Speech Difficulties
Division of Human Communication Sciences, Health Sciences School,
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health
Course description
This course is designed for speech and language therapists and other professionals with a special interest in communication difficulties. You can study part-time by distance learning or full-time.
You’ll develop your knowledge and skills of evidence-based practice so that you can effectively support people with developmental speech and literacy difficulties.
This MSc explores conditions such as phonological impairment or disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, developmental verbal dyspraxia and dysarthria.
What will you learn?
On this course you’ll develop your:
- knowledge of current research into spoken and written language development and difficulties across the lifespan
- understanding of the impact of speech difficulties on an individual in terms of school, home and social life, as well as employment and relationships
- knowledge of a range of technical and research methods used in the investigation of spoken and written language difficulties and evaluation of subsequent intervention programmes
- knowledge of current assessments and interventions for children with speech, language and literacy difficulties
- competency in quantitative and qualitative research design and methods in the social sciences
Modules
Core modules
PGCert:
- Spoken and Written Language
- Developing an Evidence-Base for Practice
- Speech Difficulties 1: Nature and Investigation
- Speech Difficulties II: Intervention and Management
PGDip and MSc:
- Same four modules as for the PGCert
- Research Methods A
- Research Methods B (optional for PGDip)
Optional modules
Examples of optional modules for PGDip and MSc levels only:
- Communication Diversity and Difficulties
- Methods in Clinical Linguistics
- Literacy: Difficulties and Intervention
MSc students also complete a dissertation.
Teaching
Part-time students study online via distance learning plus optional attendance at study blocks lasting 2-3 days. These take place at regular intervals throughout the academic year.
Full-time students may also attend lectures, seminars and practical workshops offered in the department.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by a written assignment.
Duration
MSc: 1 year full-time or 2/3 years part-time by distance learning
Postgraduate Diploma: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time by distance learning
Postgraduate Certificate: 1 year part-time by distance learning
Your career
Graduates continue to develop their career both within the NHS and the private sector, as well as going on to specialise as speech and language therapists. Some graduates have alternatively gone onto further PhD training in clinical research.
Entry requirements
At least a 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline such as speech and language therapy/pathology, linguistics, education, psychology or computer sciences.
A background in phonetics is necessary for some modules and experience of working with clients with speech difficulties is an advantage.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.
Fees and funding
The fees below are for the MSc. Use our fee calculator to look up other fees for other versions of the course.
My research investigates how children’s language and literacy develops and what happens when that process goes wrong. A particular interest is the impact of digital technology on development. My research and teaching constantly enrich each other.
Dr Jenny Thomson
Teaches on: PG Cert/Diploma/MSc Speech Difficulties; PG Cert/Diploma/MSc Language and Communication in Children
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
hcs-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 2405
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.