MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration)

Program Overview

The MSc Speech and Language Therapy program is a two-year, fast-track program designed for graduates with related degrees. It equips students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to become registered Speech and Language Therapists. Graduates work in clinical, management, and education positions in various settings, including the NHS, education, and health and social care. Teaching takes place on campus with a focus on integrating theory and practice through practical skills classes, workshops, and clinical placements.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration) is a two-year fast-track program designed for graduates with a related degree (psychology, language and linguistics, social science, biological sciences, medical sciences, or equivalent). The program aims to prepare students to become registered Speech and Language Therapists.

Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to practice as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• To provide students with practical experience through clinical placements in various settings.
• To foster students' ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• To promote the development of students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Component 01: CORE - Using Evidence in Health Care Practice (15 CREDITS): This module builds on existing research knowledge by exploring various methodologies, preparing students for their second-year research project.
• Component 02: CORE - Speech and Language Therapy - Paediatrics 1 (15 CREDITS): This module focuses on treating children with communication and/or feeding problems.
It covers language processes from a linguistic perspective, including normal speech and language structure and function, language development and breakdown, and the rationale for clinical analysis and planned intervention studies. Key topics include phonological and language impairments, evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary working, and assessment tools and techniques.
• Component 04: CORE - Speech and Language Therapy - Paediatrics 3 (15 CREDITS): This module advances students' experience and understanding of speech and language pathology in children.
It introduces more specialized areas of study and various pathological conditions, their aetiology, and presenting characteristics.
• Component 05: CORE - Speech and Language Therapy - Paediatrics 4 (15 CREDITS): This module builds upon previous knowledge and skills, developing students' experience and understanding of specialized areas of paediatric speech and language therapy.
It explores concepts such as special needs, cleft lip and palate, hearing impairment, and mental health at an advanced level, and includes a 5-week clinical paediatric placement.
• Component 06: CORE - Interprofessional Collaboration and Development (15 CREDITS): This module introduces learners to the concept of learning together to promote collaboration in healthcare.
• Component 07: CORE - Speech and Language Therapy Foundation Studies 1 (0 CREDITS): This module broadens core knowledge and deepens understanding of the nature and practice of speech and language therapy.
It covers five topic areas to ensure students meet the required level of learning to proceed with further study.

Year 2:

• Component 01: CORE - Research Activity (30 CREDITS): This module advances research and problem-solving skills, enabling students to carry out their own research in future practice.
It involves critically appraising research from various sources to inform practice.
• Component 02: CORE - Speech and Language Therapy - Adults 1 (15 CREDITS): This module introduces the core adult pathology of dysphagia, voice disorders, and head and neck cancer.
It covers the anatomy, physiology, and neurology of the aero digestive tract and develops understanding of the typical disease process and its impact on a patient's quality of life.
• Component 03: CORE - Speech and Language Therapy - Adults 2 (15 CREDITS): This module examines the impact of progressive neurological disease on speech and communication.
It considers conditions such as motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and tumors on adult patients, as well as the impact on families and the role of the therapist in assessment and management.
• Component 04: CORE - Speech and Language Therapy - Adults 3 (15 CREDITS): This module explores aphasia, a language disorder resulting from brain damage, such as stroke.
It examines the condition and the use of rehabilitation to enable communication, reduce impact, and enhance quality of life.
• Component 05: CORE - Speech and Language Therapy - Adults 4 (15 CREDITS): This module covers a wide range of communication disorders in adults, including learning difficulties, autism, dementia, and traumatic brain injury, and methods of reducing their impact through rehabilitation and enabling strategies.
It also considers disorders of fluency and enhances clinical reasoning skills by examining wider management strategies and potential service improvements. It deepens knowledge and understanding of the pathology of neurological and oncological diseases, preparing students for further study of the disease process in relation to stroke, progressive neurological disease, and cancer in later modules.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of techniques, including coursework, examinations, portfolios, vivas, presentations, essays, and research dissertations. In the Summer term, there may be more self-directed study, requiring less on-campus attendance. During placements, students are expected to commit to 5 days per week. Teaching staff include clinically qualified lecturers in speech and language therapy, adult and mental health nursing, occupational therapy, and other health and social care professionals. The multidisciplinary nature of the School fosters a dynamic and innovative learning environment. Practical skills classes, workshops, and placements are used to integrate theory and practice.

Careers:

Graduates work in clinical, management, and education positions in local Trusts, Hospitals, Schools, care organizations, and Higher Education Institutions.

• The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant's ability to successfully complete a course.
Where appropriate, specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience may be requested. However, changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
• The University will endeavor to keep such changes to a minimum and will keep students informed appropriately by updating program specifications.
• The University will inform and engage with students if their course is discontinued and will provide options, where appropriate, in line with its Compensation and Refund Policy.
• The full Procedures, Rules, and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes, and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy, and Procedures.

• Home/UK fee £9,250 per year
• International fee £22,400 per year