Skip to main content

University of Reading Cookie Policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience. Find out more about our cookie policy. By continuing to use our site you accept these terms, and are happy for us to use cookies to improve your browsing experience.

Continue using the University of Reading website

  • Schools and departments
  • Henley Business School
  • University of Reading Malaysia
  • Applicants
  • Student
  • Staff
  • Alumni
Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
  • Study and life
  • Research
  • About us
  • View courses
  • Home
  • Study and life
    • Study
    • Student life
    • Accommodation
    • Open Days and visiting
    • International students
  • Research
    • Themes
    • Impact
    • Innovation and partnerships
    • Research environment
    • Get involved
  • About us
    • Our global community
    • Business
    • Local community
    • Visit us
    • Strategy
    • Governance
    • Contact us
  • Applicants
  • Student
  • Staff
  • Alumni
  • Schools and departments
  • Henley Business School
  • University of Reading Malaysia
  • View courses
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2022/23
2023/24
Undergraduates
Postgraduates
Undergraduates
Postgraduates

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • Pharmacy
  • Physician Associate

Subjects A-B

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Bioveterinary Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre & Performance

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise
  • Creative Writing

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teacher training
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

MSc Speech and Language Therapy

  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time: 24 months

Applications for this programme are now closed


This programme is currently closed to new applications for September 2023 entry. Applications will open again in summer 2023 for those wishing to apply for September 2024 entry.

Accredited by the Health Care Professionals Council, with a purpose-built NHS and independent clinic on-site, the MSc Speech and Language Therapy is for students wishing to qualify as speech and language therapists.

This course combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice and you will gain hands-on experience right from the start.

All candidates must have:

  • A good 2:1 or above (or equivalent) - please note that all candidates must have been awarded their undergraduate degree before applying
  • direct, ongoing experience of working with clients with communication difficulties, ideally a range of client groups, both adults and children.
  • Good understanding of the role of a speech and language therapist and experience of speech and language therapy 

See ‘Entry requirements’ tab for further details. 

As a speech and language therapy student at Reading, you will benefit directly from our world-class research into subjects, such as linguistics, language development, language pathology, and bilingualism. Other areas of specialism comprise developmental and acquired speech, language and communication disorders, including fluency disorders, aphasia, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, Developmental Language Disorder and dysphagia, speech sound disorder, stammering and dysphagia.

Your tutors will use a variety of teaching methods, including standard lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, observation clinics, problem based learning, online screencasts, and practical sessions.

As part of the programme, you will undertake a clinical placement and spend approximately 600 hours over 2 years in different clinical settings, including schools, hospitals, community clinics, private and voluntary sector. Professional speech and language therapists will act as your practice educators.

You will have access to excellent built-in clinic facilities for observations, teaching, placement and research, as well as a speech laboratory, extensive assessment library, student common room, University library, state-of-the art lecture theatres. We are also one of the first universities to host an NHS and independent clinic in our purpose-built speech and language therapy facility on site.

This programme is recognised by The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council.

For more information, please visit the School of Psychology's website.

Overview

Accredited by the Health Care Professionals Council, with a purpose-built NHS and independent clinic on-site, the MSc Speech and Language Therapy is for students wishing to qualify as speech and language therapists.

This course combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice and you will gain hands-on experience right from the start.

All candidates must have:

  • A good 2:1 or above (or equivalent) - please note that all candidates must have been awarded their undergraduate degree before applying
  • direct, ongoing experience of working with clients with communication difficulties, ideally a range of client groups, both adults and children.
  • Good understanding of the role of a speech and language therapist and experience of speech and language therapy 

See ‘Entry requirements’ tab for further details. 

As a speech and language therapy student at Reading, you will benefit directly from our world-class research into subjects, such as linguistics, language development, language pathology, and bilingualism. Other areas of specialism comprise developmental and acquired speech, language and communication disorders, including fluency disorders, aphasia, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, Developmental Language Disorder and dysphagia, speech sound disorder, stammering and dysphagia.

Your tutors will use a variety of teaching methods, including standard lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, observation clinics, problem based learning, online screencasts, and practical sessions.

As part of the programme, you will undertake a clinical placement and spend approximately 600 hours over 2 years in different clinical settings, including schools, hospitals, community clinics, private and voluntary sector. Professional speech and language therapists will act as your practice educators.

You will have access to excellent built-in clinic facilities for observations, teaching, placement and research, as well as a speech laboratory, extensive assessment library, student common room, University library, state-of-the art lecture theatres. We are also one of the first universities to host an NHS and independent clinic in our purpose-built speech and language therapy facility on site.

This programme is recognised by The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council.

For more information, please visit the School of Psychology's website.

Entry requirements

IELTS: 8.0 overall with no element less than 7.5

TOEFL: Minimum score of 118/120

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (a good 2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a related field such as linguistics, psychology, medical sciences or education. Other degree subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Evidence of recent study is normally required if the first degree, or a subsequent postgraduate degree, was completed more than five years ago, such as a relevant undergraduate or master's module, Access course or relevant CPD qualifications, or in some cases we may ask you to complete an assignment as part of the short-listing process. 

