Speech Difficulties

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.

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

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.

Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.