
Speech and Language Therapy BMedSci
Division of Human Communication Sciences, Health Sciences School
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry.
Key details
- A Levels AAB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code B621
- 3 years / Full-time
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
Course description

This degree leads to a professional qualification to practise as a speech and language therapist. Speech and language therapists provide treatment and support for adults and children who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing.
A key feature of the course is our in-house clinic where you'll benefit from specialist facilities and training.
You'll be taught by clinical and research specialists and study a range of subjects, including biomedical sciences, psychology, linguistics and communication.
We use a case-based and inquiry-based approach, as well as small-group teaching, to give you an interactive learning experience. You'll develop theoretical knowledge alongside clinical expertise.
Work placements and hands-on training from health professionals will develop your clinical expertise. You'll go on placements in a diverse range of settings throughout Sheffield and the surrounding areas, including schools and hospitals.
The course is designed around the following themes:
- Communication - You'll study linguistics, psychology and how this relates to speech and language pathology.
- Participation and society - You'll explore how the study of sociology and social and health psychology impact on speech and language therapy.
- Research - You'll develop valuable research skills that are essential to providing evidence-based health care.
- Biomedical sciences - This theme gives you an in-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, audiology and neurology. You'll learn how to link this medical knowledge to speech and language pathology.
- Key clinical topics and professional practice - This theme develops your clinical skills and professional competence so that you can work with a range of clients who have communication impairments.
The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and its curriculum is informed by the QAA benchmarks for speech and language therapy, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) curriculum guidelines and subsequent HCPC standards of proficiency and standards of education and training for speech and language therapists. The HCPC and the RCSLT approve and accredit the programme.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: B621
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Professional Practice 1
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This module aims to introduce the student to the professional practice of the speech and language therapist (SLT). The module combines students' learning of theoretical knowledge of clinical methods, people with communication impairments and inter-personal and professional skills with clinical placements with children and adults with communication impairments. The module introduces the student to their first clinical placements with children and adult clients across placements in the Philippa Cottam Communication Clinic (PCCC) (the clinic in HCS), plus external placements in the NHS and independent sectors.
30 credits - Biomedical Science
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This module will explore components of anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience that are relevant to the understanding of human communication throughout the lifespan. This will include the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems, the development, structure and function of head, and neck, and the auditory system.
20 credits - Introduction to Practical Linguistics
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This module will introduce students to the scientific study of the structure and function of language. Students will learn basic linguistic concepts and theoretical constructs with special application to how these ideas help us understand speech in both typically and atypically developing populations.
20 credits - Participation and Society
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This module aims to introduce students to issues related to understanding persons as individuals, and as members of society. Content includes: theoretical models of disability; psychosocial impact of disability across the lifespan; concepts of self and identity; concepts of attitudes and their measurement; health beliefs and behaviours and the role of gender, socioeconomic and cultural factors in healthcare and education. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, attitudes and interpersonal skills in the context of their impact on interactions with clients, their families and other professionals.
20 credits - Speech, language, communication and literacy development in children
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This module will cover children¿s development of speech, language, communication and literacy from 0 ¿ 18 years. It addresses the following topics: speech sound / phonological development, language production and comprehension, development of pragmatics abilities, psycholinguistic models, early literacy development, the associations between speech, language and literacy, theoretical models of literacy development, understanding drivers and competing theories of how children learn language, bilingualism and the impact on language learning. The lectures will cover developmental norms and trajectories. It will also cover factors which influence typical development. The theoretical basis of the topic will be considered from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering psychology, education, sociolinguistics, and linguistics.
20 credits - Language cognition and communication in adults 1
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This module introduces students to theoretical accounts of language, cognition and communication in adults. It provides conceptual frameworks and a detailed elementary coverage of the following areas: the communication chain, verbal and non-verbal communication, conversation analysis, grammar, vocabulary, multilingualism, attention, memory and executive function. It also introduces students to the impact of ageing on the above domains, and the impact of stroke, traumatic brain injury and progressive degenerative conditions on language and cognition.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Developmental disorders of communication
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This module aims to give a detailed overview of the speech, language, communication and literacy difficulties found in developmental disorders of communication such as learning disability, autism spectrum disorders and specific language impairment. The module examines developmental disorders of communication in children and adolescents from theoretical and clinical perspectives. The impact of developmental disorders of communication on the lives of children and adolescents with respect to issues of education, behaviour and social development is addressed. Both typical and atypical development is explored. Parents of children with developmental communication disorders offer their perspectives and experiences.
