Speech and Language Therapy with Integrated Master's (pre-registration)

Speech and Language Therapy with Integrated Master's (pre-registration) - MSci

Embark on a dynamic and rewarding vocational career, transforming the lives of individuals, groups and communities who experience challenges with their communication, eating, drinking or swallowing. Informed by the latest research and taught by practitioners and expert staff, our four-year integrated master's combines the academic and enhanced clinical learning required to pursue a professional occupation as a qualified speech and language therapist.

Approval for this programme is currently being sought from the Health and Care Professions Council and accreditation from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Year of entry

2024 - for 2025 entry see here - for 2024 entry see here

Course type

Integrated Master's

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

Allied Health Professions

UCAS code

B620

Duration of study

4 years

Enquire about this course Clearing vacancies and entry requirements 2023 Book an open day Chat to students

Why study Speech and Language Therapy with Integrated Master's (pre-registration) at Keele University?

It is proposed you will complete over 563 practice hours, exceeding the minimum required by the Royal College of Speech Language Therapists (RCLST) and meeting Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards

Innovative teaching facilities include a new, state-of-the-art simulation centre including ward areas and individual consultation rooms

Study specialist areas of practice to gain interpersonal, leadership and management skills

Eligible students can apply for the non repayable £5,000 NHS grant

Collaborate with Keele students from courses such as psychology, physiotherapy and paramedicine to stimulate critical thinking and gain multiple perspectives on topics

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Course overview

What is speech and language therapy?

Speech and language therapy provides assessment, treatment, support and care for individuals of all ages who have difficulty with speech, language and communication or with eating, drinking and swallowing.

Speech and language therapists promote inclusive approaches to communicate effectively with service users, adapt environments accordingly and collaborate to improve health, educational and social outcomes for people with speech, language and swallowing difficulties. As allied health professionals, they work in a variety of settings with a diverse range of individuals, health care professionals, education staff and psychologists to develop holistic, individualised treatment plans.

Course overview

Designed to reflect local and national workforce demands, our person-centered curriculum is underpinned by evidence and is reflective of contemporary speech and language therapy practice, both nationally and internationally. In an environment of reflection and research awareness, the MSci programme will enable you to develop into an autonomous professional who is able to initiate and respond to change in a wide variety of settings.

From year one and throughout the programme, you will combine the study of theoretical knowledge with clinical practice to help you link the different domains of knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to specific clinical contexts.

Principle themes

Our principle themes of study complement the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' (RCLST) five core capabilities which guide the development of speech and language therapy workforce. These include:

Core subject knowledge
Speech and language therapy practice placements
Health and wellbeing and resilience for yourself, service users and their carers
Leadership including professionalism and ethics
Working in partnership with and educating service users and carers, peers and multidisciplinary team members
Research and evidence based practice

Next steps

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Enhanced practical experience

Practice-based learning is embedded throughout the course and takes place in a range of health, education, social and third sector care settings. Clinical placement opportunities will include working with a wide range of clients with eating, drinking, swallowing and communication difficulties.

The hours you will spend in practice experience environments will exceed the minimum 563 hours required by the Royal College of Speech Language Therapists (RCLST). This additional capacity is intended to not only consolidate and enhance your clinical skills, but also to provide you with opportunities to demonstrate leadership skills.

Speech therapist working with child

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

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Course structure

Modules for Speech and Language Therapy with Integrated Master's (pre-registration)

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Compulsory modules

Linguistics, Articulatory Phonetics and Phonology (30 credits)

This module aims to facilitate your understanding of all levels of typical processing and the differences for individuals whose home language is not English. By exploring morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and sociolinguistics, you will recognise the possible contribution of social and cultural factors to communication. The ability to make an accurate detailed description of service users' communication is a fundamental skill for speech and language therapists.

Biomedical Science for Speech and Language Therapy (15 credits)

Our Biomedical Science for Speech and Language Therapy module will provide you with knowledge regarding to the anatomy, neuroanatomy and physiology involved in communication and eating, drinking and swallowing. This core knowledge, which underpins speech and language therapy practice, is essential for understanding clinical concepts relating to speech and language disorders.

