What is a Speech and Language Therapist?
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is a specialised field focused on diagnosing and treating communication disorders and swallowing difficulties. It encompasses a wide range of services aimed at helping individuals of all ages to develop or regain the ability to communicate effectively. This includes the assessment and intervention for speech production, language comprehension, expressive language, social communication, voice disorders, fluency, and cognitive-communication skills.
In addition to addressing speech and language issues, SLT practitioners also work with patients who have swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia. By employing evidence-based practices, Speech and Language Therapists work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, educators, and families to create tailored therapy plans that enhance an individual’s quality of life and promote their overall well-being.
Why become a Speech and Language Therapist?
Speech and Language Therapy offers a diverse career path, with opportunities to make a significant positive impact on people’s communication and swallowing abilities.
Speech and Language Therapists undertake a variety of roles across different sectors and settings, including the NHS, private practice, educational institutions, and the community, as well as in higher education and the charity sector. They often work within multidisciplinary and integrated teams, as well as independently.
Speech and Language Therapists are involved in all stages of patient care; from initial assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to discharge, referral, rehabilitation, and the management of long-term conditions.
They work with individuals across all age groups and with a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders, playing a crucial role in enhancing and maintaining their clients’ quality of life.
Health Sciences University is a specialist health sciences University, meaning you’ll be surrounded by other students studying a variety of healthcare disciplines. This includes Chiropractic, Medical Imaging, Sport and Exercise Science, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiography, Dietetics, and Podiatry.
Learning alongside and interacting with a variety of healthcare professionals provides you with a comprehensive insight into clinical life after graduation.
How do I become a Speech and Language Therapist?
To become a Speech and Language Therapist, you’ll need to complete a degree in Speech and Language Therapy, either at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Health Sciences University offers an MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration) degree.
What qualities does a speech and language therapist (SaLT) need?
A successful Speech and Language Therapist needs strong interpersonal skills, empathy, patience, and excellent communication abilities to interact effectively with patients, families, and teams. Analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial for diagnosing and creating treatment plans, while attention to detail and organisational skills are essential for managing caseloads and records. Flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous professional development are also important. Above all, a passion for helping others and improving patients’ quality of life is key.
What might I have studied already?
Many applicants have backgrounds in fields such as Psychology, Health and Social Care, Education, or Linguistics. Typically, we look for a degree in a relevant science subject or significant experience in health and social care. If you are unsure about your qualifications, please contact our friendly Admissions team by emailing admissions@aecc.ac.uk.
Course Lead: Lucie Rochfort 
Course Lead: Lucie Rochfort
Lucie qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2004 and worked in the NHS in Dorset up until joining Health Sciences University.
She has been a highly specialist speech and language therapist and a service manager for the Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy and Neurotherapy Teams at Poole Hospital. Having supported students within her clinical role, opportunities for guest lecturing and teaching within Clinical Excellence Networks Lucie developed a passion for facilitating the learning of others.
Additional course information
Additional Funding
Students studying for a recognised Allied Health Profession qualification may be entitled to apply for additional funding from the NHS Learning Support Fund.
This fund provides supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system, and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. This funding is not means-tested and is a grant rather than a loan, so the majority of students will not need to pay it back when they start work in the future.
If you’re eligible, you will be entitled to:
- A training grant of £5,000 per academic year
- Parental support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs
- Money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you’re on your practice placement
- Students experiencing financial hardship (Exceptional Support Fund).
