Masters degrees in Speech Science involve advanced study of the anatomy and physiology of the human speech organs, including the mouth, ears and lungs.
Related postgraduate specialisms include Forensic Speech Science, and Speech & Language Therapy. Entry requirements usually include an appropriate undergraduate degree such as Speech & Language Therapy, Medicine or Biology.
The MSc in Speech & Language Therapy is designed for students who are committed to a rewarding career in speech and language therapy.
As a graduate with a first degree from a discipline outside healthcare, this course provides you with a fast-track route into health, enabling you to gain a pre-registration health qualification in two years as opposed to the usual three to four.
Ruth is a current Speech and Language Therapy student. Watch her video to find out more about her experiences and thoughts on life as a postgraduate student at City, University of London.
City's MSc Speech and Language Therapy has an excellent reputation and is based within the largest, teaching, research and clinical division in the UK for language and communication science.
The MSc will help you:
The MSc in Speech & Language Therapy is accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which is the UK-wide regulatory body for healthcare professions.
On successfully completing the MSc Speech and Language Therapy you are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and practise as a speech and language therapist in the NHS and other settings.
The MSc Speech and Language Therapy course provides you with many opportunities for clinical practice, including attendance at health centres, schools, departmental clinics, special educational settings and hospitals throughout the London area.
As an MSc student, you will have access to specialist labs and equipment, such as ultrasound and laryngographs to help you understand speech production and audiological equipment when learning about hearing and deafness.
The Roberta Williams Speech and Language Therapy Centre, opened in January 2016, is our specialist speech and language therapy clinic. The Centre contains state-of-the-art equipment to enable staff within the Division of Language and Communication Science to deliver cutting-edge research and services to patients.
Moodle is an enhanced Virtual Learning Environment which provides you with access to online course materials, resources, interactive activities, assessment and communication tools and is a key element of our blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching with online activity.
City's MSc Speech & Language Therapy has an excellent reputation and is based within the largest, teaching, research and clinical division in the UK for language and communication science.
You will learn with expert staff who are leaders in the field of speech and language therapy. The innovative and research-informed curriculum is supported by a busy in-house speech and language therapy clinic led by specialist staff. It is considered to be one of the leading educational environments in the world.
We also have close links with speech and language therapy services throughout London, with many practitioners from these services acting as clinical tutors on our courses.
The MSc in Speech & Language Therapy is a very intensive programme which requires full-time study by attending lectures, small-group problem-solving sessions, practical classes and tutorials. You will also have access to the most up-to-date equipment in the Speech Acoustics Laboratory and innovative online learning materials.
During your clinical placements, you will benefit from the supervision of a qualified therapist.
Modules are assessed through a diverse range of assignments and examinations. Your clinical progress will also be monitored by supervising clinicians.
During the MSc Speech and Language Therapy course you will learn about the foundations of speech and language, about how children learn to talk and about disorders that affect communication.
A number of subjects equip you for the analysis of speech, language and hearing difficulties, such as phonetics, linguistics and audiology. You will also develop research skills and the ability to apply evidence based practice. You will undertake weekly and block clinical placements in both years of the course.
Modules
When you have successfully completed 13 modules totalling 240 credits you will qualify for an MSc Speech and Language Therapy.
On successfully completing the MSc Speech & Language Therapy, you will be able to join a profession that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
On successfully completing the MSc in Speech and Language Therapy, you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and practise your profession within the NHS or in a range of other settings, including schools, hospitals, community clinics and charities.
A career in speech and language therapy offers opportunities to work with clients of all ages in settings such as:
Increasingly, many graduates also work in the private sector as independent speech and language therapists.
Further entry requirements: International applicants should be aware that full registration with the RCSLT entails completion of a probationary period of clinical practice in the UK after the successful completion of the degree. It may be necessary to confirm with the professional body in your home country that this qualification is recognised and that full registration in the UK will entitle you to practice in your home country.
This course is for people with a relevant degree seeking to refocus their studies into the area of speech and language therapy. It will enable you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) to practise as a speech and language therapist in the UK.
As a speech and language therapist, you will assess, diagnose and treat children and adults with a wide range of communication difficulties. This will include developmental disorders and speech and language problems resulting from injury, stroke and disease. You will also develop strong practical skills as well as a sound understanding of the theory of speech and language therapy.