You must have completed your undergraduate degree and it must have been awarded by the application deadline. Direct, ongoing experience of working with clients with communication difficulties (ideally a range of client groups) is essential. Experience of working with adults and children is advantageous. Candidates need to demonstrate a good understanding of the role of a speech and language therapist and have some work experience of speech and language therapy. The application process includes an interview.

Due to the popularity of our MSc Speech and Language Therapy, and the restricted numbers we are able to accept, we recommend applying as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 

We must have received at least one reference before the application deadline. Please make sure you allow enough time for your referee to submit their reference before the deadline. 

In order to guarantee consideration for entry in September 2023, a complete application must be received by midnight 31 December 2022.  Late applications, received up until midnight 28 February 2023, may be considered if spaces still remain on the programme.

The University of Reading has signed a joint statement with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists that states our commitment to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in speech and language therapy pre-registration degrees.

Structure

  • Year 1

Compulsory modules include:

X

Module details


Title:

Advanced Professional Development

Code:

PLMAPD

Convenor:

MRS Afshan O'Sullivan

Summary:

This module considers current issues within professional practice for Speech and Language Therapy within Health and Education contexts and prepares the students for professional life. It aims to develop their ability to reflect on continuous personal development as preparation for the workforce.

Assessment Method:

Portfolio 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Communication Impairment I

Code:

PLMCI1R

Convenor:

DR Fatemeh Mollaei

Summary:

This module will use a case-based learning approach to explore main developmental and acquired disorders associated with speech, language, communication and swallowing with a focus on the application of linguistic, phonetic, medical and psychological theory to clinical disorders. 

Assessment Method:

Report 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Communication Impairment 2

Code:

PLMCI2R

Convenor:

DR Tom Loucas

Summary:

This module presents students with the evidence-base needed to assess, diagnose and manage disorders of speech, language and communication in children.  The main developmental disorders associated with speech, language and communication in children are covered. Students will learn how to apply the evidence-base to children with speech, language and communication using case-based materials.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Communication Impairment 3

Code:

PLMCI3R

Convenor:

DR Arpita Bose

Summary:

This module presents students with the evidence-base needed to assess, diagnose and manage disorders of speech, language, swallowing and cognitive disorders in adults.  The main disorders associated with speech, language, swallowing and cognition in adults are covered. Students will learn how to apply and critically evaluate the evidence-base to adult with speech, language and communication using case-based materials.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Child Language Acquisition

Code:

PLMCLA

Convenor:

DR George Pontikas

Summary:

This is an introduction into child language acquisition.

Assessment Method:

Class test 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Clinical Practice 1

Code:

PLMCP1

Convenor:

MRS Helen Marlow

Summary:

To introduce students to a broad variety of client groups to enable them to integrate their rapidly developing theory base to the clinical environment whilst beginning to develop personal clinical skills

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Practical 10%, Oral 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Clinical Practice 2

Code:

PLMCP2

Convenor:

MS Carol Fairfield

Summary:

This module develops students’ clinical competencies further to enable them to attain the competencies for graduate level entry to the speech and language therapy profession.

Assessment Method:

Practical 10%, Oral 65%, Report 25%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Clinical Phonetics and Phonology

Code:

PLMCPH

Convenor:

DR Mirjana Sokolovic-Perovic

Summary:

In this module the students learn to apply knowledge of phonetics and phonology to clinical data and to collect and analyse data using perceptual and instrumental approaches.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Practical 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Development Across the Lifespan for Speech and Language Therapy

Code:

PLMDALSLT

Convenor:

DR Emma Pagnamenta

Summary:

This module focuses on the biological, cognitive and social aspects of human development across the lifespan from infancy to old age. Students will be introduced to topics covering both typical development as well as neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD, and disorders of ageing such as dementia. Students will be introduced to a range of historical and contemporary theories, along with relevant research, and learn how to critically evaluate these. This module is delivered at University of Reading.

Assessment Method:

Class test 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Foundations of Grammar

Code:

PLMFG

Convenor:

PROF Vesna Stojanovik

Summary:

This module introduces the main concepts in grammar, i.e. grammatical categories, inflectional/derivational morphology, phrase and clause structure, complex syntactic constructions and pragmatics. The module also introduces the goals of linguistics theory as presented in the theory of Universal Grammar, which aims to characterise formally the native speaker's knowledge of language and to explain language acquisition and language disorders.

Assessment Method:

Class test 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Language Processing for Speech and Language Therapy

Code:

PLMLPSLT

Convenor:

DR George Pontikas

Summary:

This module addresses the nature of language processing in children and adults and considers evidence from both typical and atypical populations.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Medicine 1

Code:

PLMM1

Convenor:

DR Fatemeh Mollaei

Summary:

The module comprises four lecture series: a general introductory course to anatomy and physiology for speech language therapy students, and a lecture series looking at paediatric medicine, audiology and orthodontics.

Assessment Method:

Exam 40%, Class test 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Medicine 2

Code:

PLMM2

Convenor:

DR Vishnu Kaleeckal Krishnankutty Nair

Summary:

This module extends students' understanding and application of medical sciences relevant to speech and language pathology and comprises courses on Neurology and ENT.

