MSc/PGDip/PGCert Language and Communication Impairment in Children

“It is the only course in the UK where teachers can learn alongside therapists”, says Rose Brooks, explaining why she chose to study MSc Language and Communication Impairment in Children. “I enjoyed the opportunity to learn from eminent researchers in the field, who were also lovely people! It was a great chance to share ideas between the fields of education and speech and language therapy.”

Rose’s background was in education. “I trained as a primary teacher in the USA and then came to the UK. I taught all age groups at primary level and worked in a range of leadership positions including Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), Deputy Headteacher and Acting Headteacher”, she recalls. “I then moved sideways to use my special educational needs teaching qualification, working in a peripatetic service for children with special educational needs. There, I developed specialisms in dyslexia, autism, dyspraxia, and speech, language and communication needs.”

“The MSc Language and Communication Impairment in Children certainly made me want to specialise further in the fascinating fields of language and literacy.”

Rose now works as an Advisory Teacher for Speech and Language. This role involves supporting pupils, teachers, teaching assistants, SENCos and parents. “My main activities include assessment, advice, resources and training in primary and secondary schools. I work with pupils with specific and significant language needs, as well as with some pupils with autism. My masters course at Sheffield has given me confidence to support schools in language and literacy development.”