Program Overview

Introduction to Speech and Language Therapy BSc Honours

The Speech and Language Therapy BSc Honours degree at Newcastle University is an accredited program that prepares students for a career as a speech and language therapist. This innovative program uses state-of-the-art facilities and high levels of clinical work to ensure students gain the knowledge and experience needed to undertake speech and language therapy practice.

Course Overview

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of speech and language pathology, including the causes, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders in adults and children. Students will gain an understanding of speech and language therapy practice through case-based teaching and will discuss real-life scenarios and high levels of clinical work.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University's Speech and Language Therapy program is highly regarded, with the following rankings:

• 1st in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Speech and Language Sciences category)
• 10th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2026 (Health Professions category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 19th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (Subjects allied to medicine category)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

The undergraduate degrees – BSc Speech and Language Therapy and Master's in Speech and Language Sciences – are monitored and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Successful completion of this degree course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a speech and language therapist and to apply for membership of the RCSLT.

Modules and Learning

The program is divided into stages, with each stage lasting for one academic year. Students will complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage. The teaching is informed by research, and course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Stage 1

In the first year, students will study core modules in speech and language pathology, including:

• Anatomy and physiology of speech and language
• Linguistics and phonetics
• Developmental psychology
• Child language and development
• Clinical education
• Speech and language pathology
• Research methods

Stage 2

In the second year, students will continue to study linguistics, phonetics, psychology, and speech and language pathology. They will apply learning to cases of developmental and acquired communication disorder and start to take responsibility for the assessment and treatment of clients in the campus clinics under the supervision of expert staff.

Stage 3

In the final year, students will undertake clinical placements in a range of speech and language therapy services, including hospitals, nurseries, schools, rehabilitation settings, and charities. They will develop their knowledge and understanding of specific client groups, such as clients with autism or dementia, and apply their knowledge to the understanding of communication disorders.

Opportunities

Students will undertake a variety of work placements throughout their degree, providing them with the clinical experience needed to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. The clinical placement opportunities embedded throughout the degree will include:

• Video and live observations of a range of clients with communication difficulties
• Child study – working with a child and their family to observe and analyze typical development
• Clinical placements in the in-house campus clinics: The Children’s Speech and Language Clinic, and The Tavistock Aphasia Centre
• Two external placements in local settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools

Facilities and Environment

As a speech and language sciences student, you will be based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at the city-centre campus. You will benefit from excellent facilities, including well-established in-house clinics equipped with observational facilities and the latest recording technology to maximize your learning.

Your Future

The successful completion of this degree provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a speech and language therapist and to apply for membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Many speech and language therapist graduates work for the NHS, in hospitals, clinics, pediatric assessment centers, adult rehabilitation centers, or in the community. Others work for schools and charities or in private practice.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and the university accepts a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2026 entry.

• A-Level: AAB normally including one of the core sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 34 points with three subjects grade 5 or above at Higher Level, including 1 core science preferably Biology
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications: Select your qualification to view the requirements
• Qualifications from outside the UK: Select your country to view the requirements
• English Language requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Duolingo English Test, or other qualifications

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed. International students will pay £27,000 per year. The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships, to support students with their studies.

How to Apply

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You will need the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21) and the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for. You can also apply through an agent or through the university's International Study Centre.