Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) | MSc

Mary Heritage - Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Speech and Language Therapy

Mary joined University in November 2021 as Programme Leader for MSc Speech and Language Therapy. Previously, she served a 35 year career in the National Health Service as a speech and language therapist, service manager and allied health professions leader in Derbyshire. Mary’s clinical specialism as a therapist was with older people with dementia, and more recently, has developed interests in leadership, personalisation, and workforce development. Mary is a trained coach and mentor and completed NHS Leadership Academy Award in Executive Healthcare Leadership. She is actively involved in her professional body, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, as a Trustee since 2014 and Chair (2020-22).

Academic Staff List

Welcome to MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration)

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is a growing profession which offers a range of career options; from working with children, adults, people with learning disabilities, and in education and healthcare settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, in the community, and in people's own homes.

Those who access SLT services may have speech, language, communication, or eating and swallowing needs related to childhood development, learning disabilities, or may have acquired a difficulty in relation to a condition (such as stroke, brain injury, neurological condition, hearing impairment, dementia or mental health).

This programme offers the opportunity for graduates to fast track beyond their first degree into rewarding professional careers. A range of learning opportunities are supported by academic team in the University, in partnership with Speech and Language Therapists in practice settings.

As well as self directed study and assignments, learners will access teaching within their own cohort on campus and online. Our aim is to develop confident, reflective, and resilient professionals who are able to apply their theoretical knowledge flexibly to meet the unique needs of individuals and their families or carers.

The interprofessional components of the course aim to develop skilled and compassionate practitioners who have the confidence to promote professional, social, and political change in health and social care. Collaborative working with peers from a variety of disciplines promotes teamwork, and an application of research skills in the transformation of health and social care services.

In practice settings, a series of placements in local Speech and Language Therapy services, where each learner under the supervision of a registered SLT learns to practice the clinical and professional skills. Successful completion of this programme provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The programme is based upon the guidance of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency for Speech and Language Therapists.

This course is now open for applications for a January 2024 start.

Accreditations and Memberships

This programme is accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). This means the planned design of the course curriculum meets the gold standard for pre-registration speech and language therapy programmes. Students will be encouraged to become an RCSLT member, which is free of charge to students and provides a wealth of resources and networks to support their development as trainee speech and language therapists.

How You Study

The two year programme is full time and delivered via blended learning methods including self directed learning, face-to-face teaching, practical, and simulated, as well as practice learning undertaken on placements.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Applied Health Improvement 2023-24HEA9431MLevel 72023-24Health improvement is a term used to describe the work done with individuals and communities to enable and encourage healthy lifestyle choices to be made regardless of health and social circumstances. It is one of the three key domains of public health practice. This second year module has been designed to extend students knowledge of public health policy and practice and provide the opportunity to explore how psychological, social, behavioural and environmental factors influence health, illness and healthcare and how these shape the advice given to patients to improve their own health and the health of others around them. Students will be encouraged to question the ethical basis of and effectiveness of health improvement practice in the current health and social care context from global, national and local perspectives.CoreApplied Sciences in Speech and Language Therapy 2023-24SPL9001MLevel 72023-24This module aims to develop students' understanding of the biological, medical, psychological, and social sciences that underpin the scientific knowledge of speech and language therapy. Students will use directed and self-directed learning to complete their understanding of these foundations of clinical practice.CoreClinical and Professional Practice for Speech and language Therapists (Children) 2023-24SPL9002MLevel 72023-24This module will draw from the basic understanding of biomedical science, psychology, and social science. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to apply the analysis and transcription skills required for effective clinical practice.CoreClinical and Professional Practice for Speech and Language Therapists (Lifespan and Adults) 2023-24SPL9003MLevel 72023-24Students will be able to complete the development of their professional skills in readiness for applying to Health and Care Professions Council for registration. Focus will be centred around their clinical skills development and how speech and language therapists can support adults and young people with communication difficulties.CoreContributing to the Evidence Base 2023-24HEA9465MLevel 72023-24This module aims to develop and improve skills of independent enquiry and practice-focussed research. The module will support students to develop an understanding of a range of research approaches that can be used to address research questions allowing them to develop an evidence-based approach to their practice.CoreEating, Drinking and Swallowing 2023-24SPL9004MLevel 72023-24This module aims to provide students with the competence needed to assess and manage people with EDS and formulate a clear plan for their further development needs.CoreEssential Interprofessional Practice 2023-24HEA9432MLevel 72023-24This module has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and understanding about the structure and function of health and social care in the UK. The module will support students in making the transition to Master's level study and assist them in the development of key skills such as critical evaluation, reflection, and using evidence to underpin practice.CorePractical Linguistics and Phonetics 2023-24SPL9005MLevel 72023-24This module contributes to the development of clinically applied knowledge in speech and language therapy practice. It builds upon an understanding of language and psychological development across the lifespan and runs in parallel with placement one, where students will have the opportunity to practice real-time transcription skills in natural settings such as nurseries, schools, and care homes.CoreService Evaluation for Clinical Practice 2023-24HEA9433MLevel 72023-24This module provides the learner with a knowledge and skills of appropriate quality improvement tools to systematically evaluate an area of service delivery within their field of practice. The module will support students to critically examine current research and audit practices in order to systematically reviewing the literature to find alternative ways of working to improve patient outcomes. Students will be expected to prepare a business case proposal for change within their professional area.CoreSpeech and Language Therapy Placement 4 2023-24SPL9009Level 72023-24Students will work full-time in a clinical setting for a four-week period alongside newly registered speech and language therapists i.e. at band 5 or equivalent. This module aims to develop students' clinical reasoning skills, learning how to plan and evaluate safe, personalised evidence-informed practice with light supervision by the practice educator. Their practice at the end of the placement will ideally equate to what is expected of a newly registered speech and language therapist.CoreSpeech and Language Therapy Placement 1 2023-24SPL9006Level 72023-24During placement, students will be able to develop their skills in reflective practice, building on the introductions made in Clinical and Professional Practice (children) and Essential Interprofessional Practice modules.CoreSpeech and Language Therapy Placement 2 2023-24SPL9007Level 72023-24This placement module aims to develop students' professional skills in a clinical setting for the first time. Each student will be supervised by one or more practice educators.CoreSpeech and Language Therapy Placement 3 2023-24SPL9008Level 72023-24This module will provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical and simulated learning about Eating, Drinking and Swallowing module in a clinical setting and to complete competencies, signed off by practice educators. Students will be able to consider how the basics of health improvement and public health can be applied alongside clinical interventions in the practice setting (Applied Health Improvement).CoreSpeech and Language Therapy - Enrichment placement 2023-24SPL9010Level 72023-24This module will encourage students to supplement other practice education placements with the opportunity to learn about the settings and organisations that support people with communication and/or swallowing difficulties or specific settings where speech and language therapists work or to broaden their understanding of UK healthcare or education provision with an international perspective of the profession.Optional