Language Acquisition and Psychological aspects in Speech and Language Therapy (15 credits)

In this module you will develop knowledge and understanding of typical acquisition and the cognitive mechanisms and processes involved in language processing. You will explore different theoretical approaches to language acquisition and development, the typical sequence of psychological development and cognitive changes across the lifespan in addition to the psychosocial consequences of atypical language development.

Health and Wellbeing (15 credits)

Our Health and Wellbeing module will provide you with an introduction to the concept of health and wellbeing with a focus on primary prevention and health promotion. The module reflects the shifting emphasis away from a medical disease model towards a health model based on personal responsibility and prevention of disease.

Professionalism and Effective Communication (15 credits)

The Professionalism and Effective Communication module is designed to help you comprehend the significance and consequences of professionalism. It also provides insights into various communication strategies and their practical applications.

Principles of Assessment and Measurement (15 credits)

This module will facilitate your understanding of research terms and enable you to apply this knowledge to common measurement tools used in clinical and practice settings. You will also acquire the knowledge and skills of data collection and audit.

Clinical and Professional Development and Practice Education 1

Focusing on key foundational areas, this module will introduce you to the speech and language therapy profession and the role and responsibilities of a speech and language therapist. Knowledge acquired in this module will be built upon in subsequent years.

Compulsory modules

Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics (15 credits)

This module builds on the topics covered in the Articulatory Phonetics, Phonology and Linguistics module in year one. This will enable you to consider the application of your knowledge to clinical data from both children and adults.

Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with the understanding required of a graduate speech and language therapist in relation to assessment and intervention in eating, drinking and swallowing impairments (dysphagia). This will enable you to support service users and their carers in a variety of settings.

Developmental Speech and Language Disorders 1 (15 credits)

During this module you will have a variety of opportunities to gain requisite knowledge and understanding of diagnosis, assessment and management of children with developmental speech and language disorders.

Acoustic Phonetics, Hearing Impairments and ENT (15 credits)

This module will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of speech, hearing and the management of people with hearing loss. You will gain a practical understanding of acoustic phonetics, audiology and deafness in line with the RCSLT curriculum.

Research Methods and Statistics (15 credits)

In this module you will build on the content introduced in year one of the programme, enabling you to acquire the skills to collate and evaluate relevant evidence sources. You will gain basic statistical knowledge and understanding of statistical tests and procedures, enabling you to interpret research articles and design a detailed, clinical research project.

Acquired Speech and Language Disorders 1 (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with the opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding of the theory, assessment and management of a range of acquired communication difficulties, including aphasia, motor speech disorders and apraxia of speech.

Clinical and Professional Development and Practice Education 2 (30 credits)

This module will enhance the foundational clinical skills you have developed in the first year and deepen your comprehension of speech and language therapy practice processes through simulated learning sessions involving clinical cases. You will present clinical cases, analyse assessment data, and formulate management plans grounded in evidence-based practice. Additionally, this module includes a practice placement, during which you will engage in five weeks of clinical placements.

Compulsory modules

Clinical and Professional Development and Practice Education 3 (30 credits)

This module allows you to build on the clinical skills developed in the first and second year. You will further and enhance your understanding of the processes of speech and language therapy practice through simulated learning sessions using adult clinical cases. You will also enhance your interprofessional practice, teamworking and working with service users, families and carers.

Acquired Speech and Language Disorders 2 (15 credits)

This module will provide you with opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding of the theory, assessment and management in three areas of acquired communication disorders: Progressive cognitive-communication disorders, voice and head and neck cancer.

Developmental Speech and Language Disorders 2 (15 credits)

This module will provide you with a detailed understanding of current approaches to assessment, differential diagnosis, intervention and management of school aged children presenting with persistent speech and language developmental disorders.

Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Lifelong Conditions (Adults with Intellectual and Development Disabilities) (15 credits)

This module aims to equip you with skills required to offer the support people with learning difficulties need whilst embracing the social model of disability and partnership working. Speech and language therapists are seen as a core profession working in adult learning disability services.

Neuropsychology, Neurodevelopmental Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders (15 credits)

This module will equip you with the foundational understanding, knowledge and skills required when planning assessment, intervention and clinical management for clients who have communication difficulties associated with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, learning disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, this module considers assessment and management in fluency disorders for children, adolescents and adults.

Evaluating Healthcare Services (15 credits)

This module builds on the content introduced in Year one and two and enables you to plan and undertake service evaluation. You will evaluate aspects of clinical practice whilst also developing transferable skills such as presentation of charts, graphs and evaluation of data that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialities. Evaluating Healthcare Service is one of the interprofessional modules in the programme that is delivered by registered healthcare professional tutors and other specialists from Keele University.

Planning Research (15 credits)

The Planning Research module enables you to prepare and write a research rationale and proposal. You will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required to complete the process of applying for ethical approval of research, composing an appropriate research design and method and exploring and undertaking methods of describing, presenting and analysing data.

Compulsory modules

Leadership and Management for Healthcare Professionals

This module builds on previous content and enables you to acquire the knowledge and skills of leadership and management systems and strategies to apply in clinical practice.

Research Skills and Funding

In this module you will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required for grant applications and participate in the peer review process.

Practice Based Learning 4a

Building on the speech and language therapy practice experience introduced in years one to three of the programme, this module will further develop and apply knowledge of communication impairment, linguistics, phonetics, psychology and biomedical sciences to the identification, assessment and differential diagnosis of a range of communication and swallowing impairments.

Research Project (level 7)

In this module you will gain the opportunity to implement a research proposal and produce a structured written report of your work. The module aims to develop your ability to carry out subsequent research independently and commission, manage and evaluate the research activities of others.

Practice Based Learning 4b

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to adapt and critically reflect on your interpersonal skills in a placement setting. With the support of practice educators, you will develop and justify speech and language therapy knowledge, decision-making and implementation abilities in a placement setting.

Enhanced Practice: Developmental Language Disorder (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with opportunities to build and extend your knowledge of assessment and management of children and young people who have developmental language disorder and their long-term educational and social implications, with a particular focus on adolescence and the transition to adulthood.

Language Variation (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with learning opportunities to examine how language and a user’s societies are interconnected, focusing on factors that lead to linguistic variation within speech communities.

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Additional opportunities

Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer. If you are looking for the 2023 schemes please see here.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

Under normal circumstances, students must be 18 years old when they commence the course, or by 1 October of the first semester, due to the clinical elements of the programme.

Health checks and DBS Clearance

Offers are subject to Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the code on request.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: ABB

BTEC: DDM

T Level: Distinction

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

ABB in three A Levels.

Contextual offer: BBC.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Distinction in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Distinction and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and AA in two A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Distinction in any T Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

655 in three Higher Levels or 32 points.

Contextual Offer: 554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

128 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits and Merit in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBBC in five Highers, or BC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or BCC in three Advanced Highers.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

75% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 75% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.0 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

14 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate or 13 in the Baccalauréat Français International.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.8 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

85% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18.5 / 88% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 16 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

544 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

ABB in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

ABB in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

ABB in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

75% overall.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with ABB and grade B in EAP English Language module.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

ABB in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

ABB in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Additional information

Under normal circumstances, students must be 18 years old when they commence the course, or by 1 October of the first semester, due to the clinical elements of the programme.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group F.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Specialist areas of practice

To personalise, widen your knowledge and promote engagement in lifelong learning, you will have the opportunity to study specialist areas of practice such as developmental language disorder, applying for research funding and leadership and management for health care professionals, in addition to developing your interpersonal, team working and partnership skills.

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Specialist facilities

Our suite of specialist speech and language facilities include a state-of-the-art simulation centre, offering shared simulation spaces such as ward areas and individual consultation rooms, a wide variety of anatomical models, the most commonly used clinical assessment and intervention materials in the field and access to our anatomy suite whilst studying your initial module.

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