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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/pathologists, linguists, psychologists and other professionals with a relevant background and special interest in Speech Sound Disorders and their link to literacy 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.
You'll explore conditions such as phonological impairment or disorder, childhood apraxia of speech/developmental verbal dyspraxia and speech difficulties associated with cleft palate.
The MSc will provide you with an up-to-date understanding of the main theoretical and clinical issues and approaches in this field and the implications of these findings for clinical intervention.
What will you learn?
On this course you’ll develop your:
- knowledge of current research into spoken and written language development and difficulties
- understanding of the impact of Speech Sound Disorders 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 speech and literacy difficulties and evaluation of subsequent intervention programmes
- knowledge of current assessments and interventions for children with speech and literacy difficulties
- competency in quantitative and qualitative research design and methods relevant to analysing and carrying out intervention for these disorders
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)
MSc
- Dissertation/Research Project
Optional modules
Students on the PGDip and MSc also take optional modules, from a range offered both within the division and across other departments in the University.
Examples of optional modules for PGDip and MSc levels only:
- Communication Diversity and Difficulties
- Methods in Clinical Linguistics
- Literacy: Difficulties and Intervention
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.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses. You'll find out what makes us special.
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
Teaching
The course is mostly taught online, but study blocks that last one to three days per module take place at regular intervals throughout the academic year and attendance is normally compulsory. During study blocks, you'll take part in lectures, tutorials and practical workshops. Full-time students may also attend lectures, seminars and practical workshops offered in the division and the Health Sciences School.
For part-time, distance learning students not based in the UK, attendance at study blocks is recommended but optional.
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.
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 and educational research.
Please note that this course does not lead to a professional qualification to practise as a speech and language therapist.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant discipline such as speech and language therapy/pathology, linguistics, education or psychology.
A background in phonetics is necessary for some modules and experience 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.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
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.
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
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.