Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy Program

The BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy is a three-year undergraduate course designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as speech and language therapists. This program is based at the University of Essex and is grounded in a social model approach to disability.

Overview of the Program

• The course covers a broad range of academic and practice-based topics that underpin professional speech and language therapy practice.
• It includes areas such as speech, language, and communication development across the lifespan, assessment and intervention for communication difficulties, and eating, drinking, and swallowing theory and practice.
• Students learn about working with children, adults, families, and carers, as well as speech and language therapy in health, education, and social care settings.
• The program emphasizes interprofessional and multidisciplinary working, client-centered, ethical, and evidence-based practice, and integrating theory with clinical and placement learning.

Learning Experience

• This client-focused course uses varied learning methods to integrate theory and clinical practice.
• Students undertake day visits and blocks of practice education with speech and language therapists in the workplace, which helps prepare them for their future as qualified therapists.
• The course is continuously developed to reflect contemporary health, education, and social care practice, with involvement from clients, voluntary groups, other allied health professionals, speech and language therapy clinicians, and service managers.

Placement Information

• Placements are an integral part of the course and are sourced from a variety of settings, including NHS organizations, independent/private SLT services, charities, and schools, and client groups such as pediatrics and adults.
• Students will have a minimum of 150 clinical experience sessions, approximately 75 days, with placements structured in different ways, including face-to-face, virtual, and via telehealth.
• The university has a wide network of placements across the Eastern region, which may require students to travel approximately 90 minutes from campus.

Pre-registration Eating, Drinking, and Swallowing (EDS) Competencies

• The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has developed pre-registration EDS competencies in partnership with clinicians and higher education institutions.
• These competencies are embedded into the teaching and placement curriculum, ensuring all pre-registration SLT students achieve the same level of competency across the UK.
• Students will have opportunities to achieve EDS knowledge and practical competencies through a combination of theory-based lectures, practical workshops, e-learning, and clinical placements.

Careers and Employers

• Graduates from this program are currently working in clinical and management positions in local and national NHS trusts, hospitals, schools, local authorities, justice systems, private, and not-for-profit organizations.
• The program prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities, reflecting the diverse locations where speech and language therapists are employed.

Professional Accreditation

• The course is currently applying for reaccreditation with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and for reapproval with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Study Abroad and Placement Year Options

• The program offers the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of the university's partner universities.
• Alternatively, students can opt for a placement year with an external organization, further developing professional skills in the workplace related to Speech and Language Therapy practice.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: Mathematics, Science, and English Language C/4.
• A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
• Other UCAS tariff qualifications, and combined qualifications: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels or equivalent.
• IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.

International & EU Entry Requirements

• The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
• International students should contact the university for specific requirements related to their country.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 8.0 overall with a minimum of 7.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that the university accepts.

Structure

Course Structure

• The course is divided into modules that give students the chance to explore, question, and create powerful ideas in speech and language therapy.
• Modules are picked to provide an extensive and in-depth education, equipping students with specialist knowledge, vital transferable skills, and the confidence to make a genuine difference.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• ｣9,535 per year.
• The Learning Support Fund is available for healthcare students starting their course on or after 1 August 2017.

International Fee

• ｣25,050 per year.
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

What's Next

• After graduating, students can pursue careers in speech and language therapy, working with individuals of all ages who experience communication and swallowing difficulties.
• The program leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a speech and language therapist.