Programme Structure and Themes

Programme structure and theme outlines

The programme is designed around six inter related subject themes; 1) Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy & Physiology); 2) Communication; 3) Participation and Society; 4) Research Methods; 5) Key Clinical Topics and 6) Professional Practice. The theme structure is intended to enable students to understand the relationships between the course components, and to integrate learning across the degree as a whole.

The BMedSci Speech and Language Therapy degree programme is a level 6 degree. There are three learning levels to the programme (level 4, level 5 and level 6) across four years of studies. Modules studied at level four (year 1) provide an introduction to the broad range of material which a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) requires in order to be able to practice. The Communication theme introduces the student to a range of aspects and approaches to the study of both typical and atypical communication drawing on the disciplines of speech pathology, linguistics and psychology.  The Biomedical Sciences theme introduces the student to the anatomical and physiological foundations of communication.  In the Participation & Society theme, students are provided with a broad based understanding of the influence of social, educational, cultural and health contexts of individuals with communication impairments.  The Professional Practice theme introduces the student to the work of a SLT, providing opportunities for the development of observation skills in the clinical context and facilitating the development of basic clinical and professionals’ skills. 

Level five (year 2) extends and consolidates the students' knowledge and skills in the areas introduced at level four (year 1) as well as introducing new material.  Modules from the Communication theme promote a detailed theoretical understanding of a broad range of different impairments as demonstrated in breakdown at different levels of speech and language processing and develop the students’ skills in the practice of the analysis and assessment of communication impairments.  The Research Methods theme supplies the student with a basic understanding of the tools required in research and develops critical analysis skills required for evidence-based practice.  In the Biomedical Sciences theme, specific subject areas, including audiology and neurology are introduced and their relevance and application to speech and language pathology is explored. The Key Clinical Topics and Professional Practice themes provide the student with a learning experience which allows them to develop skills in the area of evaluation and intervention both in the classroom and in the clinical setting. Level Six (year 3) further develops students’ theoretical knowledge and application to their clinical practice as well as preparing them for the transition to fully qualified SLT.  The Biomedical Sciences theme focuses in particular on the study of neurology and its application to speech and language therapy. In the Research Methods theme learners gain specific knowledge and skills in evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy. The Key Clinical Topics theme enables the apprentice to focus in detail on the study of specific impairments of communication and swallowing. Through the Professional Practice theme students become increasingly autonomous in their clinical experience via work-based and clinical placements and particular attention is paid to the successful transition from education into the workplace. Students learn more about workplace issues, including multidisciplinary team working, ethical issues in healthcare, and working within contemporary healthcare and education structures and contexts. An important aspect of Level Six are the modules which focus on evaluating the evidence base in speech and language therapy and/or human communication and its disorders in the Research Methods theme, which provide the students with critical analysis skills relevant for use in their future employment in an evidence-based healthcare and education context.