Master of Speech and Language Therapy (MSLT)

• Our classes are small compared with some other universities, so you will enjoy more personal support and guidance from lecturers.
• Your learning will be boosted by input from experienced speech and language therapists working in the NHS and independent sectors.
• Learning from our research-active team, you will be fully involved in relevant research.
• QMU is internationally renowned for its research in speech and language.

On this course, you will develop a strong theoretical understanding of speech and language therapy (SLT) through modules in linguistics, psychology, biological and medical sciences, and research methods. Regular clinical placements will build your practical skills.

Year One will provide a grounding in development across the lifespan in the areas of physical sciences, linguistics and psychology. To facilitate your transition into university there will be a focus on academic writing and how to access appropriate information. You will develop knowledge and apply it at observational placements in local early years settings, primary schools and with older people, usually in a social care setting.

Year Two focuses predominantly on childhood and developmental speech, language and communication disorders. You will continue to build your knowledge in physical sciences, linguistics, psychology and research methods with increased application to clinical areas. You will develop your clinical skills through weekly placements in local clinics in Semester One.

Year Three will provide an opportunity to develop research and critical thinking skills. You will enhance your clinical decision making skills (assessment/goal setting/management planning/outcome evaluation) through case studies and in-class discussions. You will focus on disorders of communication acquired in adulthood and related to sensory, cognitive and physical impairments. You will explore different areas of practice through clinical masterclasses. You will continue to link theory to practice as you attend clinical placements during the semesters and a block placement during the summer.

Year Four will provide the opportunity to enhance, consolidate and reflect on your learning to date. You will continue to develop your skills in research, professional development, and current and advanced clinical skills enabling a smooth transition to working life. You will explore leadership skills and gain an understanding of key skills for collaboration and training. You will complete your academic learning by undertaking a focused research dissertation. This year includes 20 days of clinical placement. You’ll continue to attend clinical placement during the semester.

We aim for all of our graduates to be confident in their own professional identity and have the additional skills that will allow them to work as an effective multidisciplinary team member. This is the reason why we have implemented an interprofessional focus within all of our healthcare courses, including this one.

This is a four year integrated undergraduate master’s course. Students commence the course with a view to graduating with a master’s degree in four years. Students have the opportunity to transfer at the end of Year Two to a BSc (Hons) route. On successful completion of either four year route, students will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a speech and language therapist.

Year One

• Foundations for SLT: Foundations of Linguistics
• Foundations for SLT: Biological and Medical Sciences 1
• Professional Practice: Clinical and Professional Capabilities
• Foundations for SLT: Language Structure, Processing and Variation
• Foundation for SLT: Lifespan
• Professional Practice: Lifespan Placement
• Research for SLT: Cognitive Sciences and Research Methods 1  

Year Two

• Foundation for SLT: Biological and Medical Sciences 2
• Speech and Language Pathology: Developmental Disorders of Language and Communication
• Foundations for SLT: Analysis of Speech and Language
• Professional Practice: Practice-Based Learning 2
• Speech and Language Pathology: Specific Speech Disorders
• Speech and Language Pathology: Developmental and Acquired Dysphagia
• Research for SLT: Cognitive Sciences and Research Methods 2  

Year Three

• Speech and Language Pathology: Physical, Sensory and Intellectual Impairment
• Speech and Language Pathology: Organic Speech Impairments and Voice Disorders
• Professional Practice: Practice-Based Learning 3
• Research for SLT: Investigative Methods
• Professional Practice: Delivering Services to Reflect Diversity
• Speech and Language Pathology: Acquired Language and Neurogenic Communication Impairments

Year Four

• Speech and Language Pathology: Hearing Impairment & Deaf Culture
• Professional Practice: Training and Leadership/
• Professional Practice: Practice-Based Learning 4
• Research for SLT: Research Project
• Professional Practice: Applied Clinical Decision Making

The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (April 2021) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2022. Please check the website for any updates.

