related to forensic speech science.

Program Description

Forensic speech science involves the use of methods from linguistics and phonetics, signal processing, and computer science to analyze speech and audio evidence in legal cases. This can include comparing the voices of an unknown criminal and a known suspect, determining the region and social background of an unknown criminal, determining the content of a disputed utterance, orthographic transcription, as well as audio authentication and enhancement.

Research Areas

The program covers a range of research areas, including:

• Forensic speech science
• Phonetics
• Acoustics
• Computer science
• Signal processing

Program Structure

The program typically takes 3 years to complete full-time or 6 years part-time. Students will submit a 2,000-word summary of their project in the first year, followed by a 5,000-8,000 word summary in the second year. The culmination of the PhD will include a dissertation and a viva voce exam. The dissertation may be in monograph format of 60-80,000 words in length, or by articles, where students will produce at least three works of publishable quality.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must have at least a merit (or equivalent) at Masters level in a relevant discipline, such as linguistics, audio engineering, psychology, or computer science. English language requirements also apply for non-native English speakers.

Career Opportunities

The PhD in Forensic Speech and Audio can lead to a range of career opportunities, including:

• Academic
• Lecturer
• Forensic linguist
• Voice analyst
• Evidence examiner
• Crime analyst

Training and Support

Students will receive training to use specialist equipment and lab techniques necessary in the industry. The Research Excellence Training team also offers a wide variety of workshops designed to help students thrive as independent researchers. A Professional Development Plan (PDP) will be created with the supervisor to consolidate the support received throughout the degree.

Funding

Explore funding for postgraduate researchers in the Department of Language and Linguistic Science.

Supervision

Explore the expertise of staff and identify a potential supervisor.

Course Location

The program is run by the Department of Language and Linguistic Science and is based in Vanbrugh College on Campus West.

University Rankings

The University of York is ranked 1st in the UK for the quality of its linguistics research, according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results (2021). It is also ranked 54th in the world for arts and humanities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject, 2025.