Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc Hons Speech & Language Pathology Program

The BSc Hons Speech & Language Pathology program at the University of Strathclyde is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in speech and language pathology, preparing them for a career in this field. The program is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Program Overview

The program is a four-year honors degree that covers a range of topics, including speech and language pathology, linguistics, psychology, and medical sciences. Students will participate in theoretical and practical studies, as well as placements in schools, nurseries, hospitals, and other settings.

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: B630
• Accreditation: Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Ranking: Ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for Speech & Language Therapy (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Work Placement: Clinical placement in each year of the program
• Study Abroad: Exchange visit opportunity in Year 4

Why Choose This Course?

The BSc Hons Speech & Language Pathology program at the University of Strathclyde is the longest-established program of its kind in Scotland and one of the oldest in the UK. The program provides a route into the profession of speech and language therapy and offers a combination of language and scientific elements.

Course Content

The program covers four subject areas:

• Speech and language pathology
• Linguistics and phonetics
• Psychology
• Medical sciences

Students will take part in work placements throughout the four years, including a dedicated placement focusing on developing competencies working with people with eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.

Assessment

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Observation of clinical work
• Objective structured clinical examinations
• Multiple choice exams
• Peer assessment
• Short answer questions and essays
• Written and practical assignments, including data analysis exercises

Learning and Teaching

The program uses a range of innovative and interactive learning and teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials

Guest Lectures

The program features visiting lectures from highly-specialist clinicians on topics such as:

• Hearing impairment
• Cleft palate
• Craniofacial surgery
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Literacy
• Dementia
• Multilingualism
• Neurodevelopmental differences

Professional Standards

The program is designed to meet the mandatory professional standards of proficiency (SOP) set by the HCPC. Students must demonstrate effective and appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills with service users, carers, colleagues, and others.

Entry Requirements

The program has the following entry requirements:

• Highers: AAAB/AABBB (1st sitting), AAABB/AABBBB (2nd sitting)
• A Levels: AAB-ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 34-32
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Two H2 passes and three H3 passes including English
• HND: Year 1 entry: AAB in Graded Units, plus Higher English and passes in Maths, a Science, and a language
• International Students: View the entry requirements for your country
• English Language Requirements: IELTS (7.5) with no less than 7 in any of the four components

Fees and Funding

The program has the following fees and funding information:

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,535
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status
• International: £24,650
• University Preparation Programme Fees: International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre
• Additional Costs: Course materials, placement and field trips, PVG scheme, health clearance for NHS, uniforms for NHS placements

Careers

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and can pursue careers in speech and language therapy in the NHS, education, and private sectors. Employers value the program's specially-designed professional development classes, which equip students with the skills and knowledge required for success in the field.