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Speech and Language Therapy
School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery,
Faculty of Health
Course description
This accredited course qualifies you to practise as a speech and language therapist in a range of settings, including schools, hospitals, care homes, nurseries and clinics.
You will study a wide variety of difficulties that adults and children can have with communicating and/or eating, drinking and swallowing. Topics range from anatomy and physiology, and their relationship with speech and language pathology, to the psychological and sociological factors that can affect communication.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to assess an individual’s communication or eating, drinking and swallowing difficulty, identify suitable interventions and manage their progress. You’ll work closely with service users, family members, carers and related professionals to support the people you are working with. You will also complete pre-registration eating, drinking and swallowing competencies.
This training will be put into practice and developed through a series of clinical placements, both within the University of Sheffield’s in-house speech and language therapy clinic and in a variety of health and education settings.
The course is led by a supportive team of clinical and research specialists, including speech and language therapists, psychologists, audiologists, linguists, information technologists, and medical practitioners. The University is a world-leading centre of research, and our teams will embed the latest research into your teaching to enable you to make evidence-based decisions in future practice.
Why Sheffield?
- Varied, clinical placements - There will be plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge into practice on a diverse range of placements, including schools, clinics and hospitals.
- Get hands-on in our specialist clinic - You’ll build up your practical skills and experience in our specialist speech and language therapy clinic, working with people towards their communication goals.
- £5,000+ annual NHS training grant - Annual NHS grants are available for all eligible UK home students to help you with your studies, as well as funding to cover the cost of placements.
Accreditation
This course is approved by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council.
Modules
Year one:
- Biomedical Science
-
This module will explore components of anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience that are relevant to the understanding of human communication throughout the lifespan. This will include the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems, the development, structure and function of head, and neck, and the auditory system.
- Speech, language, communication and literacy development in children
-
This module will cover children's development of speech, language, communication and literacy. It addresses the following topics: speech sound / phonological development, language production and comprehension, development of pragmatics abilities, early literacy development, the associations between speech, language and literacy, theoretical models of literacy development, understanding drivers and competing theories of how children learn language, bilingualism and the impact on language learning. The lectures will cover developmental norms and trajectories. It will also cover factors which influence typical development. The theoretical basis of the topic will be considered from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering psychology, education, sociolinguistics, and linguistics.
- Speech and Hearing Science
-
This module covers key concepts related to the scientific study of speech and hearing. There will be three broad areas covered within the module: articulatory phonetics, acoustic phonetics, and hearing science. The module will teach concepts relevant to the study of speech and hearing in both healthy and clinical populations. The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and problem solving classes and will be assessed via two 1500 word assignments.
- Developmental differences in speech, language and communication
-
This module aims to give a detailed overview of the developmental differences in children's speech, language and communication (including literacy) abilities. The module profiles these developmental differences in children and adolescents, and includes learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions and other neurodevelopmental differences. The module examines these developmental differences in the context of the diverse environments children grow up in. The impact of these developmental differences on children's lives as they grow older (eg. educational experiences, learning and well-being) are highlighted. Other perspectives are explored such as those of the parent/carer.
- Introduction to practical Linguistics
-
This module will introduce students to the scientific study of the structure and function of language. Students will learn basic linguistic concepts and theoretical constructs with special application to how these ideas help us understand speech in both typically and atypically developing populations.
- Language cognition and communication in adults 1
-
This unit aims to introduce students to features of language, cognition and communication in adults which are relevant to the understanding of how normal ageing and neurological damage impacts on adult language, cognition and communication. It aims to equip students with conceptual and terminological framework which underpin research in these areas.
- Language cognition and communication in adults 2
-
This module builds on material covered in Language cognition and communication in adults 1 at level 1 which students will cover via online learning and which is not directly assessed.. The module covers assessment and diagnosis of language and cognitive deficits affecting communication, which arise due to stroke, traumatic brain injury and progressive neurological conditions including dementia.
- Research Methods and Statistics
-
This module is designed to introduce students to research methods and data analysis techniques through a series of lectures and small-group workshops. The aim of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about and employ statistical techniques through the use of practical examples and data collection exercises. Topics covered will include (1) an introduction to research methods and the research process (2) formulating research questions and hypotheses (3) descriptive statistics and presenting data (4) samples and population distributions and (5) statistical tests (e.g., parametric and nonparametric tests; correlational analyses) (6) qualitative methods (7) principles of psychometrics (8) reliability, validity and effect sizes.