There is a major clinical studies (ie placement) element to this course and clinical work is underpinned by modules in linguistics, psychology and biological and medical sciences. Although every effort is made to arrange summer block placements to suit students’ circumstances, this is not always possible and students must be prepared to be flexible about placement location and timing. Students are responsible for any travel and/or accommodation costs incurred during placements.
Teaching will include a mix of lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, clinical placement experience, case study analysis and individual project work. Emphasis will be placed on integrating clinical and university based learning opportunities and on independent study. Your performance will be assessed by a combination of course work including essays, reports, presentations, vivas and examinations, as well as clinical practical assessments.
Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your attendance at placement is compulsory and your attendance at QMU-based modules is expected. Classes will be spread over the whole week, except for placement days when you will be off campus. This is a full-time course, with the expectation that classes, independent study and placement together require 35 - 40 hours of dedicated time each week.
The course provides graduates, including those who complete the PgDip, with eligibility to register with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council to practice in the UK.
Foundations for Speech and Language Therapy/ Linguistics 1: Introduction to Linguistics/ Neurology for SLT and Audiology/ Adult Acquired Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders/ Linguistics 2: Clinical Linguistics/ Disorders of Speech and Fluency/ Manual Handling/ Dysphagia (Developmental and Acquired)/ Within-Semester Clinical Placement 1/ Professional Practice for SLT 1/ Biological and behavioural Science for SLT: Typical Processes/ Developmental Disorders of Language and Communication/ Intellectual Disability, Physical and Sensory Impairment/ Linguistics 3: Linguistic Processing and Variation/ Within-Semester Clinical Placement 2/ Motor Speech Disorder, Voice Disorder, Cleft Lip and Palate/ Clinical Contexts/ Within-Semester Clinical Placement 3/ Professional Practice 2/ Research Methods
If studying for the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation (60 credits).
Most graduates work within the NHS in community clinics, schools and hospitals. Some graduates have gained research posts and some have gone on to achieve higher degrees. Some graduate Speech and language therapists may wish to seek employment outside the UK. For further information about how and where this qualification can be used outside of the UK please contact the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
The combined specialisation in Speech and Hearing Sciences provides a thorough multidisciplinary introduction to modern knowledge and current research in the inter-related aspects of human spoken communication. It prepares students from different backgrounds for work in the rapidly developing fields of speech and hearing research, and their technological applications.
Students take a core set of modules and then have the opportunity to specialise in speech and hearing sciences. In selecting the modules for their specialisation, students will be able to take full advantage of the breadth of expertise in language research in the UCL Division of Psychology & Language Sciences.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two core modules (45 credits), three specialisation modules (45 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Students select two modules from all those offered within UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, subject to availability and agreement with the Programme Director. Options include:
Not all modules will run every year, some modules may require a minimum number of registered students.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project in an area of language science which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group teaching and a virtual learning environment. Some modules also involve workshops or practical classes. Student performance is assessed through coursework, examinations and the research dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Language Sciences (with specialisation in Speech and Hearing Sciences) MSc
The majority of students who graduate from the Language Sciences MSc programmes go on to further study or research. Recent graduates have gone on to PhD study in UCL, other UK institutions and overseas institutions. Others have gone to work in related industries (for example in speech technology industries, cochlear implants manufacturers) or in education. The skills that the MSc develops – independent research, presentation skills, statistics – are transferable skills that are very highly sought after outside academia.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Division of Psychology & Language Sciences undertakes world-leading research and teaching in mind, behaviour, and language. Staff and students benefit from cutting-edge resources including extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, and cognition.
Opportunities for students to work with world-renowned researchers exist in all areas of investigation. The division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.
The Language Sciences MSc provides the opportunity for in-depth study of one or more areas of the language sciences. The programme is an 'umbrella degree', with a number of specialisation strands that follow a common structure.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Psychology & Language Sciences
83% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This interdisciplinary MRes is aimed at applicants whose interest in language spans more than one discipline. Building on a first degree in linguistics, speech sciences, psychology, cognitive science, or a cognate discipline, students plan their own programme of study, selecting from a range of modules in several different UCL departments.
