Speech & Language Sciences MPhil, PhD
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The program offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies based on their individual research interests. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, clinical practice, policy, education, and industry. The program also provides opportunities for collaboration and engagement with other scholars and stakeholders, both within the program and in the wider research community.
Program Outline
Speech and Language Sciences MPhil, PhD
Degree Overview
Objective and Description:
The MPhil and PhD programs in Speech and Language Sciences provide students with the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of experienced supervisors. The program offers students a vibrant research environment with opportunities to collaborate with other scholars and engage in cutting-edge research. The program is open to students from diverse backgrounds, and welcomes expertise across a wide range of areas within Speech and Language Sciences including, but not limited to:
- The intersection of speech production and perception
- Bilingual and monolingual speech and language development for various languages, with a special focus on Arabic
- Early years policy with a focus on language and communication
- The relationship between socio-economic factors and language development
- Primary speech and language impairment in children (including specific language impairment)
- Verb and sentence processing deficits in people with aphasia
- Memory disorders following stroke
- Effectiveness of interventions for speech and language impairments
- Psycholinguistics of word production
- Computational modeling of word retrieval
- Opportunities also exists for research on topics related to:
- Communication disorders
- Deafness and sign language
- Speech technology
Outline
Program content
The program offers research training and the opportunity to conduct a major research project leading to the completion of a 40,000-50,000 word thesis for the MPhil or an 80,000 – 100,000 word thesis for the PhD. The program focuses on the development of research skills through a combination of:
- Individual supervision from experienced researchers
- Participation in research seminars and workshops
- Attendance at research conferences
- Publication of research papers in peer-reviewed journals
- Opportunities to collaborate with other scholars in the field
Course schedule and structure
- The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.
- Full-time MPhil students can complete the program in 12 months, with PhD students requiring 36 months. Part-time MPhil students can take up to 24 months, and PhD students can take up to 72 months.
- The program is structured around individual research projects, supervised by experienced academics. Students will also attend research meetings and seminars, and may have the opportunity to undertake research placements or internships.
Individual Modules
The program offers a flexible curriculum allowing students to tailor their studies based on their individual research interests. While no specific modules are listed, the program provides guidance on potential research projects and areas of study. The program also allows for students to develop their own research questions within consultation with their supervisor.
Assessment
Assessment methods:
- Thesis: Students are assessed by the submission of a substantial and original research thesis demonstrating comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the chosen research field.
- Viva Voce: Students may also be required to participate in a Viva Voce, a defense of their thesis before an examination committee. This allows for an in-depth examination of the students' understanding of their research and their ability to communicate their findings effectively.
Assessment criteria:
The assessment criteria for the program are designed to ensure that graduates possess the following qualities:
- Deep and comprehensive understanding of their chosen research area
- Ability to conduct original and independent research
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Effective communication and presentation skills
- Ability to critically analyse and evaluate research
- Strong work ethic and ability to manage their time effectively
Teaching
Teaching methods
The program offers a supportive learning environment that combines individual supervision with opportunities for collaboration and engagement with peers and faculty. Key teaching methods include:
- Individualized supervision: Students receive regular supervision from experienced academics who provide guidance and feedback throughout the research process.
- Research seminars and workshops: Students have the opportunity to attend seminars and workshops on a range of research topics, allowing them to learn from experts in the field and develop their own research skills.
- Research meetings: Regular research meetings allow students to share their progress with theirpeers and to receive feedback from their supervisors and colleagues.
- Conferences and publications: Students are encouraged to present their research at conferences and to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Collaboration opportunities: Collaboration with other scholars in the field, including opportunities for joint research projects, internships, and placements.
Faculty:
The program is delivered by a team of experienced researchers with expertise in a wide range of areas of Speech and Language Sciences. The program also benefits from the expertise of researchers within associated research centers and institutes such as:
- Institute for Health and Society
- Population Health Sciences Institute
- Linguistics at Newcastle
- Centre for Research in Learning and Teaching
Unique approach
- The program offers a flexible research environment allowing students to tailor their research project to fit their interests.
- Students benefit from the expertise of a diverse range of faculty with expertise across multiple areas within Speech and Language Sciences.
- Numerous opportunities exist for collaboration and engagement with other scholars and stakeholders, both within the program and in the wider research community.
Careers
The Speech and Language Sciences program prepares graduates for various careers, including:
- Research positions in academic institutions and private companies
- Clinical positions as speech and language therapists
- Policy and advocacy roles
- Education roles
- Research and development roles in areas such as speech technology and assistive technologies The program also provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue further study at the doctoral level or to pursue professional qualifications in Speech and Language Therapy.
Other
Funding
- Students may be eligible for a range of scholarships and funding opportunities including the ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership.
- Specific opportunities for funding will vary depending on the chosen research topic.
- The availability of funding is typically highlighted through the Faculty's researcher development program.
Support
- Students are offered a comprehensive support system, including dedicated postgraduate student research study rooms with access to specialized resources.
- On-site clinics are also accessible, offering practical experience within Speech and Language Therapy domains.
Overall
The Speech and Language Sciences MPhil and PhD programs at Newcastle University offer students a rigorous and supportive academic environment, promoting the development of research and professional skills valued across various Speech and Language Sciences fields.
