Undergraduate Course

BSc Speech and Language Therapy

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Overview

The details

Course: Speech and Language Therapy

UCAS code: B630

Start date: October 2023

Study mode: Full-time

Maximum duration: 3 years

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Health and Social Care (School of)

Do you enjoy working with people? Want to make a difference in people’s lives? If you are keen to become a registered speech and language therapist and want to shape the future of communication, our BSc Speech and Language Therapy pre-registration course can help you achieve your goals. Alternatively, if you are already in full-time employment in a relevant role, and have the support of your employer, you may be interested in our Speech and Language Therapy Degree Apprenticeship which also leads to BSc Speech and Language Therapy.

There's never been a better time to train as you can now apply for a £5000 grant that you won't need to pay back! There is also an extra £3000 funding available depending on your personal circumstances. You can find more information about eligibility and how to apply on the HSC Scholarships and Funding page.

Speech and language therapists work with people of all ages who experience communication and swallowing difficulties, enabling them to maximise their independence in their social, academic and working lives. Successful completion of our BSc Speech and Language Therapy programme leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a speech and language therapist.

This is a client-focused course which uses varied learning methods to integrate theory and clinical practice. You undertake day visits and blocks of practice education with speech and language therapists in the workplace. This practical experience helps prepare you for your future as a qualified therapist.

Our course is continuously developed to reflect contemporary health, education and social care practice. Clients, voluntary groups, other allied health professionals, speech and language therapy clinicians and service managers continue to be involved, in order to ensure that changes in speech and language therapy practice are incorporated, keeping your course up to date.

The School of Health and Social Care is proud to work closely with our Service User Reference Group (SURG). SURG is made up of service users, carers, and volunteers who generously share their first-hand experiences of health and social care. We work collaboratively with SURG to design our courses to ensure that we truly are putting the needs of patients and clients at the heart of what we do. SURG are involved as part of our course application processes and often form part of our interview panels. This helps us to be confident that we are selecting the right applicants for the course and their future careers. SURG members also support the delivery of our teaching sessions and research activity, which means you’ll benefit from an insight into their lived experiences of living with a diagnosis, health condition, or circumstance. You’ll find that not only does your clinical knowledge expand, but your empathy, compassion and ability to advocate develops also. You can find out more about SURG by reading their blog here.

You share some learning experiences with other healthcare students on similar undergraduate courses. The learning includes inter-professional collaboration, especially during placements. Working alongside other health professionals means that you also have the opportunity to gain expert knowledge from them.

The cost of required uniform will be fully covered by the school.

Placement information

Placements are an integral part of this course and are sourced for you from across a variety of settings (e.g.NHS organisations, independent/private SLT services, charities, and Schools) and client groups (e.g. paediatrics, adults, etc). Your placements will vary in length and are linked to the objectives of the modules you are studying. You will have a minimum of 150 clinical experience sessions (approximately 75 days). Placements will have different structures which include face-to-face, virtual, via telehealth. If you have significant experience in a particular field, we may not return you to that setting so you have the opportunity to advance your skillset.

Speech and Language Therapy placements tend to fall Monday-Friday and within office hours (e.g between 8am -6pm). To provide the best opportunities, we use a wide network of placements across the Eastern region, which means you will likely have to travel approximately 90 minutes from campus. We allocate students on placements throughout the entire East of England region (e.g. Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk) and surrounding areas. Subject to eligibility, you may be able to claim the NHS Learning Support Fund which provides reimbursement of excess travel (i.e. above your regular commute to campus, and inclusive of costs such as hire cars, etc) or accommodation costs incurred due to undertaking practical training on clinical placement. When you start your course, the SLT Placements Team will collect information about your previous work experience, whether you can drive, and other circumstances in order to aid placing you.

DBS and Occupational Health Checks

This course requires a satisfactory Occupational Health Check and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check (including child and adult barred list check) - both of these are organised by the University. Please contact our DBS team or Occupational Health team if you have any questions in relation to these checks.

You will also be required to register for the DBS Update Service (information relating to this service can be found here). You will need to register for this within 30 days of your DBS certificate being issues. The Update Service costs £13 per year, which the University will reimburse. You will need to keep the subscription to this Service active for the duration of your course. If you do not register for the Update Service within 30 days, or your registration lapses, and you later attend placement where this is a requirement, you will have to pay for a new DBS check, which will enable you to sign up to the Update Service. Please contact our DBS team if you have any questions relating to this.

A satisfactory Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate is also required, in addition to a DBS Check, where you have lived outside of the UK in the last 5 years for 6 months or more. Further information about how to obtain an Overseas Criminal Record check can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Mandatory Vaccinations

As you may be aware, the UK government has now revoked legislation that requires all health and social care staff working in sites regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Whilst vaccination is not essential, we encourage our applicants and students to be fully vaccinated. Find out more about what this means for applicants to this course.

Professional accreditation

Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a speech and language therapist.

Recognised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) for the purpose of applying for newly qualified practitioner membership.

Why we're great.

Grounded in social model approach to disability
Consistently links theory to practice
Opportunity to extend learning through year abroad or placement year

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. This four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university

Placement year

Alternatively, this four year version of our degree allows you to spend your third year with an external organisation. This is an opportunity to further develop professional skills in the workplace by working in a field associated with Speech and Language Therapy practice, for example as a Teaching Assistant, a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant, a Care Assistant, etc.

Your HCPC and RCSLT pre-registration placement hour requirements are met within the standard three years of the BSc Speech and Language Therapy programme.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.

Specialist facilities

Our School of Health and Social Care is located at two sites:; in the Kimmy Eldridge Building at our Colchester Campus and in The Gateway Building at our Southend Campus. Our Speech and Language Therapy courses are delivered at our Colchester Campus.

Within our School of Health and Social Care, we have a range of specialist clinical laboratories and IT facilities to assist you with the effective learning and acquisition of new skills; for students of our BSc and MSc Speech and Language Therapy, we have two specialist labs with equipment for researching speech including a wide range of assessment and intervention planning materials.

We offer excellent physical and online resources in terms of libraries, computer labs, datasets, archives and other research materials. Take advantage of our links with the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), which conducts large-scale survey projects, many for government, EU and other public agencies, and has its own library.

The UK Data Archive is also based at our Colchester Campus and stores national research data.

Your future

We currently have graduates working in clinical and management positions in local and national NHS trusts, hospitals, schools, local authorities, justice system, private and not for profit organisations, reflecting the range of locations in which speech and language therapists are employed.

98% of undergraduate graduates from the School of Health and Social Care are in highly skilled employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022)

Find out more careers in speech and language therapy from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses, with many of our courses available with a foundation year. We consider each application individually but as clearing entry requirements may change throughout the day as our places fill, we would recommend getting in touch with us as soon as you can to see if we can make you an offer.

If you are interested in applying and have already received your results, use our Clearing application form to apply for 2023 entry and find out if you are eligible. You will be asked to provide details of your qualifications and grades.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 8.0 overall with a minimum of 7.5 in each component (or equivalent).

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Structure

Course structure

These carefully selected modules will give you the chance to explore, question, and create powerful ideas. Picked to give you an extensive and in-depth education, they’ll equip you with the specialist knowledge, vital transferrable skills, and the confidence to make a genuine difference to the world around you.

We’re reactive, we’re pioneering, we never stand still, so modules might change from year to year in response to new developments and innovation. Those listed below show how a typical course might look, but more detail on course structure, including details of all optional modules, is available on our Programme Specification.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: B

Lifelong Study Skills

(15 CREDITS)

This module introduces students to core skills required for academic study, professional thinking and lifelong learning.

View Lifelong Study Skills on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: B

Understanding Typical Communication

(30 CREDITS)

This module introduces students to transcription of typical English (and non-English sounds in languages commonly spoken in the UK), using broad (phonemic) and narrow (phonetic) transcription, including awareness of accent differences. This module also introduces students to the analysis of typical language grammar, including an awareness of dialectal differences. The human speech chain (receptive processing & expressive production) will also be explored.

View Understanding Typical Communication on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: B

Anatomy & Physiology for Speech & Language Therapy

(15 CREDITS)

This module introduces you to anatomy and physiology relevant to the Speech & language therapy profession. You will consider how structures and functions of the body relate to typical speech, language and swallowing processes and developmental & acquired difficulties.

View Anatomy & Physiology for Speech & Language Therapy on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: B

Culture of Communication

(15 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to the range of social contexts in which communication takes place. You will also consider cultural, linguistic and environmental factors that can influence patterns of communication and access to core social contexts. Emphasis will be placed on valuing and respecting cultural, linguistic and environmental diversity.

View Culture of Communication on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: B

Development of Individuals Throughout their Lifespan

(30 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to typical development across the lifespan. You will explore language, cognitive, social and emotional development from birth to older aging adults.

View Development of Individuals Throughout their Lifespan on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: B

Practice Placement 1

(15 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to the knowledge, skills and placement style of learning that will enable you to begin developing your readiness for becoming an SLT in the multi professional workplace.

View Practice Placement 1 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: B

Identification of Developmental Communication Abilities and Difficulties

(30 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to observation and assessment techniques alongside the professional reasoning skills required to make decisions regarding which techniques to use and how to interpret findings. The module will incorporate learning around service users who are likely to present with developmental difficulties of speech, language and communication across the lifespan.

View Identification of Developmental Communication Abilities and Difficulties on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: B

Identification of Acquired Communication Abilities and Difficulties

(30 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to observation and assessment techniques alongside the professional reasoning skills required to make decisions regarding which techniques to use and how to interpret findings. The module will incorporate learning around service users who are likely to present with acquired difficulties of speech language and communication.

View Identification of Acquired Communication Abilities and Difficulties on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: B

Dysphagia

(15 CREDITS)

This module will revise and build upon anatomy, physiology and neurology from year 1 of the degree and introduce students to observation, investigation and intervention techniques alongside the professional reasoning skills required to underpin practical management of dysphagia. Aspects of the work will be practical, for example role playing of oro-motor and assessment techniques.

View Dysphagia on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: B

Practice Placement 2

(30 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to the knowledge, skills and work based learning that will enable you to develop SLT specific professional reasoning skills around the identification and understanding of speech language and communication ability and difficulty across the lifespan, including aspects of multi professional investigation.

View Practice Placement 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: B

Professional Enquiry

(15 CREDITS)

With a mixture of interactive and practical classroom-based lectures, this module focuses on literature searching, synthesising literature within a critical review and identifying a topic for further professional enquiry. Students will gain practical experience of collecting and handling a variety of data and developing analytical skills to gain an understanding of evidence in its widest sense.

View Professional Enquiry on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: B

Enhancing Communication for People with Developmental & Acquired Communication Difficulties

(60 CREDITS)

This module will build upon your understanding of typical communication from year one of the degree programme and identification of developmental and acquired speech language and communication difficulties in year two of the programme. Models of intervention, ethics, outcomes and management approaches will be introduced, along with extension of professional reasoning skills to include intervention planning for individual's difficulties across the range of the speech and language therapy caseload. There will be an emphasis on transferable skills, problem solving, evidence-based intervention and multi professional working. A biopsychosocial approach will be taken, enabling you to understand intervention for, and impact of, communication difficulties from a range of perspectives.

View Enhancing Communication for People with Developmental & Acquired Communication Difficulties on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: B

Professional Enquiry Proposal

(30 CREDITS)

This module will develop evidence-based practice and research through self-directed learning. This autonomous working method will help to prepare students as pro-active professionals once qualified. Learners will work towards preparing and submitting an in-depth literature review and research proposal or service improvement project proposal.

View Professional Enquiry Proposal on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: B

Practice Placement 3

(30 CREDITS)

This module will enable you to develop professional reasoning and management skills in supervised practice across the lifespan in varied contexts.

View Practice Placement 3 on our Module Directory

Placement

On a placement year you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Year abroad

On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Teaching

Enquiry based learning
Interactive Lectures
Practical learning in university and on placement

Assessment

You will be assessed through a range of techniques including coursework, examinations and placements.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,250 per year

The Learning Support Fund is available for healthcare students starting their course on or after 1 August 2017. Please see the NHS BSA for more info.

International fee

£21,680 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2023 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Find out more

How to apply during Clearing

Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.

Find out more about Clearing
Get to know us better at our Clearing events

Interviews

We don’t interview all applicants during Clearing, however, we will only make offers for the following courses after a successful interview:

BA Multimedia Journalism
BSc Nursing (Adult)
BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
BA Social Work

The interview allows our academics to find out more about you, and in turn you’ll be able to ask us any questions you might have. Further details will be emailed to you if you are shortlisted for interview.

Apply now

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The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

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