Assessment Method:

Exam 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology

Code:

PLMPPR

Convenor:

DR Mirjana Sokolovic-Perovic

Summary:

This module introduces students to the principles of phonetics and phonology and the speech sound system of English.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Practical 20%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Research and Dissertation

Code:

PLMRD

Convenor:

DR Christos Pliatsikas

Summary:

The aims of this module are to provide the students with an understanding and working knowledge of research methods, design, and statistical analysis and to apply this knowledge to the administration and writing up of a dissertation. The dissertation allows students to complete an independent research project in a chosen area of Speech and Language Therapy or a related discipline. Students design the project with support from an assigned dissertation supervisor. The outcome of the research project is written up as the student’s dissertation.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 10%, Dissertation 80%, Class test 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Social psychology and individual differences for speech and language therapy

Code:

PLMSIDSLT

Convenor:

DR Emma Pagnamenta

Summary:

This module explores core topics within social psychology and individual differences, with a focus on the interplay between the two disciplines. Specifically, students will examine various aspects of social cognition, perception and behaviour, with considerations as to how these can vary as a function of individual differences (for example, culture, gender, and personality). While the module covers contemporary topics within social psychology and individual differences, it simultaneously acknowledges the historical developments in both disciplines. This module is delivered at the University of Reading. 

Assessment Method:

Report 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Code Module Convenor
PLMAPD Advanced Professional Development MRS Afshan O'Sullivan
PLMCI1R Communication Impairment I DR Fatemeh Mollaei
PLMCI2R Communication Impairment 2 DR Tom Loucas
PLMCI3R Communication Impairment 3 DR Arpita Bose
PLMCLA Child Language Acquisition DR George Pontikas
PLMCP1 Clinical Practice 1 MRS Helen Marlow
PLMCP2 Clinical Practice 2 MS Carol Fairfield
PLMCPH Clinical Phonetics and Phonology DR Mirjana Sokolovic-Perovic
PLMDALSLT Development Across the Lifespan for Speech and Language Therapy DR Emma Pagnamenta
PLMFG Foundations of Grammar PROF Vesna Stojanovik
PLMLPSLT Language Processing for Speech and Language Therapy DR George Pontikas
PLMM1 Medicine 1 DR Fatemeh Mollaei
PLMM2 Medicine 2 DR Vishnu Kaleeckal Krishnankutty Nair
PLMPPR Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology DR Mirjana Sokolovic-Perovic
PLMRD Research and Dissertation DR Christos Pliatsikas
PLMSIDSLT Social psychology and individual differences for speech and language therapy DR Emma Pagnamenta

These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £25,800

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional Costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

Training grant

The Department of Health and Social Care offers new and continuing students on Speech and Language Therapy programmes access to the Learning Support Fund, administered by the NHS Business Services Authority. This Fund includes a non-means tested Training Grant, currently (2021) set at £5,000 for each academic year for all eligible students, plus additional funds for eligible students who have parental responsibility and/or qualify for additional funds for Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses. This fund applies even if you have already taken out loans for a previous undergraduate degree. The application process is administered by the NHS and you will be able to apply from 1 July. To apply, please visit the NHS website. 

You will need to ensure you check the Learning Support Fund site regularly to keep up to date with what is being offered.

The Maintenance loan

Eligibility for the Maintenance loan is a means tested loan.

Students on the MSc Speech and Language Therapy programme may also be eligible for the Long Courses Loan, as the course is longer than 30 weeks. 

This will be assessed by Student Finance England when the student applies for their main student finance. 

See the Funding Clinic website for further information when applying as a mature student.

Applying for loans from Student Finance England

You can apply now for the 2020/21 academic year. You don’t need a confirmed place to apply.

Applications should ideally be submitted by 31 May 2020.  However, you can still apply for funding up to nine months after the first day of the academic year for your course.

Careers

Our MSc in Speech and Language Therapy allows graduates to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and work as a speech and language therapist in a range of settings, such as the NHS, education, and the private or voluntary sector.

Speech and language therapists work with adults and children with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties, including children with speech and language disorders, children with a cleft palate, clients with voice disorders, clients who have had strokes or head injuries, or those who stammer.

Some therapists work in hospitals, some work in community health centres, some work in schools or specialist centres. Some speech and language therapists may decide to move into research.

Training grant


The government has announced its intention to provide an annual £5,000 training grant for undergraduate and postgraduate speech and language therapy students. You won’t have to pay this back after graduation.

Eligibility criteria:

  • you must receive both a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan
  • you must be a UK resident, and have spent the past five years (minimum) living in the UK. 

For more information, please contact us

Take the next step


Apply online now

Ask us a question

Come to a postgraduate event

Get a prospectus

Related Subjects


  • Linguistics
  • Speech and Language Therapy

Ready for more?

Apply now
How to apply
Visit an Open Day
Get a prospectus
  • Charitable Status
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies
  • Terms of use
  • Sitemap

© University of Reading