BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy (DA)


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Health and Social Work
Course length	Part Time, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS points A level BTEC Access diploma
112 BBC DMM Pass with 60 credits overall, including 45 credits at level 3 Health or Science, of which at least 12 credits graded at Distinction and 24 at Merit
GCSE: Grade C/4 in three GCSEs including Mathematics and English Language.
Level 2 equivalent qualifications are also accepted. Level 2 qualifications must have been achieved at the point of enrolment.

About the course

Final Award: BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy.

Speech and Language Therapists support individuals of all ages experiencing communication and/or swallowing difficulties. This profession is in-demand and offers a rewarding and dynamic career path. As a Speech and Language Therapist, there are opportunities to advance across diverse areas of practice including clinical specialisations, education, research, leadership and management.

This comprehensive, four-year course offers outstanding career prospects, whether in your current workplace, the NHS, social care, the private sector, independent practice, or charitable organisations. As an apprentice, you'll have the unique opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining practical, hands-on experience while completing your studies. The programme equips you with the skills needed to excel in any area of Speech and Language Therapy practice through an engaging, practical approach that emphasises the seamless integration of theory and practice.

Why choose this course?

Apprentices will work closely with other health care professionals to provide a holistic experience and help build skills working as part of a team with access to specialist university resources and facilities. A wide variety of placements helps apprentices to get further practical experience of the different areas of Speech and Language Therapy practice.

We are one of only four universities offering this new apprenticeship, which is designed to equip apprentices with the skills for excellence and professional autonomy in professional practice.

What will I study?

You will apply theory to practice and learn about assessing and managing clients’ speech, language, communication and swallowing needs. You will also learn about research, leadership and interprofessional practice in the context of Speech and Language Therapy. This programme will involve being at the university for normally one day per week, with some blocks of study and apprentices spending the remaining time in their workplace. There will also be three full-time practice placements over the four years of the course, each six weeks long. Teaching integrates academic study with practice-based learning and uses an enquiry-based approach designed around case studies.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Transition to Speech and Language Therapy Apprenticeship	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides foundational knowledge to support apprentices beginning to transition towards becoming a registered speech and language therapist. Content includes core concepts underpinning the profession and practice, the role of professional, regulatory bodies, relevant Codes of Conduct, principles of reflection, using portfolios, maintaining an appropriate work-life balance and seeking help if required.
Professional Values and Ethics for Speech and Language Therapy Apprentices	15 Credits	Compulsory
Drawing on a range of scenarios involving patients and their carers and communities, professional regulations and standards will be explored and discussed. Apprentices will reflect on their practice, values and beliefs recognising the importance of equality, diversity and maintaining awareness of speech and language issues which occur due to social and health disparity.
Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Language Therapy Apprentices	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module supports apprentices to gain a comprehensive overview of key anatomy and physiology in the context of communication, eating, drinking and swallowing and how different medical conditions that occur across the lifespan can affect clinical presentation. It will provide a foundational knowledge to underpin future specialist modules.
Psychology and Language Development	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides foundation knowledge in key topics within the fields of psychology and psychiatry, focussing on theoretical models and relevant research, in relation to clinical practice. This is examined in the context of typical language acquisition, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics and bilingualism. It aims to provide a sound understanding of factors to consider when supporting clients, carers, and the influence of psychosocial factors on assessment and intervention.
Phonetics and Linguistics	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide the apprentice with the RCSLT requirements and HCPC Standards of Proficiency related to knowledge and application of linguistics and phonetics, focusing on theoretical models, relevant research, and the application to clinical practice. Students will develop an understanding of current approaches to assessment, practical skills and analysis techniques to measure speech and voice production. They will have the opportunities to develop skills in areas such as phonetic transcription (using the Internation Phonetic Alphabet) and linguistic analysis.
Practice Education 1 - Speech and Language Therapy	0 Credits	Compulsory
Apprentices will undertake this module in placement settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their understanding of Speech and Language Therapy practice within a range of different specialties and environments. Learners will have completed all the mandatory training requirements prior to the start of the placement in order for them to engage in the practice environment, and they will complete Eating, Drinking and Swallowing competencies as relevant to the placement setting. The placement is 6 weeks long and will consist of 2 sessions per day of 3.75 as required by RCSLT. This equates to approx. 60 sessions and will take place in an adult or a paediatric setting.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Acquired communication and swallowing disorders 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will focus on gaining an understanding of acquired communication and swallowing disorders including aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia and dysphagia. It will focus on the developing theoretical knowledge of clinical assessment and intervention, including understanding of therapeutic contexts, models and processes, within the professional role of a Speech and Language Therapist.
Developmental Communication and Swallowing Needs	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to develop the apprentice's knowledge and application of assessment and intervention for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), language disorders in association with other neurodevelopmental conditions, speech sound disorders and motor impairments such as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Apprentices will implement and evaluate appropriate evidence informed management plans for developmental eating, drinking and swallowing needs and consider the interactions between mental health conditions, communication and social interaction, literacy development and eating, drinking and swallowing, and their implications for speech and language therapy practice.
Interprofessional Practice and Partnerships	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to develop the learner's knowledge of concepts and frameworks related to interprofessional practice. This will be applied to collaborative working within speech and language therapy and the wider multi-disciplinary team. The central role of the service user and their carer(s) in the therapeutic process and promoting the profession and acting as an advocate for service uses will be emphasized. Apprentices will use their knowledge of legal policy, personal, professional and societal beliefs to understand the opportunities and barriers within professional partnerships.
Voice and Dysfluency	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide in depth understanding of the developmental abnormalities and acquired pathologies of the ear, oropharynx and velopharyngeal system and how this relates to clinical practice, with particular focus on voice disorders. The module will also focus on dysfluency, including stuttering and cluttering.
Research Methods and Evidence-based practice for SLT Apprentices	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables learners to further develop their knowledge and understanding of research principles, processes and methods and to engender a critical understanding of their application within health, education and social care settings. The module introduces apprentices to the concepts of audit, service evaluation and quality improvement.
Practice Education 2 Speech and Language Therapy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Apprentices will undertake the module in placement settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their understanding of Speech and Language Therapy practice within a range of different specialties and environments. Learners will have completed all the mandatory training requirements prior to the start of the placement in order for them to engage in the practice environment, and they will complete Eating, Drinking and Swallowing competencies as relevant to the placement setting.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Practice Education 3 Speech and Language Therapy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Apprentices will undertake the module in placement settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their understanding of Speech and Language Therapy practice within a range of different specialties and environments. Learners will have completed all the mandatory training requirements prior to the start of the placement in order for them to engage in the practice environment, and they will complete Eating, Drinking and Swallowing competencies as relevant to the placement setting.

Professional Accreditations

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a speech and language therapist.

Graduates will also be eligible to become a Newly Qualified member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

This programme has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accreditation by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Careers

Upon graduation the above professional accreditations can be gained. Graduates will then have the opportunity to enjoy a range of career opportunities including the NHS, social care, charities, voluntary, and private sectors in the UK and overseas. You can visit the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists website for more information at www.rcslt.org/speech-and-language-therapy

The University’s careers service also provides a range of support to help apprentices develop skills attractive to employers. Visit our careers pages for more information.

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy (Degree Apprenticeship)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy (Degree Apprenticeship	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No

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