Course description
Speech 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)
Speech, Communication & Swallowing Disabilities
Developmental speech disorders; stuttering; voice disorders & laryngectomy; cerebral palsy; cleft palate; swallowing disorders (30 credits)
Professional Studies (2)
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)
Professional Studies (4)
Professional roles and context (60 credits)