bmedsci - Prospective Undergraduates - Human Communication Sciences

BMedSci (Hons) Speech

This is a four-year Honours degree and is recognised as a qualification to practise as a speech and language therapist. The degree is registered in the Faculty of Medicine, but much of the course is interdisciplinary. Parts of the course are taught by other University departments, for example Biomedical Sciences, and also by other health professionals such as neurologists and audiologists. The degree which commenced in 1978, is commissioned by Trent NHS Workforce Confederation. The programme is accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and its curriculum is informed by the QAA benchmarks for speech and language therapy, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Competencies project and subsequent Health Professions Council Standards of proficiency for speech and language therapists.

BMedSci (Hons) Speech: Speech and Language Therapy

Many children and adults have difficulties with communication. Speech and language therapists work with these individuals to help them to communicate. Speech and language therapists usually work with the individual as well as their families and carers. This can take place in the individuals home or in a clinic or hospital. Speech and language therapists who work with children usually do so in the childï¿œs school or nursery in collaboration with teachers and other professionals.
There are many different types of communication problems. Some of these are well known, for example stammering, hearing loss and cleft palate. Others are less well known, such as head injury, autism and losing the ability to communicate after a stroke.

Communication problems are complicated. The role of the speech and language therapist is to identify the type of communication problem and then how to help the individual to communicate more effectively. To do this, speech and language therapists study a range of subjects including biomedical sciences, psychology, linguistics and communication. They also need to develop clinical skills to enable them to work with individuals with communication problems.
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health Professions Council are the two bodies that govern the profession.

BMedSci (Hons) Speech: content of the course

The curriculum is designed around six tracks: Biomedical Sciences, Communication, Participation and Society, Research Methods, Key Clinical Skills, Clinical Practice. A spiral curriculum model is used, in which components are introduced and then revisited at deeper levels as the students progress.

Level 1

Curriculum Track	Modules
Communication	Introduction to Communication (20 credits) Lifespan, Communication and Cognitive Development (20 credits)
Participation & Society	Interpersonal & Communication Skills (10 credits) Participation & Society (20 credits)
Research Methods	Research Methods 1 (10 credits)
Clinical Placements	Clinical Placements 1 (20 credits)
Biomedical Science	Biomedical Science (20 credits)

Level 2

Curriculum Track	Modules
Communication	Speech Processing 1 (20 credits) Language Processing (20 credits) Speech Processing 2 (20 credits) Complex Communication Impairment (20 credits)
Research Methods	Research Methods 2 (10 credits)
Clinical Placements	Clinical Placements 2.1 (10 credits) Clinical Placements 2.2 (10 credits)
Key Clinical Topics	Introduction to Clinical Methods and Intervention (5 credits)
Biomedical Science	Audiology (5 credits)

Level 3

Curriculum Track	Modules
Communication	Cognition and Communication (20 credits) Literacy, Numeracy and Other Symbolic Systems (20 credits)
Participation & Society	Counselling in the SLT Context (5 credits) Mental Health and Learning Difficulties (10 credits)
Research Methods	Research Methods 3 (10 credits)
Clinical Placements	Clinical Placements 3 (25 credits)
Key Clinical Topics	Voice (10 credits) Dysphagia (10 credits) Motor Speech Disorders (10 credits)
Biomedical Science	Paediatric Neurology (10 credits) Adult Neurology (10 credits)

Level 4

Curriculum Track	Modules
Participation & Society	The Individual in the Social Context (10 credits )
Research Methods	Research Methods (Dissertation) (30 credits)
Clinical Placements	Clinical Placements 4 (60 credits)
Key Clinical Topics	Fluency Impairment (10 credits) Transition to Professional Autonomy (10 credits)

BMedSci (Hons) Speech: Overview

The degree explores the theory underlying human communication, how speech and language develops and how speech, language and communication can be impaired. The course is divided into tracks that run throughout the four levels.

In the communication track, students study linguistics, psychology and how this relates to speech and language pathology.

In the participation and society track, students understand how the study of sociology and social and health psychology impact on speech and language therapy.

In the research track, students develop valuable research skills that are essential to providing evidence based health care.

The biomedical sciences track provides students with an in-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, audiology and neurology and how to link this medical knowledge to speech and language pathology.

Key clinical topics and placements tracks develop students clinical skills and professional competence to enable them to work with a range of clients with communication impairments.

The course provides an interactive learning experience involving active participation, case based learning and small group teaching with an overall emphasis on integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical expertise.

BMedSci (Hons) Speech: Fees and funding

NHS Funding

Home and EU Students are eligible to apply for an NHS Bursary if they are accepted onto the BMedSci Speech degree.

Details of how to apply can be found on the NHS Pensions Agency website.

BMedSci (Hons) Speech: Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the degree..

Further Information about the course is available from:

Admissions Secretary, Tel: 0114 2222405