ObjectivesThe aims of the BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy are: 1. To provide undergraduate education and clinical/professional training which: * is underpinned by scholarship, research and clinical practice * uses a variety of teaching and learning methods including self-directed learning * integrates the development of theoretical knowledge with clinical skills across a wide range of client service groups. 2. To develop student learning and academic skills over four years thereby promoting continuing professional development and lifelong learning. 3. To enable students to meet the requirements of the relevant professional and statutory bodies. 4. To foster the development of professional knowledge and clinical skills across a wide range of client groups and presenting communication difficulties and to meet the clinical placement requirements of the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) - the profession's accrediting bodies. 5. To provide opportunities for self-monitoring and personal development for the formation of reflective practitioners. 6. To produce practitioners who are capable of applying theoretical knowledge to the diagnostic, therapeutic, educative and technical roles of the Speech and Language Therapist within the healthcare, educational and social welfare sectors.
Entry requirementsThe department is committed to maintaining a diverse student recruitment. It aims to maintain a balance among school leavers, mature students, and non-conventional candidates in the intake to the BSc. Encouragement and support is given to students with non-traditional entry qualifications. Applicants with a disability are given careful consideration, often in consultation with the University Disability Officer. All applicants must have English and Maths at GCSE Grade C or above, or equivalents. Selected applicants must attend an interview and show themselves suitable for entry into Speech and Language Therapy training. All applicants are advised to obtain direct experience of Speech and Language Therapy prior to making their application. The usual UCAS procedures apply for the BSc course. Entry requirements for admission to the BSc * 'A' levels 3 subjects at grades BBB (excluding General Studies) * Scottish Highers 5 subjects: 2 x A, 3 x B grades * Irish Leaving Cert. Minimum 6 subjects at B grade * IB: 32 points (with a score of 5 in each higher level subject) * BTEC National Diploma: DDM * Access courses: 60 Credits (48 of which must be at Level 3) *BTEC National Diploma and Access courses must be in a relevant Health or Science related field. Please contact our admission team for further information if you are intending to study either of these options Mature students will be eligible for entry if they are able to fulfil the above requirements. Consideration is given to those who undertake an accredited Access course. Any mature applicant who has had a protracted period away from academic study is encouraged to undertake some preparatory study (typically an 'A' level in a related subject such as Psychology or Human Biology). This may be made a condition of entry. English Language Requirements IELTS 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in each sub-test) TOEFL (Internet Based) 110
Academic titleSpeech and Language Therapy BSc
Course descriptionSpeech and language therapy is a challenging and fast-developing vocational field. It suits those who are interested in the nature of human communication and want to work with a wide range of people who have a communication impairment such as a stammer or loss of speech following a stroke.
City’s programme aims to stimulate you to think independently and creatively about each client. You will gain a solid foundation of knowledge about the nature of human communication and interpersonal skills. You will also gain practical skills and, on successfully completing the programme, you will be eligible for State registration with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, allowing you to practise in the National Health Service. The programme also qualifies you to undertake research in fields relating to speech, language and communication.
The general intellectual skills, together with specific knowledge about speech sciences, linguistics and psychology, will open up other career opportunities in, for example, education, communications and publishing.
Course content
The programme covers the theoretical foundations of speech and language therapy as well as related disciplines such as psychology and linguistics. These are supplemented by a range of supervised clinical placements. The research project provides the opportunity to investigate a topic of particular interest in depth.
The first year introduces you to the range of communication impairments, reinforced through a variety of learning opportunities. This year also establishes core academic subjects and develops observation and interpersonal skills. These subject areas and clinical skills are extended in the second year, which focuses on difficulties in the perception and production of speech. In the third year, the emphasis shifts to the processing of language and its disorders in children and adults. The fourth year offers extensive clinical placements in a preferred area of work, specialised academic subjects and the opportunity to carry out a small-scale research project.
Teaching and assessment
A typical week throughout the programme consists of three days at City, one day in clinic and one day of private study. Academic subjects are taught through lectures supported by video presentations, small group problem-solving sessions, practical classes and tutorial discussions. Students gain clinical experience through weekly placements in a variety of settings, including health centres, schools and hospitals. Direct clinical experience is supported by cases presented on video and videotaped sessions of students in clinic. Students have the opportunity to use the most up-to-date equipment in the Speech Acoustics Laboratory.
Your progress will be monitored during the year through assessed coursework and reports on your clinical work. At the end of the year there are written examinations in each subject and practical examinations which contribute to the final degree mark.
Course content
The programme is in four parts, each worth 120 credits.
Part One
The first year of the programme establishes the foundations of hearing, speech and language. Students study 6 modules of 15 or 30 credits. Students are equipped with the knowledge to understand the process of human communication in the social and clinical context.
Modules
Hearing & Speech Sciences (1)
The study of audiology, acoustic & articulatory phonetics. (30 credits)
Language Sciences (1)
The study of linguistics to underpin understanding of normal & impaired language. (30 credits)
Bio-medical Sciences (1)
The study of anatomy & physiology (15 credits)
Life Span Studies
Human development & change across the life span (15 credits)
Social Context
Social, cultural and disability issues relevant to the speech & language therapist (15 credits)
Professional Studies (1)
Study skills for higher education and foundation of intervention (15 credits)
Part Two
The second year of the programme explores the nature of speech, communication & swallowing in children and adults. Students study 6 modules of 15 or 30 credits. Students attend weekly clinical placements in a variety of settings.
Modules
Hearing & Speech Sciences (2)
The further study of phonetics to support clinical work (15 credits)
Language Sciences (2)
The acquistion of speech & language development (15 credits)
Bio-medical Sciences (2)
The study of neurology & disorders of the ear (15 credits)
Developmental Psychology
Processes of normal development as a frame of reference for assessing communication disabilities (15 credits)
Conceptual frameworks & range of approaches to intervention (30 credits)
Part Three
The third year of the programme explores the nature of cognition, language & communication disabilities in children and adults. Students study 4 modules of 30 credits. Students continue to attend weekly clinical placements in a variety of settings. Two third year students also have the unique opportunity to participate in a clinical exchange programme in Australia allowing them to learn about clinical services that are not readily available in the UK. +
Modules
Research & Evidence-Based Practice 1
Research methods to underpin academic & clinical enquiry (30 credits)
Language Sciences (3)
The study of language processing, brain & behaviour to underpin intervention (30 credits)
Language, Cognition & Communication Disabilities
Acquired language disorders; developmental language impairment; learning disabilities; deafness & hearing impairment; autistic spectrum disorders; mental health disorders (30 credits)
Professional Studies (3)
Conceptual frameworks & processes of intervention (30 credits)
Part Four
The fourth year of the programme focuses on research and professional development. There are two modules of 60 credits each. The accent is on preparation for entry to the profession. Students conduct a small scale piece of research and complete a block placement during the spring term.
Modules
Research & Evidence-Based Practice (2)
Relationship between research evidence & clinical practice; research project (60 credits)