Natural Language Processing 7.5 credits

About the course

This course is an introduction to Natural Language Processing (NLP) for students already proficient in programming and machine learning. The aim is to provide a solid background in theory and techniques used to accomplish different NLP tasks such as understanding and generating natural language. As NLP technologies are used by many people every day, and inform many other "AI" systems, special focus will be given to questions of ethics, equity, and the social impact of these technologies.

The course covers a mix of techniques, including rule-based, statistical, and machine learning methods for NLP. Since language data is at the core of many modern NLP techniques, the course will additionally cover assessment of data quality, as well as developing an understanding of complex issues of representation and data ownership.

Basic concepts and methodology from linguistics are introduced, including aspects of how language is constructed and used, and the importance of context. These are used to ground an understanding both of how effective solutions to NLP tasks are constructed, and the challenges of doing so for various languages.

Beyond this theoretical grounding, there will be practical exercises and assignments focusing on applying various techniques to address tasks within NLP. The coursework also includes actively participating in seminars and writing reports.

The programming language Python is used, but the language is not taught during the course.

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Apply

Autumn 2025
- Natural Language Processing
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
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  Starts
  1 September 2025
  
  Ends
  2 November 2025
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-57208
  
  Eligibility At least 90 ECTS, including 60 ECTS Computing Science, or at least 120 ECTS within a study programme. At least 7.5 ECTS data structures and algorithms; 7.5 ECTS discrete mathematics; 7.5 ECTS formal languages and 7.5 ECTS machine learning. Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 19,038
  
  Total fee: SEK 19,038
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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