Methods in Clinical Linguistics

Course code HCS6003
15 credits

Off

Students will receive a grounding in methods relevant to the linguistic study of communication disorders. (1) Introduction to clinical phonetics and linguistics. (2) Analysing atypical speech, including: phonetic, phonological and prosodic analysis. (3) Analysing atypical language and communication, including: Analysis grammar andpragmatics; Conversation Analysis. Students will focus on analytical methods relevant to their own research, and will be encouraged to reflect on the theoretical assumptions underlying the methods in question, and to be aware of alternative approaches.

Suitable for:

Speech and language therapists and others with an interest in people with speech, language, and communication difficulties.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • awareness and working knowledge of various approaches to the analysis of atypical speech and language. 
  • sufficient theoretical and practical grounding to develop a feasible research project that includes the analysis of atypical language or speech. 
  • the ability to critically evaluate linguistic or phonetic aspects of current clinical research.

Teaching Methods

The module content is delivered online and includes guided independent study, using online reading material available from the University Library. Students are supported by University tutors via online discussion boards and email. Online learning will be supplemented by an optional 2 day study block in Sheffield, in April.

Timetable

The module starts in April of each year. The module runs over a period of 12 weeks, and this 15 credit module should take about 150 hours to complete (including preparation for the assignment).

See timetable for the year.

Assessment

In consultation with the module coordinator, each student will select a specific area, related to one or more of the above Units, in which they wish to specialise. Further reading and tutorial support will be provided in this area. This will form the topic of a 3000-word data analysis assignment by which the module will be assessed.

Associated programmes

CORE module on:

Acquired Communication Disorders MSc PG Certificate PG Diploma

Postgraduate taught
  • September 2024 start
  • 1 year 2 years 3 years Full-time Part-time Distance learning

Examine the impacts of disorders on communication skills, including aphasia and dysarthria, and conditions such as dementia and traumatic brain injury, so that you can provide specialist support.

OPTIONAL module on:

Speech Difficulties MSc PG Certificate PG Diploma

Postgraduate taught
  • September 2024 start
  • 1 year 2 years 3 years Full-time Part-time Distance learning

Understand a range of developmental speech difficulties and disorders, including phonology, and motor coordination, such as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), and difficulties due to a problem in articulation.

Fees and funding for the module

Fee information 

Fully funded places may be available for NHS employees in Yorkshire and Humber, and in East Midlands – please email hcs-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk.

How to apply for the module

Please visit our how to apply page.

Help for disabled applicants

For more information email:

hcs-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk

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