Students are introduced to academic and key skills essential for all fields of research in speech, language and cognition, gain research training with relevant supervisors from the UCL Centre for Human Communication, and are able to assess and critically appraise theoretical and applied research relevant to speech, language and cognition.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), four options (30 credits), a research project (105 credits) and plan (15 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
In the Theoretical Frameworks module students choose and follow teaching from a total of four modules across the Division of Psychology and complete two cross-disciplinary projects examining aspects from two modules each term. These modules are chosen from at least two of the following fields of study:
There is no set list for these modules and students will choose modules which complement their intended research in consultation with the Programme Director.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project on an aspect of speech, language and cognition which culminates in a research plan of 3,000–6,000 words and a dissertation of 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of small group teaching, seminars, student-led research tutorials, self-study materials, supervised laboratory placement, lectures and computer-based practical classes. It is largely assessed by coursework, with only the statistics component being assessed by exam. The research project is assessed by dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Speech, Language and Cognition MRes
A small number of ESRC studentships may be available each year. These are generally based on a combined application for PhD and taught postgraduate study over four years. Students interested in these studentships should contact the research department where they are interested in PhD study.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
A large proportion of our students go on to study for a PhD and pursue a career in academia. The MRes is excellent preparation for a PhD degree and we have been very successful at getting candidates on to funded programmes. A number of graduates have returned to clinical practice as specialised speech and language therapists, or have gone on to work as researchers. Others go on to work in other fields ranging from business to education. The skills that the MRes develops – independent research, presentation skills, and statistics – are very highly sought after outside academia.
Recent career destinations for this degree
UCL Psychology & Language Sciences undertakes world-leading research and teaching in mind, behaviour, and language.
Our work attracts staff and students from around the world. Together they create an outstanding and vibrant environment, taking advantage of cutting-edge resources such as a behavioural neuroscience laboratory, a centre for brain imaging, and extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, and cognition.
Opportunities for graduate students to work with world-renowned researchers exist in all areas of investigation, from basic processes to applied research. The division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.
Develop your knowledge and skills of working with clients with developmental speech and literacy difficulties. This course is designed for speech and language therapists, and other professionals with a special interest in communication difficulties.
You can study part-time by distance learning or full-time.
Your masters will give you the skills and knowledge to make a difference. Feedback from our past students has confirmed that our module content is very relevant to practice in a speech and language therapy service or in schools and has enhanced job opportunities.
We have a reputation for high quality research in the field of human communication and its disorders. That research informs our teaching. If you’re interested in a research career, we can also prepare you for a PhD.
We also run professional development courses for students already working in the field, so you can study alongside your current job. We have links with the NHS, special schools and specialist charities to ensure that what we teach you is in line with current developments in the field.
We work with other departments across the University including the School of Education, the Department of Psychology, the Department of Computer Science and the School of English Language and Linguistics.
Different ways to study
The MSc Speech Difficulties is available part-time or full-time. It consists of a mix of online learning and blocks of intensive study in Sheffield. We work with you to develop your own interests through optional modules and a choice of dissertation topics.
Criminal records disclosure.
If you would like to take part in clinical observation opportunities, you will require a UK criminal records disclosure from the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you are unsure whether you need one, please contact us for advice.
PGCert
Cleft palate pathway (subject to university approval):
PGDip and MSc
Part-time students study online via distance learning plus optional attendance at study blocks lasting 2-3 days. These take place at regular intervals throughout the academic year. Full-time students may also attend lectures, seminars and practical workshops offered in the department. Each module is assessed by a written assignment.
The PgCert in Augmentative and Alternative Communication supports practitioners from across a number of disciplines to lead AAC assessment and intervention in the workplace. The units that make up this award have already supported the academic development of practitioners from speech and language therapy, psychology, education, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, clinical science and IT.
This award enables the student to study an assessment and an intervention based unit at level 7 before completing an independent study unit. The independent study unit will facilitate students use of their knowledge and skills to develop a work based project that will be unique to their practice/workplace.
The PgCert in Augmentative and Alternative Communication can be taken as a stand alone programme or as part of the MSc Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care. Applications to the MSc can be made using our online form. Should you wish to only apply for the PgCert or PgDip, please apply using the postgraduate application form.
-Delivered by a national and internationally known expert in AAC
-The content reflects contemporary practice at an advanced practitioner level
-Multidisciplinary-opportunities to share practice with people from a range of disciplines
An assignment of 4500 words or equivalent, appropriate to the student’s field of practice.
This MSc is a joint programme of City, University of London and UCL Institute of Education (IOE). It brings together speech and language therapists, teachers and other graduate school-based practitioners for collaborative study.