- Professional Practice 1
-
This module aims to introduce the student to their first experience of clinical placements across paediatric and adult clients across the calendar year. Students learn the clinical methods and skills required for these placements as well as developing their inter-personal and professional competencies. Students then complete a series of placements with paediatric and adult clients with communication and or eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties across a range of settings..
- Participation and Society
-
This module aims to introduce students to issues related to understanding persons as individuals, and as members of society. Content includes: theoretical models of disability; psychosocial impact of disability across the lifespan; concepts of self and identity; concepts of attitudes and their measurement; health beliefs and behaviours and the role of gender, socioeconomic and cultural factors in healthcare and education. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, attitudes and interpersonal skills in the context of their impact on interactions with clients, their families and other professionals.
Year two:
- Language Analysis: Sound and Structure
-
This module builds on the linguistic knowledge gained in Introduction to Practical Linguistics, applying and honing students' phonetic observation skills using clinical data. Training will focus on the use of extIPA Symbols for Disordered Speech and VoQS (Voice Quality Symbols), as well as introduce phonological concepts relevant to clinicians such as syllable structure, prosodic structure, and dialectal differences within a language.
- Transition to Professional Autonomy
-
This module will address issues relevant to work in modern healthcare and education contexts. It addresses the following issues: Employment (job hunting, CV writing and interview skills, support mechanisms, first posts, independent practice); The healthcare context (Ethics in clinical practice, Caseload management, Clinical governance, professional competencies and professional guidelines).
- Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy 1: Principles and methods
-
Evidence-based practice is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient experience in making decisions about the care of individual patients in speech and language therapy. This module introduces the principles and methods of evidence-based clinical practice. Students will (1) critically evaluate the methodological quality of the research using evidence-based practice and (2) apply these conclusions to clinical practice.
- Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy II: Clinical dissertation
-
Evidence-based practice is the integration of high quality research evidence with clinical expertise and service users experience in making decisions about the care of individual patients in speech and language therapy. Building on the skills and knowledge acquired in Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy I: Principles and Methods, this module will enable students to further develop and apply their knowledge of research methodology appropriate to the study of language and communication. Students will also gain an enhanced understanding of appropriate approaches to research design for evidence based practice.
- Key Clinical Topics 1
-
This module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge of a range of specific clinical topics in speech and language therapy. These topics include dysphagia, motor speech disorders, voice and neurology across child and adult populations. The themes of assessment, intervention, evidence based practice, standards of practice and clinical ethics and inter-disciplinary working will underpin these topics and enable integration across the topics.
- Key Clinical Topics 2
-
This module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge of a range of specific clinical topics in speech and language therapy. These topics include a range of client groups and communication difficulties across child and adult populations. The themes of assessment, intervention, evidence based practice, standards of practice and clinical ethics and multi-disciplinary working will underpin these topics and enable integration across the topics.
- Professional Practice 2
-
This module aims to consolidate students' clinical skills through two long supervised block placements across children and adult clients in semesters 1 and 2. Through these supervised placements, student will develop their professional skills and practice to become more independent practitioners. Students complete a pre-school/schools based placement working with children with communication impairments in Sheffield and a motor speech disorders group placement working with adults with acquired communication impairments in the HCS clinic. The placements are supported by lectures and seminars to prepare students for these placements.
- Professional Practice 3
-
This module aims to prepare students for independent practice as a speech and language therapist. Students complete two placements as follows: 1) a summer block placement with adult clients; and 2) a summer block placement with paediatric clients. Placements take place across the NHS, education and independent sector. Students are assessed at the end of the placements to determine their ability to graduate as independent practitioners and work as newly qualified practitioners. Note: some placements may be mixed across paediatric and adult clients
Year one
- Biomedical Science
-
This module will explore components of anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience that are relevant to the understanding of human communication throughout the lifespan. This will include the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems, the development, structure and function of head, and neck, and the auditory system.
- Speech, language, communication and literacy development in children
-
This module will cover children's development of speech, language, communication and literacy. It addresses the following topics: speech sound / phonological development, language production and comprehension, development of pragmatics abilities, early literacy development, the associations between speech, language and literacy, theoretical models of literacy development, understanding drivers and competing theories of how children learn language, bilingualism and the impact on language learning. The lectures will cover developmental norms and trajectories. It will also cover factors which influence typical development. The theoretical basis of the topic will be considered from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering psychology, education, sociolinguistics, and linguistics.
- Introduction to practical Linguistics
-
This module will introduce students to the scientific study of the structure and function of language. Students will learn basic linguistic concepts and theoretical constructs with special application to how these ideas help us understand speech in both typically and atypically developing populations.
- Language cognition and communication in adults 1
-
This unit aims to introduce students to features of language, cognition and communication in adults which are relevant to the understanding of how normal ageing and neurological damage impacts on adult language, cognition and communication. It aims to equip students with conceptual and terminological framework which underpin research in these areas.
- Participation and Society
-
This module aims to introduce students to issues related to understanding persons as individuals, and as members of society. Content includes: theoretical models of disability; psychosocial impact of disability across the lifespan; concepts of self and identity; concepts of attitudes and their measurement; health beliefs and behaviours and the role of gender, socioeconomic and cultural factors in healthcare and education. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, attitudes and interpersonal skills in the context of their impact on interactions with clients, their families and other professionals.
- Professional Practice 1
-
This module aims to introduce the student to their first experience of clinical placements across paediatric and adult clients across the calendar year. Students learn the clinical methods and skills required for these placements as well as developing their inter-personal and professional competencies. Students then complete a series of placements with paediatric and adult clients with communication and or eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties across a range of settings..
Year two
- Speech and Hearing Science
-
This module covers key concepts related to the scientific study of speech and hearing. There will be three broad areas covered within the module: articulatory phonetics, acoustic phonetics, and hearing science. The module will teach concepts relevant to the study of speech and hearing in both healthy and clinical populations. The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and problem solving classes and will be assessed via two 1500 word assignments.
- Developmental differences in speech, language and communication
-
This module aims to give a detailed overview of the developmental differences in children's speech, language and communication (including literacy) abilities. The module profiles these developmental differences in children and adolescents, and includes learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions and other neurodevelopmental differences. The module examines these developmental differences in the context of the diverse environments children grow up in. The impact of these developmental differences on children's lives as they grow older (eg. educational experiences, learning and well-being) are highlighted. Other perspectives are explored such as those of the parent/carer.
- Language cognition and communication in adults 2
-
This module builds on material covered in Language cognition and communication in adults 1 at level 1 which students will cover via online learning and which is not directly assessed.. The module covers assessment and diagnosis of language and cognitive deficits affecting communication, which arise due to stroke, traumatic brain injury and progressive neurological conditions including dementia.
- Research Methods and Statistics
-
This module is designed to introduce students to research methods and data analysis techniques through a series of lectures and small-group workshops. The aim of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about and employ statistical techniques through the use of practical examples and data collection exercises. Topics covered will include (1) an introduction to research methods and the research process (2) formulating research questions and hypotheses (3) descriptive statistics and presenting data (4) samples and population distributions and (5) statistical tests (e.g., parametric and nonparametric tests; correlational analyses) (6) qualitative methods (7) principles of psychometrics (8) reliability, validity and effect sizes.
- Key Clinical Topics 1
-
This module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge of a range of specific clinical topics in speech and language therapy. These topics include dysphagia, motor speech disorders, voice and neurology across child and adult populations. The themes of assessment, intervention, evidence based practice, standards of practice and clinical ethics and inter-disciplinary working will underpin these topics and enable integration across the topics.
- Professional Practice 2
-
This module aims to consolidate students' clinical skills through two long supervised block placements across children and adult clients in semesters 1 and 2. Through these supervised placements, student will develop their professional skills and practice to become more independent practitioners. Students complete a pre-school/schools based placement working with children with communication impairments in Sheffield and a motor speech disorders group placement working with adults with acquired communication impairments in the HCS clinic. The placements are supported by lectures and seminars to prepare students for these placements.
Year three
- Language Analysis: Sound and Structure
-
This module builds on the linguistic knowledge gained in Introduction to Practical Linguistics, applying and honing students' phonetic observation skills using clinical data. Training will focus on the use of extIPA Symbols for Disordered Speech and VoQS (Voice Quality Symbols), as well as introduce phonological concepts relevant to clinicians such as syllable structure, prosodic structure, and dialectal differences within a language.
- Transition to Professional Autonomy
-
This module will address issues relevant to work in modern healthcare and education contexts. It addresses the following issues: Employment (job hunting, CV writing and interview skills, support mechanisms, first posts, independent practice); The healthcare context (Ethics in clinical practice, Caseload management, Clinical governance, professional competencies and professional guidelines).
- Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy 1: Principles and methods
-
Evidence-based practice is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient experience in making decisions about the care of individual patients in speech and language therapy. This module introduces the principles and methods of evidence-based clinical practice. Students will (1) critically evaluate the methodological quality of the research using evidence-based practice and (2) apply these conclusions to clinical practice.
- Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy II: Clinical dissertation
-
Evidence-based practice is the integration of high quality research evidence with clinical expertise and service users experience in making decisions about the care of individual patients in speech and language therapy. Building on the skills and knowledge acquired in Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy I: Principles and Methods, this module will enable students to further develop and apply their knowledge of research methodology appropriate to the study of language and communication. Students will also gain an enhanced understanding of appropriate approaches to research design for evidence based practice.
- Key Clinical Topics 2
-
This module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge of a range of specific clinical topics in speech and language therapy. These topics include a range of client groups and communication difficulties across child and adult populations. The themes of assessment, intervention, evidence based practice, standards of practice and clinical ethics and multi-disciplinary working will underpin these topics and enable integration across the topics.
- Professional Practice 3
-
This module aims to prepare students for independent practice as a speech and language therapist. Students complete two placements as follows: 1) a summer block placement with adult clients; and 2) a summer block placement with paediatric clients. Placements take place across the NHS, education and independent sector. Students are assessed at the end of the placements to determine their ability to graduate as independent practitioners and work as newly qualified practitioners. Note: some placements may be mixed across paediatric and adult clients
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
Duration
2 years full-time (five days a week)
3 years part-time (three days a week)
Part-time study days
Study days for part-time students vary by semester. The standard pattern is given below. There may be circumstances during the course where study days differ from this, but we will inform you in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
- Year 1, Semester 1: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
- Year 1, Semester 2: Monday, Tuesday Friday
- Year 2, Semester 1: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
- Year 2, Semester 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Year 3, Semester 1: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Year 3, Semester 2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Teaching
You will learn through lectures, workshops, tutorials, supervised clinical placements and self-directed learning. We use a case-based and inquiry-based approach and small-group teaching to give you an interactive learning experience.
As a pre-registration, professional programme, in-person attendance is required. We cannot support distance/remote learning for this programme.
Placements
You’ll put your newly acquired knowledge into practice in clinical placements throughout the programme, starting from the very first semester.
During semesters one and two, placements run alongside teaching, so that you can link the topics you are studying to clinical practice. You will then spend part of the summer each year on clinical placements.
- Full-time students spend four weeks (20 days) on clinical placement over the summer at the end of level one and five weeks (25 days) in the summer of level two.
- Part-time students spend 20 days on clinical placement over the summer at the end of level one, then 15 days in the summer of level two and 15 days in the summer of level three. Summer placements usually take place over three days a week, on the same days of the week as semester two of that year – so you would complete 20 days of placement in the summer of level one over seven weeks, for example. However, these dates can be more flexible over the summer so if a different schedule would be more suitable this can be arranged with your placement provider.
Clinical placements take place across our placement region (including Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Chesterfield, Derby and Nottinghamshire). An aspect of travel is therefore expected.
Assessment
You will be assessed through exams, coursework, evaluation of your clinical practice and, in your final year, a dissertation and clinical viva.
Your career
Graduates from this course can register with the Health and Care Professions Council and practise as speech and language therapists.
Speech and language therapists are in high demand, and there are plenty of opportunities to specialise in areas such as mental health, stammering, hearing impairment, learning disabilities, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, or neurological impairments.
Many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers within NHS trusts, schools, charities, private practices or the justice system. Others choose to go on to further postgraduate study and a research career.
Facilities
The Philippa Cottam Communication Clinic, which opened in 1993, allows you to gain valuable practical experience during your studies.
As a speech and language therapy clinic, it supports children and adults with a range of communication difficulties. The clinic’s observation and treatment rooms allow students to work directly with people who have communication difficulties.
Our clinic has a range of features to support your learning, including integrated recording equipment so you can record and watch back your therapy sessions, and two-way mirrors so you can learn from other students' sessions. We also have a comprehensive stock of assessments, intervention resources and therapy equipment for you to practise using.
Student profiles
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject.
English language requirements
IELTS 8 (with 7.5 in each component) or University equivalent.
Other requirements
Your personal statement
In your personal statement (no more than two pages) you must:
- outline your reasons for applying to train as a speech and language therapist
- demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the speech and language therapy profession
- discuss how your academic/professional/personal background has prepared you for this postgraduate course. We welcome applicants who have backgrounds in unrelated fields as long as they can demonstrate their interest for, and knowledge about, speech and language therapy
- clearly describe and reflect on relevant experiences and research you have undertaken to prepare yourself for this programme
- provide evidence that your personal values and behaviours align with the NHS constitution
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists provides useful resources to help support your university application for a speech and language therapy degree.
Applicants should apply during the application window for the year that they hope to join the course.
The school will only consider deferral requests on medical grounds.
Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual and specific feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted for an interview or who do not receive an offer for a place on the course.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2 years, full-time route
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
The deadline for applications is Friday 6 December 2024.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.