How you are assessed

Students will be assessed via a range of methods including successful demonstration of competencies on practice placements, course work (including case study, portfolio, report) and in-class assignments (including clinical simulations and practical tests, group presentations). Assessments have been specifically designed to provide further learning opportunities for students, and to allow them to demonstrate skills which will be required in their career as speech and language therapists. Both formative and summative assessments are set in each module and every element much achieve a pass.

Placements

Each student will undertake at least 525 hours practice learning, where they will be placed into local services developing their clinical and professional skills in different healthcare and education settings, working with children and adults who have speech, language, communication and eating and swallowing needs. Students will be supported by a registered Speech and Language Therapist (Practice Educator) and a tutor from the University.

Facilities

The clinical suites in the University's Sarah Swift Building are used by the School of Health and Social Care and students can experience a simulated, real hospital and home environment and that also features in-patient simulation technology.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Please note, this programme is not currently available to international applicants.

A 2:2 degree in a related subject such as biological or medical science, psychology, linguistics, English language, health and social care, or child development.

A first degree in any subject with experience of working in a speech and language therapy service, or in any healthcare, social care or education setting where people with speech, language, and communication difficulties are supported.

Applicants should also be able to describe their experiences of:
-working with or observing adults and/or children with speech, language and communication needs
or
-their understanding of the full range of the speech, language and communication difficulties and the ways in which these impact the lives of adults and children and their families.

Entry to the programme is subject to an interview, which is underpinned by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Professional Standards.

Other requirements include:

- Satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. Note that the University will pay the costs of this check directly on your behalf.

- Be able to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to Level 8 of the International English Language Testing system, with no element below 7.5. The requirement is stricter for speech and language therapists than for all other HCPC professions, as communication in English is a core professional skills (standard 14.20, Standards of Proficiency for Speech and Language Therapists).

Applicants with disabilities:

We take seriously our obligation to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all students with disabilities can successfully complete their studies. All applicants will be assessed on the basis of the criteria outlined here regardless of any disability. If you declare a disability we will invite you to work with us to explore how best we can support your studies.

Other information:

You must declare all spent and unspent criminal convictions including (but not limited to) cautions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar and details of any minor offences, fixed penalty notices, penalty notices for disorder, ASBOs or VOOs.

Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service. If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Research Areas and Topics

The University of Lincoln is home to the Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU), which is the research centre for the School of Health and Social Care. CaHRU conducts world-leading interdisciplinary research with service users, health service professionals, and organisations to increase health and wellbeing across the health, social, and third sector care services.

Your Future Career

Once registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, there may be opportunities to progress your career throughout the UK. Speech and Language Therapists work with adults and with children in the full range of healthcare and education settings. Speech and Language Therapits are in high demand currently within the NHS.

The University Careers and Employability Team can provide students with tailored, individual support, and careers advice. The service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice, and interview preparation. Alumni can continue to access support and advice for up to fifteen months after graduating. The service works closely with local, national, and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

Key Information

MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration)