MSc Speech and Language Therapy ( Pre-Registration )
If you want to become a speech and language therapist and have a degree in a related subject ( such as linguistics or psychology ), this course could open up a fascinating new career path for you . It is the only postgraduate pre-registration course in speech and language therapy offered in Scotland .
As a speech and language therapist , you will assess , diagnose and treat children and adults with a wide range of speech , language , communication and swallowing difficulties . It is a varied and deeply rewarding career .
On this course you will undertake both theoretical and practical learning through a range of taught academic modules and supervised clinical placements .
Structure
To obtain a specific postgraduate award at QMU you must complete a number of credit-bearing modules . To qualify to work as a speech and language therapist in the UK , you must complete the PgDip ( 2 years , full-time ). You can then choose to additionally study for the full MSc by completing a master ’ s dissertation ( this usually takes six months when studying full-time and one year part-time ).
Teaching , learning and assessment
Teaching will include a mix of lectures , tutorials , student-led seminars , clinical placement experience , case study analysis and individual project work . Emphasis will be placed on integrating clinical and university-based learning opportunities and on independent study . Your performance will be assessed by a combination of assignments , examinations and practical assessments .
Teaching hours and attendance
Each module will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work . Your attendance at placement is compulsory and your attendance at QMU-based modules is expected .
Classes may be spread over the whole week , except for placement days when you will be off campus . This is a full-time course , with the expectation that classes , independent study and placement together require 35-40 hours of dedicated time each week .
Industry links , accreditation and professional registration
The course is accredited by the HCPC and adheres to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists ( RCSLT ) curriculum guidelines .
Careers
Our graduates have excellent employment prospects . Most go on to work within the NHS across a range of settings including clinics , schools , hospitals and the community although an increasing number also take up appointments in private organisations . Some graduates have gained research posts and some have gone on to achieve higher degrees .
International applicants should be aware that whilst RCSLT has a reciprocal agreement with a number of countries , students may have to undertake some additional study / examinations to be eligible for registration with the professional body in their own country .
Modules
Module topics include : linguistics , lifespan studies , a range of speech , language and swallowing disorders in children and adults and clinical placement modules .
Completion of the full MSc also requires a dissertation ( 60 credits ).
The module information listed here is correct at the time of publication ( September 2020 ) but is subject to change following revalidation of the course . In the event that modules change , QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students . Please check our website for updates .
Placements
Placements are organised by the clinical placement team . Semester placements take place across our local catchment area of Lothian , Borders , Fife , Forth Valley and Tayside . Summer placements take place each year of the programme and are mainly located more widely throughout Scotland . It is sometimes possible for students to have a summer placement elsewhere in the UK or overseas , but this cannot be guaranteed . Students are responsible for any travel or accommodation costs incurred during placements . Although every effort is made to arrange summer block placements to suit students ’ circumstances , this is not always possible and students must be prepared to be flexible about placement location and timing .
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