UK Speech and Language Therapy Courses

Introduction to Speech and Language Therapy Courses

A speech and language therapy course in the UK is typically a three-year undergraduate degree that prepares students to become qualified speech and language therapists.

A speech and language therapy degree covers various topics related to speech and language therapy, including human communication and its disorders, anatomy of the speech and language systems, developmental and acquired speech and language disorders, psychology, linguistics, phonetics, and neuroscience. Students are also trained in assessment and diagnosis, therapy planning and implementation, and evaluation of treatment outcomes.

Speech therapy training typically involves a significant amount of clinical practice, which is supervised by qualified speech and language therapists. This may include placement in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, community clinics, and private practices, where students can apply their knowledge and skills in real-life situations.

Speech and language therapy programmes in the UK are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which ensures that they meet strict standards of education, training, and professional practice.

Types of Speech and Language Therapy Degree

BSc Speech and Language Therapy

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Speech and Language Therapy is an undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for a qualified speech and language therapist career.

A BSc degree covers topics related to speech and language therapy, including human communication and its disorders, anatomy and physiology of the speech and language systems, developmental and acquired speech and language disorders, psychology, linguistics, phonetics, and neuroscience. Students are also trained in assessment and diagnosis, therapy planning and implementation, and evaluation of treatment outcomes.

MSc Speech and Language Therapy

Postgraduate speech and language therapy courses typically build upon the foundational knowledge and skills learned in an undergraduate degree, providing students with more advanced study of theory and practice. Postgraduate speech and language therapy courses include a significant amount of clinical practice, where students are supervised by qualified therapists. This may include placement in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, community clinics, and private practices.

Speech and Language Therapy Careers

Upon completing a speech and language therapy course, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and to work as qualified speech and language therapists.

They may work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centres, and may specialise in specific areas of speech and language therapy, such as working with children with language disorders, adults with speech disorders, or people with neurological conditions.

Speech and Language Therapy Salary

According to the National Careers Service in the UK, the starting salary for a newly qualified speech and language therapist in the National Health Service is typically between £24,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on location. The starting salary may be slightly higher in the private sector, with some employers offering between £26,000 and £30,000 per year.

As an experienced professional with several years of experience, an speech and language therapist's salary can increase significantly. The average salary for a speech and language therapist with more than five years of experience in the UK is around £38,000 per year.

Speech and Language Therapy UK Entry Requirements

Most universities require applicants to have achieved certain academic qualifications, such as A-levels or equivalent, with specific grades in relevant subjects. For example, some universities require applicants to have A-levels in Biology, Psychology or a Science subject and may require specific grades such as ABB or AAA.

Many universities require applicants to have relevant work experience, such as volunteering or shadowing in a speech and language therapy setting. This can demonstrate a commitment to the profession and a willingness to work with people with communication difficulties.

• Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 30-32 points
• Typical A-level requirements: BBB
• Typical IELTS requirement: 7.5, and no lower than 7.0 in each category

Where can I study Speech and Language Therapy in the UK?

To learn more about the best Speech and Language Therapy universities in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Speech and Language Therapy universities in the CUG 2023 below:

1. University College London
2. Newcastle University
3. University of Strathclyde
4. University of Manchester
5. University of Reading
6. Ulster University
7. Cardiff Metropolitan University
8. Queen Margaret University
9. Leeds Beckett University
10. City, University of London

Study Speech and Language Therapy in the UK

If you are interested in studying a speech and language therapy course in the UK, arrange your free consultation today.