A UK speech and language therapy course is typically a three-year undergraduate degree that prepares students to become qualified speech and language therapists.
A speech and language therapy degree covers various speech and language therapy topics, including human communication and its disorders, anatomy of the speech and language systems, developmental and acquired speech and language disorders, psychology, linguistics, phonetics, and neuroscience. Students are also trained in assessment and diagnosis, therapy planning and implementation, and evaluation of treatment outcomes.
Speech therapy training typically involves significant clinical practice, which qualified speech and language therapists supervise. This may include placement in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, community clinics, and private practices, where students can apply their knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
Speech and language therapy programmes in the UK are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which ensures that they meet strict standards of education, training, and professional practice.
A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Speech and Language Therapy is an undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for a qualified speech and language therapist career.
A BSc covers speech and language therapy topics, including human communication and its disorders, anatomy and physiology of the speech and language systems, developmental and acquired speech and language disorders, psychology, linguistics, phonetics, and neuroscience. Students are also trained in assessment and diagnosis, therapy planning and implementation, and evaluation of treatment outcomes.
Postgraduate speech and language therapy courses typically build upon the foundational knowledge and skills learned in an undergraduate degree, providing students with more advanced study of theory and practice. These courses also include significant clinical practice, where qualified therapists supervise students. This may include placement in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, community clinics, and private practices.
Upon completing a speech and language therapy course, graduates can apply for HCPC registration and work as qualified speech and language therapists.
They may work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centres. They may specialise in specific speech and language therapy areas, such as working with children with language disorders, adults with speech disorders, or people with neurological conditions.
According to the National Careers Service in the UK, the starting salary for a newly qualified speech and language therapist in the National Health Service is typically between £24,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on location. The starting salary may be slightly higher in the private sector, with some employers offering between £26,000 and £30,000 per year.
As an experienced professional with several years of experience, a speech and language therapist's salary can increase significantly. The average salary for a speech and language therapist with more than five years of experience in the UK is around £38,000 per year.
Most universities require applicants to have achieved specific academic qualifications, such as A-levels or equivalent, with specific grades in relevant subjects. For example, some universities require applicants to have A-levels in Biology, Psychology or Science and may require specific grades such as ABB or AAA.
Many universities require applicants to have relevant work experience, such as volunteering or shadowing in a speech and language therapy setting. This can demonstrate a commitment to the profession and a willingness to work with people with communication difficulties.
To learn more about the best speech and language therapy universities in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Speech and Language Therapy universities in the CUG 2025 below:
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