20 credits - Key Clinical Topics 1
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This module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge of a range of specific clinical topics in speech and language therapy. These topics include dysphagia, motor speech disorders, voice and neurology across child and adult populations. The themes of assessment, intervention, evidence based practice, standards of practice and clinical ethics and inter-disciplinary working will underpin these topics and enable integration across the topics.
20 credits - Language cognition and communication in adults 2
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This module builds on material covered in Language cognition and communication in adults 1 at level 1. It applies conceptual frameworks in the following areas: the communication chain, verbal and non-verbal communication, conversation analysis, grammar, vocabulary, multilingualism, attention, memory and executive function, to people with neurological damage affecting these domains.The module covers assessment and diagnosis of language and cognitive deficits affecting communication, which arise due to stroke, traumatic brain injury and progressive neurological conditions including dementia.
20 credits - Professional Practice 2
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This module builds on unit Professional Practice 1. The student completes a series of NHS clinical placements across semesters 1 and 2 including a week block placement in the student summer vacation. The placements includes: 1) the schools placement working with school- age children; 2) the conversational partners placement working with adults in the community; 3) the special needs placement working with children with severe developmental communication impairments; and 4) the adult neurological placement working with adults in acute settings. Students will complete supervised clinical work during placements and self- study activities to support their learning and clinical skills. Placements will be supported by workshops and tutorials and specific NHS induction/preparation and support.
20 credits - Speech and Hearing Science
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This module covers key concepts related to the scientific study of speech and hearing. There will be three broad areas covered within the module: articulatory phonetics, acoustic phonetics, and hearing science. The module will teach concepts relevant to the study of speech and hearing in both healthy and clinical populations. The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and problem solving classes and will be assessed via a three hour written examination.
20 credits - Language Analysis: Sound and Structure
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This module builds on the linguistic knowledge gained in Introduction to Practical Linguistics, applying and honing students¿ phonetic observation skills using clinical data. Training will focus on the use of extIPA Symbols for Disordered Speech and VoQS (Voice Quality Symbols), as well as introduce phonological concepts relevant to clinicians such as syllable structure, prosodic structure, and dialectal differences within a language.
10 credits - Research Methods and Statistics
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This module is designed to introduce students to research methods and data analysis techniques through a series of lectures and small-group workshops. The aim of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about and employ statistical techniques through the use of practical examples and data collection exercises. Topics covered will include (1) an introduction to research methods and the research process (2) formulating research questions and hypotheses (3) descriptive statistics and presenting data (4) samples and population distributions and (5) statistical tests (e.g., parametric and nonparametric tests; correlational analyses) (6) qualitative methods (7) principles of psychometrics (8) reliability, validity and effect sizes.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy II. Clinical dissertation
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Evidence-based practice is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient experience in making decisions about the care of individual patients in speech and language therapy. Building on the skills and knowledge acquired in Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy I: Principles and Methods, this module will enable students to further develop their knowledge of research methodology appropriate to the study of language and communication. Students will also gain an enhanced understanding of appropriate approaches to research design for evidence based practice.
30 credits - Key Clinical Topics 2
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This module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge of a range of specific clinical topics in speech and language therapy. These topics include fluency, learning difficulties, mental health, dementia and neurology across child and adult populations. The themes of assessment, intervention, evidence based practice, standards of practice and clinical ethics and multi-disciplinary working will underpin these topics and enable integration across the topics.