Taught modules address current research and debates on educational contexts and children's language; social, emotional and behavioural development; and needs. They also enhance students' understanding of research methods and skills in critical analysis, preparing them to undertake a research project in their chosen area.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (90 credits), either one IOE or two City electives (30 credits in total) and a dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
There are four taught core modules - two at the IOE and two at City University, and the MSc Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Schools: Advanced Practice dissertation. For the dissertation module students can choose to be supervised at either institution.
Optional modules
Students choose either one IOE optional module or two City optional modules to the total value of 30 credits.
Dissertation/research project
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words.
Modules are taught in different ways: a conventional lecture-based approach predominates, supplemented by a variety of activities, for example, group/pair discussions, case study analysis, role play, the use of simulations. Assessment is by written assignments and a dissertation. Some assignments may require data analysis, or written work and a presentation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Schools: Advanced Practice MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
This qualification raises graduates' profiles as specialists and leaders in speech, language and communication needs in the school setting. It is an advantage for teachers and clinicians seeking higher grade specialist and managerial posts. Graduates are also eligible to apply for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) and some research posts.
Please note: this MSc does not lead to professional qualification as a speech and language therapist or teacher.
Employability
Depending on their prior experience, graduates of this programme might expect:
The MSc in Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Schools: Advanced Practice will enhance the depth and breadth of your understanding of children's speech, language and communication needs (SCLN) and how children's language needs intersect with different facets of their education, relating to policy, school systems and practice and co-occuring problems these children may experience.
This programme provides a springboard for fresh stimulation and reflection on support for children with speech, language and communication needs in a community of fellow students, practitioners and research experts.
There are opportunities within all modules to share theory and professional practice across the disciplinary boudaries of health and education. Participants explore the needs of children with speech, language and communication difficulties from a range of perspectives. The programme seeks to promote effective collaboration between educational practitioners and speech and language therapists.
This MSc is an accredited professional programme leading to qualification as a speech and language therapist (SLT). The programme integrates theory with work-based clinical placements with adults and children with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties. The programme has an excellent reputation, and over 90% of graduates are working in SLT-related posts within six months of qualifying.
You will learn to apply knowledge from a range of academic subjects to speech and language therapy (SLT) practice. Innovative and authentic learning methods help you develop skills such as team-working, assessment and therapy, self-evaluation. The curriculum promotes strong research skills, enabling you to evaluate and add to the evidence-base for the SLT profession. The programme prepares you well for future leadership roles.
Students undertake modules to the value of 360 credits.
The programme comprises 12 core modules. Students register for six modules in year one (totalling 165 credits) and six modules in year two (195 credits, including a 60-credit research project).
Year one core modules
Year two core modules
There are no optional modules on this programme.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 8,000 words. Students also present their project orally to a group of peers.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small group tutorials, workshops, supervised clinical placements, practical classes and self-directed learning. Collaborative peer-working features strongly throughout. A variety of assessment methods are used, including coursework, presentations, clinical vivas, written examinations and practice-based assessment on placement.
Placement
Students attend both weekly and block placements, from the start of the programme working alongside qualified SLTs in a wide range of settings including hospitals, community, schools and charities. Placements are organised such that each student gains a breadth of experience. Students undertake over 700 hours of supervised clinical practice over the two-year course, well above RCSLT recommendations.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Speech and Language Sciences MSc
The UK/EU fee for this programme is currently under review pending an announcement from the UK Government.
More information on studying allied health professions in England is on the official Council of Deans of Health website.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Most graduates from this programme work as speech and language therapists, providing specialist assessment, intervention and support to adults and children with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties, for example people with autism spectrum disorder, developmental language or learning difficulties, neurological conditions, dementia. They work in the NHS, in hospitals, specialist centres, in the community and in education settings, in mainstream or special schools and children's centres. Our graduates are well placed to take up further research and to fast-track into highly specialist speech and language therapist roles.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The programme is highly regarded by employers, with over 90% of graduates employed in speech and language therapy roles within six months of qualifying. Workplace learning in numerous clinical placements enables you to apply your knowledge from a range of disciplines to assessing and managing communication difficulties in real-life speech and language therapy contexts. This MSc also develops a range of transferable skills relevant to employability, such as: interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written presentation skills, collaboration and teamworking, critical evaluation, integration and synthesis of information, report writing, research skills.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
You will benefit directly from UCL's world-leading research and teaching, supported by facilities such as the on-site national SLT library and our in-house clinic.
