Study Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics
Find out more about our postgraduate courses in Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics at Health Sciences University.
Speech and Language Therapy
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.
Additional course information
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.
Dietetics
What is a Dietetics?
A Dietitian is a healthcare professional specialising in the science of nutrition and its impact on health. They assess, diagnose, and treat dietary and nutritional problems, providing personalised advice and developing nutrition programmes to promote health and manage diseases. Working in various settings such as hospitals, community health services, private practice, and the food industry, Dietitians also engage in public health initiatives, educate communities on healthy eating, and contribute to policy development. Their evidence-based practice plays a crucial role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing overall well-being.
Why study Dietetics
Studying Dietetics offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on individual and public health by addressing nutritional issues and promoting healthy eating habits. As a dietitian, you will be equipped with the expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat dietary and nutritional problems, helping people manage chronic diseases, improve their overall well-being, and achieve their health goals.
Dietetics is a versatile field, providing diverse career opportunities in hospitals, community health services, private practice, research, the food industry, and public health. You will have the chance to work in multidisciplinary teams, contribute to public health initiatives, and influence policy development.
Furthermore, a career in dietetics allows for continuous learning and professional development, ensuring you stay updated with the latest research and advancements in nutrition science. Studying at Health Sciences University, you will gain comprehensive knowledge and practical experience, preparing you to excel in this rewarding and impactful profession.
How do I become a Dietitian?
To become a Dietitian, you need to complete an accredited degree in Dietetics at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level. This includes both academic study and practical training in clinical and community settings. After graduating, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a Dietitian in the UK
What qualities does a Dietitian need?
A successful Dietitian needs strong analytical skills and a keen understanding of nutritional science to assess and develop effective dietary plans. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Dietitians must be empathetic and patient, able to support and motivate individuals to make lasting dietary changes. Attention to detail and strong organisational skills are crucial for managing caseloads and maintaining accurate records. Additionally, a commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest research is vital in this ever-evolving field.
What might I have studied already?
Many applicants have backgrounds in fields such as Nutrition, Health and Social Care, Biology, or Food Science. Typically, we look for a degree in a relevant science subject or significant experience in health and nutrition. If you are unsure about your qualifications, please contact our friendly Admissions team by emailing admissions@aecc.ac.uk.
Additional course information
Course Lead: Dr Hazreen Majid
Course Lead: Dr Hazreen Majid
Dr Hazreen Majid joined Health Sciences University with his extensive knowledge and expertise as an Associate Professor and course lead in Dietetics.
Dr Hazreen Abdul Majid completed his bachelor’s degree in Dietetics (Hons) at the National University of Malaysia, his masters at Deakin University Melbourne, and obtained his PhD from King’s College London.
He was the Head of Centre for Population Health Research and a Professor at the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya. He was a visiting fellow at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health and a faculty member for the Doctorate in Public Health program at the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya.
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).
Looking for more subjects?
We offer health education undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and professional short courses in the fields of chiropractic, medical imaging and radiology, psychology and sport, exercise and health science. Visit the subject areas that interests you and register your interest on a course.
News
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We were proud to deliver a ground breaking and first of its kind session on AI and Digital Technologies in Physiotherapy and Healthcare to our final-year physiotherapy students.
Health Sciences University (HSU) recently hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion in celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