30 credits - Professional Practice 3
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This module aims to consolidate the student¿s clinical skills and prepare the student for independent practice on graduation at the end of this third and final year. Students complete three placements as follows: a paediatric placement; an adult placement and a placement in the Aphasia Centre in the Philippa Cottam Communication Clinic (PCCC) in the Department. University workshops and tutorials will prepare and support students with their learning on placement. Assessment includes a client based presentation, written client based assignment, a video-based exam with viva assessment and three Practice Educator Reports (PER) assess their ability work independently as newly qualified practitioners. All assessments must be passed.
30 credits - Evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy :. Principles and Methods
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Evidence-based practice is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient experience in making decisions about the care of individual patients in speech and language therapy. This module introduces the principles and methods of evidence-based clinical practice. Students will (1) critically evaluate the methodological quality of the research using evidence-based practice and (2) apply these conclusions to clinical practice.
20 credits - Transition to Professional Autonomy
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This module will address issues relevant to work in modern healthcare and education contexts. It addresses the following issues: Employment (job hunting, CV writing and interview skills, support mechanisms, first posts, independent practice); The healthcare context (Ethics in clinical practice, Caseload management, Clinical governance, professional competencies and professional guidelines).
10 credits
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.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You will learn through lectures, independent study and clinical placements.
Assessment
You will be assessed by exams, coursework and practical tasks.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
A Levels + additional qualifications | ABB + B in a relevant EPQ ABB + B in a relevant EPQ
International Baccalaureate | 34 33
BTEC | DDD in a Healthcare or science subject DDD in a Healthcare or science subject
Scottish Highers | AAAAB AAABB
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + AA B + AB
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 at Level 3 including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit with Distinctions in 30 Level 3 credits and Merits in 15 Level 3 credits. 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 at Level 3 including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit with Distinctions in 30 Level 3 credits and Merits in 15 Level 3 credits.
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 8.0 with a minimum of 7.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
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DBS + Health Check required
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A Level in General Studies is not accepted
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Division of Human Communication Sciences, Health Sciences School

Our on-site communication clinic gives you the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience during your degree. Our courses are taught by some of the leading experts in the field. What they teach is often based on their own internationally recognised research. We'll give you detailed feedback on all your work and one-to-one support throughout your degree.
We're part of the University's Health Sciences School in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health.
Speech and Language Therapy students will be based at our Human Communication Sciences Building, but will also have the opportunity to use our on-site communication clinic, as well as go on placements in a diverse range of settings throughout Sheffield and the surrounding areas; including schools and hospitals.
Facilities
The Philippa Cottam Communication Clinic opened in 1993, and is based on-campus. As a speech and language therapy clinic, it supports children and adults with a range of communication disabilities every day. Having an on-site clinic gives students studying human communication sciences courses the opportunity to gain practical experience during their studies. The clinic’s observation and treatment rooms give our students opportunities to work with people who have communication difficulties.
Health Sciences SchoolWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Division of Human Communication Sciences, Health Sciences School
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Times Higher Education (THE) World Subject Rankings 2021
Graduate careers
Why study a degree in speech and language therapy?
Division of Human Communication Sciences, Health Sciences School
Our speech and language therapy graduates are recognised as qualified speech and language therapists. They go on to rewarding careers working with adult and child clients with a range of communication or eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. This might include difficulties associated with neurological impairments, degenerative conditions, mental health issues, voice problems, stammering, hearing impairment, physical disabilities or learning disabilities.
Graduates are employed by the NHS, Education providers, charitable organisations or Independent Practices. Many also go on to postgraduate education and research.
More information
Clinical placements are a compulsory element of the degree, which means that there will be an additional expense for items such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, travel and accommodation, and clinical material printing costs.
If you are a UK student you will be able to apply for reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs. For EU and international students the additional placement costs will be self-funded.
Fees and funding
Fees
Clinical placements are a compulsory element of the degree, which means that there will be an additional expense for items such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, travel and accommodation, and clinical material printing costs.
If you are a UK student you will be able to apply for reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs. For EU and international students the additional placement costs will be self-funded.
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Additional funding
If you're studying one of our health care courses, you could be eligible for funding from the NHS.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you receive an offer from us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant open days. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.