Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT

MSci (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy

  • UCAS code
    B62M
  • Typical offer
    AAB
  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2022/23 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Through this MSci (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy degree you will prepare for a career as a qualified speech and language therapist and gain valuable experience of working with patients.

As a Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) student, you will benefit directly from our world-class research into subjects, such as linguistics, language development, language pathology, and bilingualism. You will also be able to take advantage of our in-house speech and language therapy clinic, observational facilities, speech research laboratory and new sound recording room. We are one of the first departments in the UK to host NHS clinics in our purpose-built speech and language therapy facility on site.

The course has recently changed to an undergraduate entry integrated Masters from a BSc degree, and has been approved by the Health Care Professions Council. Once you graduate from the MSci Speech and Language Therapy programme, you can apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council which will then allow you to work as a speech and language therapist. 

The MSci has been identified by our students, local employers and other stakeholders as the best way forward to maintain quality and enjoyment of the programme and to support future employment.

This course combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice and you will gain hands-on experience right from the start. For example, in year one, during our "Child Development Assignment", you will be assigned a baby and go to home visits in order to observe its development over approximately 18 months. This will allow you to observe how a typically developing child develops, and enable you to develop your professional skills of interacting with parents and engaging with young children.

Throughout the course you will study core modules in linguistics, psychology, medical sciences and language pathology. You will also cover therapy and management, and how to diagnose, assess and treat (or manage) communication and swallowing disorders. You will also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience of working within a large range of professional settings through a combination of weekly and block placement opportunities. The majority of our staff are practising speech and language therapists, and they will give you a direct insight into the latest developments in clinical practice.

During the final year you will be able to pursue your own interests through optional subjects such as autism spectrum disorders or specific language impairments. Additionally, you will carry out an original piece of research and write a dissertation.

The values of the course are aligned with those set out in the NHS Constitution.

The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences is committed to providing an excellent quality service, demonstrating compassion and dignity, care and respect to our patients, students and colleagues whilst embracing equality and diversity. We achieve this by clarity of communication and reflecting courage and integrity in all areas of our work, supported by our knowledge, competence and innovation.

Placement

You will have the opportunity to carry out both weekly and block placements through this course. These take place in a large range of clinical settings, including within NHS organisations, schools and the private and voluntary sector. Placements are organised by our in-house team and are carefully selected in order to give you variety of experiences and the opportunity to work alongside enthusiastic professionals in a well-supported environment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a wide of range of children and adults, and develop your communication, clinical and research skills within professional settings.

By the end of the degree you will have amassed around 600 hours' experience in observing and treating patients with communication and swallowing problems. This is in excess of the minimum number required by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

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

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

New international students: £24,500

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

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

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Available funding can be found on the Funding Clinic’s website.

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.
 

As a graduate of this course you can apply to work as a speech and language therapist. The integrated master’s element of the course develops further your analytical and critical thinking skills preparing you for your career path and provides a unique degree once you graduate. Most of our graduates choose this career path and go on to work within the NHS, education or the independent sector.

In hospitals, Speech and Language Therapists provide services to clients on an in-patient and out-patient basis, with an increasing focus on outreach and intermediate care. They also work in a range of other sites in the community such as health centres, day nurseries, schools and colleges, training centers, and care homes. Some speech and language therapists are employed directly in education, the voluntary sector or work in private practice. Alternatively you may decide to move into research or postgraduate study