Speech and Language Therapy BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

---

Lisa Morgan, Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy, speak about the benefits of our Speech and Language Therapy course.

Speech and language therapists work collaboratively with children and adults of all ages who are experiencing challenges with speech, language and communication and/or eating, drinking and swallowing. We work closely with parents, carers and families, as well as many other professionals, to identify, assess and offer support to people in many, different ways. Speech and language therapy really is a rich and varied profession.

At DMU, you’ll study a wide range of topics across the three-year programme – including phonetics and phonology, psychology, medical sciences, linguistics and language development. As the course progresses, you’ll learn more about communication disabilities, evidence-based practice and intervention and have opportunities to develop your own focus in your final year dissertation project.

Alongside your academic studies, each year you’ll undertake practice-based learning, including weekly and block placements in a range of settings, such as schools, hospitals, care homes and in the community. This enables you to apply your learning to practice and develop your clinical and professional skills in real-life situations.

All speech and language therapy students are eligible to receive a bursary of at least £5,000 a year with up to £3,000 additional funding available. See further information, including details of eligible health professional courses.

Key features

Our course is approved by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as a professional.

Varied practical opportunities, right from the beginning of year 1, will enable you to build your essential clinical and professional skills.

We have a strong focus on developing inter-professional skills and include specific events and activities in each year, working with other health and education students to understand and make the most of effective collaborative working.

We have well-established links with East Midlands NHS, school and independent providers to ensure a dynamic and clinically relevant curriculum.

We have a clear emphasis on employability throughout our teaching and learning, as well as inviting employers, newly qualified and experienced SLTs to share their knowledge and perspectives to support your transition from student to SLT.

You could gain valuable international experience as part of your studies with our DMU Global programme. Previous students have visited schools and community groups in India, supported deaf children in The Gambia and taught English to children in Bangkok.

---

---

---

---

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

The Speech and Language Therapy BSc (Hons) program at De Montfort University (DMU) equips students with the academic, clinical, and professional skills and knowledge needed to become registered Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs). The program emphasizes collaborative work with children and adults who face challenges with speech, language, communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing.

---

Objectives:

• Equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to become competent Speech and Language Therapists.
• Develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex communication issues.
• Foster a strong clinical and professional identity, preparing students for the demands of the SLT profession.
• Integrate theoretical learning with practical experience through placements in diverse settings.
• Nurture a reflective and lifelong learning mindset in students.

---

Program Description:

This three-year full-time program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of speech and language therapy. Students explore topics like phonetics and phonology, psychology, medical sciences, linguistics, and language development. The program gradually progresses through communication disabilities, evidence-based practice and intervention, and culminates in a final year dissertation project where students can delve into a specific area of interest.

---

Key Features:

• Block teaching approach, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.
• Accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, ensuring program quality and graduate eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Varied and well-supported practice-based learning opportunities through placements, starting in the first year and continuing until graduation.
• Emphasis on inter-professional skills development through collaborative activities with other healthcare and education students.

---

Outline:

---

Year 1:

• Semester 1: Lifespan Development (30 credits) and Foundations for Professional and Clinical Practice (30 credits)
• Semester 2: Understanding Communication Disability (30 credits) and Foundations for Professional and Clinical Practice 2 (30 credits)

---

Year 2:

• Semester 1: Evidenced Based Intervention: Language and Cognition (30 credits) and Evidenced Based Intervention: Speech and Swallowing (30 credits)
• Semester 2: Developing Clinical and Professional Practice (30 credits) and Research Informed Speech and Language Therapy Practice (30 credits)

---

Year 3:

• Semester 1: Evidenced Based Intervention: Specialist Settings (30 credits) and Establishing Professional and Clinical Practice (30 credits)
• Semester 2: Research Practice (30 credits) and Towards Autonomous Clinical and Professional Practice (30 credits)

---

Assessment:

• Written assignments: Essays, case studies, reports, and research projects.
• Case studies: Analyzing and presenting real-world clinical scenarios.
• Video assessments: Demonstrating practical skills and communication techniques.
• Presentations: Delivering evidence-based research findings and clinical interventions.
• Exams: Assessing knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
• Dissertation project: Conducting independent research and applying theoretical insights to a specific area of interest.

---

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, tutorial discussions, practical workshops, inter-professional learning activities, and practice-based learning sessions.
• Faculty: Registered Speech and Language Therapists with extensive clinical experience and academic expertise.
• Unique approaches:
• Block teaching for focused learning.
• Simulated clinical environments and case studies for practical application.
• Emphasis on student-centered learning and active engagement.
• Individualized support through dedicated personal tutoring.

---

Careers:

---

Graduate Careers:

• Speech and Language Therapist in various settings: NHS, private practice, education, social care.
• Research roles in speech and language pathology.
• Academia and teaching positions in related fields.

---

Career Support:

• DMU Careers Team offers guaranteed work experience opportunities and career guidance.
• Placement opportunities provide real-world experience and professional connections.
• The program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive SLT job market.

---

Other:

• All Speech and Language Therapy students are eligible to receive a bursary of at least £5,000 per year, with up to £3,000 additional funding available.

---

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250 2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250 Additional costs: You may incur additional costs for this programme, including the cost of travelling to and from project/placement locations.