MSc Speech and Language Therapy

Compulsory modules

Clinical Practice 1

Apply your theoretical learning in a clinical environment, as you are introduced to a variety of client groups with communication problems. You’ll gain insight into the clinical role of speech and language therapists, develop your professional skills, and gain an understanding of the Health and Care Professions Council standards. 

Language Acquisition and Processing

Discover the complex relationship between language and the human mind through both psychology and linguistics. As you explore theoretical approaches and study diverse populations, you’ll learn how individuals come to know their own language and what cognitive mechanisms are involved when we listen and speak.  

Medicine 1

Develop a practical understanding of the human anatomy to further your knowledge of disorders seen by speech language therapists. As you explore the work of the paediatrician, the orthodontist and audiology services, you will gain an increased understanding of their relevance to speech and language therapy. 

Medicine 2

Advance your understanding of brain structure and its function, as you learn about different neurological conditions and their treatment. Gain extensive knowledge of the structure and function of the ear, nose, sinuses, larynx and pharynx, and how disorders are treated by ENT and speech language and therapists. 

Speech Language and Communication 1 M

Discover the range of clinical populations encountered by speech and language therapists across the lifespan. You’ll learn the key management approaches used when engaging with these client groups.  

Foundations of Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology

Explore the key concepts of linguistics, phonetics and phonology. You’ll learn how to describe, analyse and interpret both typical and clinical speech and language data.  

Clinical Phonetics and Phonology 

Learn how to apply the concepts of phonetics and phonology to clinical data, and how to analyse data using perceptual and instrumental approaches. You’ll explore the issues involved in data collection and representation, while developing practical skills in the transcription of clinical data. 

Psychology for Speech and Language Therapy

Discover how psychological concepts are used in speech and language therapy. You’ll explore the key theories of developmental psychology, cognitive and neuropsychology, clinical psychology, and health and social psychology. 

Clinical Practice 2

Develop your professional and clinical skills by assessing, diagnosing and managing communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. This module will prepare you for graduate-level entry to the speech and language therapy profession within health and education contexts. 

Speech Language and Communication 2 M (Paediatric)

Enhance your ability to make evidence-based clinical decisions in the assessment, diagnosis, management and support of speech, language and communication needs of children. As you develop your skillset, you will work with children impacted by communication difficulties such as language disorders, autism and learning disabilities alongside disorders of fluency across the lifespan. 

Speech Language and Communication 3 M (Adults)

Develop knowledge of the evidence base required to assess, diagnose and manage speech, language and cognitive disorders in adults. Study a range of disorders, including dementias, aphasias, communication disorders, and motor speech disorders. You’ll draw extensively on related disciplines such as linguistics, psychology, neurology and medicine.  

Multilingualism and Language Impairment across the Lifespan

Explore the development and use of language in bilingual and mulitlingual individuals, with a specific focus on clinical practice. You'll learn about the theoretical, methodological and clinical implications aspects of crosslinguistic assessment in multilingual children with developmental language disorders and bilingual adults with aphasia.

Research and Dissertation

Develop your critical evaluation skills and an understanding of current research issues through the design, planning and implementation of an independent research project. Focussing on speech and language therapy or a related discipline, you’ll gain knowledge of research methodology, design and statistical analysis, with the support of an assigned supervisor. 

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

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