You will be taught by experts in the field including specialist speech and language therapists, psychologists, linguists, neurologists. Our strong partnership with SLT services across London ensures that you will attend a range of high-quality clinical placements.
This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). UCL will pay for your student membership of RCSLT. This qualification allows you to practise as an SLT in the UK.
Modules include:
Our MSc Speech and Language Therapy programme is recognised by The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council. Speech and language therapists work with adults and children with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties.
This course is suitable for school-based professionals who provide support for children with speech, language and communication needs.
It is designed for students looking to gain high level knowledge and analytical skills, share their professional experience and perspectives and access current research in their field.
Students will be aiming to raise their profile as a specialist and leader in speech, language and communication needs in the school setting.
The MSc in Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Schools is jointly run by City, University of London and UCL Institute of Education. It brings together speech and language therapists, teachers and other graduate school-based practitioners for collaborative study. The programme is designed to enable students to:
Modules are facilitated by experienced clinicians, teachers and leading researchers, using a variety of direct and interactive methods. Some modules take place in large groups supplemented by small group discussion or laboratory sessions that provide hands-on experience of statistical analyses. Specialist modules take place in small groups combining lecturing with student-led discussion and workshop activities often drawing on participants' professional experiences. Moodle, the virtual learning environment at both institutions, provides an online platform for sharing module information and interactive learning. These methods support and are supported by self-directed study.
Modules are assessed through a diverse range of assignments that may include essays, literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, case studies, and data analyses. Assessments require critical evaluation of the research on key issues; selective application of theory and research to a particular setting, group or individual in the student's experience; understanding of research methods; and skills in statistical analysis.
The taught programme comprises:
Teaching takes place in three 10-week terms: autumn, spring and summer. Students will normally take one module per term part-time or two modules per term full-time.
Each module runs over 3-5 whole days, 10 evenings or 10 half days. In addition, students will be expected to spend approximately half a day a week reading around the taught sessions, preparing for discussion, or completing short exercises.
Students have up to one year to complete the research dissertation.
Core modules
Elective modules
Elective modules are chosen from many available at both institutions and timing depends on module choice. Popular electives include:
At UCL IOE:
At City, University of London:
This MSc qualification raises graduates’ profile as a specialist and leader in speech, language and communication needs in the school setting. It is an advantage for teachers and clinicians seeking higher grade specialist and managerial posts.
Graduates are also eligible to apply for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) and some research posts.
Please note that this MSc does not lead to professional qualification as a speech and language therapist or teacher.
The MSc (Pre-registration) Speech and Language Therapy offers Psychology graduates the opportunity to prepare for practice as a speech and language therapist and to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Studying on this programme will build on your core knowledge of Psychology to combine theory with practice, using recognised techniques, skills and methods to assess, analyse and treat your clients.
This programme reflects the values of the NHS constitution and prepares students to practice as speech and language therapists, a profession concerned with the management of disorders of language, speech, fluency, voice, communication and swallowing in children and adults.
Graduates from this course are eligible for professional registration with both the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council. There are increasing opportunities for speech and language therapists to work towards higher degrees in their fields of clinical specialism and research.
The recruitment process for this course includes assessing applicants by interview for the core values of the NHS constitution.
You will be based in the award-winning £139m Brooks building, specially created for the Health and Education faculties, providing you with access to state-of-the-art clinical equipment and facilities..
Our dedicated placements team are responsible for negotiating and managing current and new placement partnerships, ensuring that as student speech and language therapists, you will have access to relevant, motivating and professional placements to enhance your skills and learning.
-Accelerated master's programme for Psychology graduates wishing to gain certification to work as speech and language therapists
-Mix of university based and practice placement learning
-Opportunity to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions council upon successful completion of the course
Commissioned by Health Education England, this programme will run over two years with 45 weeks of study per year as required by the professional body, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
There will be a mix of university-based and placement-based learning throughout the programme, drawing upon students' previous undergraduate Psychology studies to develop confident and knowledgable practitioners over an accelerated period of professional study.
Students will take a range of units across two years of study. Some units are taken in year 1 and others in year 2 as indicated below, but in addition the following units will be taken across both years of study:
-Professional Competency in Speech and Language Therapy
-Research Methods and Dissertation
