Program Overview

PhD Speech & Language Therapy

The University of Strathclyde offers a PhD in Speech & Language Therapy, designed for students with an SLT background who want to study aspects of communication disorders. The program is part of the Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training (SCDT) in Communication Disorders, a multidisciplinary center that focuses on a wide range of aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment of people with communication problems.

Research Opportunities

The SCDT offers a range of research opportunities, including:

• Speech sound disorders in children, including cleft lip and palate
• Persistent speech sound disorders
• Motor speech disorders in children
• Instrumental phonetic techniques for the assessment and treatment of speech disorders
• Speech processing
• Phonetics and phonology in multilingual adults
• Articulatory assessment of children with speech sound disorders and cleft lip and palate

Supervisors

The program has a team of experienced supervisors with expertise in various areas, including:

• Prof Joanne Cleland: speech sound disorders in children, motor speech disorders in children, instrumental phonetic techniques
• Dr Wendy Cohen: speech disorders in children and adolescents, voice disorders in children and adolescents, communication disability in those with an associated genetic condition
• Dr Maria Cairney: speech processing, phonetics and phonology in multilingual adults, articulatory assessment of children with speech sound disorders and cleft lip and palate
• Dr Anja Kuschmann: motor speech disorders in adults and children, typical speech production across the lifespan, speech development in multilingual children
• Dr Eleanor Lawson: articulatory phonetics, articulatory sociolinguistics, vocal tract visualisation, speech accommodation
• Professor Anja Lowit: motor speech disorders, prosody, voice, bilingualism, telehealth

What You'll Study

The PhD program offers supervision for three main pathways:

1. PhD in Speech & Language Therapy: designed for students with an SLT background who want to study aspects of communication disorders
2. PhD in Applied Linguistics: a pathway for students without an SLT qualification who plan to research communication disorders or other aspects of communication in healthy populations
3. PhD in Public Health and Health Policy: hosted by the Centre for Health Policy, offering supervision in areas related to speech and language therapy

Research Development Programme

In addition to their research, all students enroll in a research development program, which includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD). The program is designed to support students with their research and develop skills important to their professional development and employability.

Fees & Funding

The tuition fees for the PhD program are as follows:

• Scotland: £4,786 (2024/25), £5,006 (2025/26)
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £4,786 (2024/25), £5,006 (2025/26)
• Republic of Ireland: same as England, Wales & Northern Ireland
• International: £18,050 (2024/25), £19,850 (2025/26)

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the PhD program, you require a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in speech and language pathology or a related subject.

Application

The application process involves submitting a research proposal, transcripts, certificates, proof of English language proficiency, and two references. You are strongly advised to contact a potential supervisor or the Postgraduate Research Director before completing the online application.