You will be taught in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and laboratories. Outside these timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. You will be assessed by a range of assessments throughout the course.

Placements help you integrate practice with theory by letting you work directly with patients and qualified staff. You will be placed in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools and clinics to ensure you gain a range of experience. Clinical placements occur in Semester One of Year Two and through both semesters in Years Three and Four. You will attend a block placement in the summer period between Years Three and Four. This placement is typically completed within a four-week period somewhere in Scotland. The summer clinical placement can sometimes be organised overseas. QMU manages the sourcing and allocation of placements for each student on the course.

As a graduate in SLT your career prospects are generally excellent. Many of our graduates work within the NHS in community clinics, hospitals and schools across the UK. Some graduates have travelled to work abroad, chosen to study further or taken up research posts.

Scottish Higher: Standard - AABBB, Minimum - ABBBB

A Level: AAB

Irish Leaving Certificate: H1 H2 H2 H2 H3

International Baccalaureate: 32 points

International: IELTS of 8.0 with no element lower than 7.5. Applications from international students are welcomed. The required standard of spoken and written English (specified by RCSLT) for those whose first language is not English is an IELTS (British Council English Language Testing Service) score of 8 with no individual element score of less than 7.5. This reflects the level of English required for professional practice as an SLT. 

Required subjects: The following subjects are preferred at Higher/A Level or equivalent: English, Languages, Psychology and Sciences. Subjects involving analytical skills (eg Modern Studies) may be accepted as an alternative to science, where a good level of science is demonstrated at Nat 5/ GCSE level.

In addition English and Maths at Nat 5/GCSE (B) (equivalent to O3 or H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate) is required. Biology at this level is desirable.

Mature/Access:

Many mature students enter the course with non-standard qualifications, including previous degrees and from Access Courses (Access to Health Care). Applicants with Access qualifications must demonstrate a strong academic profile. 

Related Access Course

We welcome applications from mature students with other relevant qualifications and/or experience.  All mature students are asked to show evidence of recent study. 

Direct Entry: Not available. Relevant HN qualifications may be considered for entry to Year One.

Other entry requirements:

Applicants are encouraged to acquire a good understanding of the nature of Speech and Language Therapy practice, and, if possible, should gain some experience of interacting or working with people with communication difficulties. It should be noted that in most parts of the UK it is not possible to arrange direct observation or work-shadowing within Speech and Language Therapy clinics; however, many areas arrange introductory sessions for potential students. In addition, many charities working with and for people with communication needs welcome volunteers who are willing to support people with communication difficulties. 

Other requirements:

PVG check

All offers of places are conditional on receipt of a satisfactory check through the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (or equivalent). All prospective students who are offered a place should be aware that acceptance onto the programme cannot be taken as a guarantee that the applicant satisfies the requirements for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Speech and Language Therapist

Health clearance 

All applicants are expected to be free of any health problems which could affect their ability to practice safely and effectively. All first year students are required to undergo health clearance checks and up to date information will be provided as part of the entry/induction process. The document ‘Guidance on Health and Character’ (HCPC, 2017) provides some general information which may be useful. 

Additional Costs

All students are responsible for their own expenses incurred on clinical placement such as; pre-placement checks; travel costs; and accommodation (summer).  Students are required to pay for their PVG application (approximately £60) and may have additional costs for vaccines and blood tests (up to approximately £90, normally), depending on their medical history.   

In addition, students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and International students will also be liable for additional fees to cover the cost of health clearance, badges and uniforms. The current cost is around £95.

Students are also required to have indemnity insurance in place before attending placement, this is most cost effectively obtained by joining the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) as a student member.  

Students are advised to check with the relevant student funding agencies if there is a way of reclaiming the travel and accommodation expenses incurred on placement.  Students from Scotland may be eligible for funding from SAAS depending on their circumstances. 

This course meets the professional standards of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and is accredited by the HCPC. Successful completion enables application for registration with the HCPC as a speech and language therapist, which is a requirement for employment in the UK.

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