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.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation