Speech and Language Therapy BMedSci

2024-25 entry
School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery

Our accredited Speech and Language Therapy BMedSci course combines clinical practice and theoretical knowledge with case-based learning, to prepare you for a rewarding career supporting people with communication or swallowing difficulties.

Key details

Explore this course:

    This course is no longer taking applications for 2024-25 entry. View 2025-26 entry or find another undergraduate course.

    Course description

    Female student with elderly patient

    Gain the knowledge, clinical skills and confidence you need to deliver life-changing care for people with communication difficulties.

    The three year speech and language therapy degree at the University of Sheffield is designed and delivered by qualified speech and language therapists, researchers and clinicians.

    Our experienced teaching team is dedicated to turning you into one of the next generation of experts – showing you how to assess, diagnose and support children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or eating, drinking and swallowing.

    Throughout your degree you’ll study linguistics, psychology and speech pathology, and assimilate the medical knowledge that supports these areas. You’ll explore how sociology and social psychology impact therapy.

    As your understanding grows, you’ll explore how therapists can support people who have suffered a stroke, have learning disabilities, speech sounds disorders or autism.

    The skills you gain at Sheffield will provide you with an excellent foundation to specialise in any of these areas, and the research skills that are essential to providing evidence-based healthcare.

    Why study this course?

    • £5,000+ annual NHS training grant - annual NHS grants are available for all eligible UK home students to help you with your studies, as well as funding to cover the cost of placements.
    • Get hands on in our clinic - you’ll build up your practical skills and experience in our specialist speech and language therapy clinic, working directly with people with communication difficulties.
    • Beyond the lecture theatre - there will be plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge into practice on a diverse range of placements, including schools, clinics and hospitals.

    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.

    Students with elderly patients at communication clinic

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Speech and Language Therapy BMedSci course structure
    UCAS code: B621
    Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
    First year

    Core modules:

    Professional Practice 1

    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 and eating, drinking and swallowing impairments and inter-personal and professional skills with clinical placements with children and adults with communication (and in some cases eating, drinking and swallowing) 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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.
    Professional note: BMedSci Speech and Language Therapy; Royal Colledge of Speech and Language Therapists; HCPC

    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.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You will learn through lectures, independent study and clinical placements.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    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.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    ABB + B in a relevant EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    34
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Applied Science or Health and Social Care
    BTEC Diploma
    Not accepted
    Scottish Highers
    AAAAB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AA
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a healthcare-related subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
    T Level
    Distinction in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T Level, including grade A in the core component
    Other requirements
    • We are unable to accept transfer requests from current University of Sheffield students wishing to transfer onto this programme from other courses

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    ABB + B in a relevant EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    33
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Applied Science or Health and Social Care
    BTEC Diploma
    Not accepted
    Scottish Highers
    AAABB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a healthcare-related subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
    T Level
    Distinction in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T Level, including grade A in the core component
    Other requirements
    • We are unable to accept transfer requests from current University of Sheffield students wishing to transfer onto this programme from other courses

    English language requirements

    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


    Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual and specific feedback to applicants who do not receive an offer for a place on the course. 

    Health clearance

    All new students must obtain occupational health clearance, which may require an individual assessment. This is to ensure that you meet the fitness to practice standards detailed on the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) guidance.

    We offer support to students with additional needs, for example, through the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service or Student Support Services. You can find out more about the network of support services we provide. A very small number of conditions might, on health and safety grounds, affect your registration with the appropriate regulatory body and your ability to practise in certain clinical situations.

    If you're offered a place, you'll need to comply with the Department of Health and Social Care mandatory immunisation requirements.

    Disclosure and Barring Service

    All applicants are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure check.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    Graduates from our course are able to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and practise as speech and language therapists.

    Speech and language therapists are in high demand, and there are plenty of opportunities to specialise in areas such as mental health issues; stammering; hearing impairment; learning difficulties; eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties; or neurological impairments. 

    Many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers within NHS trusts, schools, charities, private practices or the justice system. Others choose to go on to further postgraduate study and research.

    School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery

    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.

    School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery

    Human Communication Sciences Students in lecture

    The School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery sits in the Faculty of Health and brings together expertise from across three core areas: human communication sciences, nursing and midwifery, and orthoptics.

    We aim to train compassionate, resilient and highly skilled healthcare professionals and support them throughout their working lives. We work closely with organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Health and Care Professions Council to make sure our teaching meets the needs of the NHS workforce. This means that we're ideally placed to offer you high-quality courses, informed by the latest health-related research.

    If you study with us, you’ll join a diverse and supportive community, led by passionate teachers, clinicians and researchers who help students fulfil their ambitions. We're dedicated to nurturing students' talents and upholding the highest standards of excellence and professionalism. 

    We provide an excellent study environment for health professionals across our main campus. We have a close relationship with the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, which is home to our dedicated Health Sciences Library and high-quality clinical teaching and research spaces.

    Our students also benefit from our internationally recognised Patients as Educators programme, which allows students to learn from real patients. 

    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

    Our on-site communication clinic, which opened in 1993, allows you to gain valuable practical experience during your studies. 

    As a speech and language therapy clinic, it supports children and adults with a range of communication, eating and swallowing difficulties. The clinic’s observation and treatment rooms allow students to work directly with people who have communication difficulties.

    Health Sciences School

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery

    University of Sheffield is within the top 100 in the world for clinical and health subjects

    Times Higher Education (THE) World Subject Rankings 2022

    Top 5 in the UK for Speech and Language Therapy

    Complete University Guide 2024

    Student profiles

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    Why study a degree in speech and language therapy?

    Nigel tells us more about why speech and language therapy is a diverse profession, his placement at a voice clinic and the variety of voice techniques speech and language therapists use to treat muscle tension.

    Read Nigel's story

    Student Alicia Lim.

    First-class teaching from professionals

    Alycia Lim Speech and Language Therapy

    Alycia Lim is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She chose the University of Sheffield both for the high calibre of the teaching and the wide range of facilities on offer at the Students' Union.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    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.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    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 are a UK (Home) student in our Speech and Language Therapy course you can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund to help support your studies, which you won’t need to pay back.

    This includes a training grant of £5,000 per academic year, money back for clinical placement travel costs, as well as extra funding for students with dependent children or those facing hardship.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. 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

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply for this course

    This course is no longer taking applications for 2024-2025 entry. View 2025-2026 entry or find another undergraduate course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    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.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Our accredited Speech and Language Therapy BMedSci course combines clinical practice and theoretical knowledge with case-based learning, to prepare you for a rewarding career supporting people with communication or swallowing difficulties.