Course overview
Gain the knowledge and experience to undertake speech and language therapy practice.
On our four year degree you’ll study core modules in speech and language pathology. These include causes, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of a range of speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders in adults and children.
You’ll gain an understanding of speech and language therapy practice through case-based teaching. You will discuss real-life scenarios and high levels of clinical work.
The progamme includes clinical experience during each year. You’ll put theory into practice and gain a scientifically-oriented theoretical understanding of speech and language therapy. This ensures you’ll graduate a confident and skilled Speech and Language Therapist.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions Â
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- 1st in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Speech and Language Sciences category)
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)Our undergraduate degrees – BSc Speech and Language Therapy and Master’s in Speech and Language Sciences – are monitored and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
Successful completion of this degree courses provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a speech and language therapist and to apply for membership of the RCSLT.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.Â
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
We lay the foundation for later work with topics including anatomy and physiology of speech and language, linguistics and phonetics, developmental psychology, child language and development, clinical education, speech and language pathology and research methods.
You will be introduced to case-based problem-solving and case management. You will observe speech and language therapists at work, and complete a child study, working with a child and their family to observe and analyse typical development.
You’ll undertake clinical placements in a range of speech and language therapy services, including:
- Hospitals
- Nurseries
- Schools
- rehabilitation settings
- charities
You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of specific client groups such as clients with autism or dementia.
You’ll apply your knowledge to the understanding of communication disorders.
Within the dysphagia module, you’ll complete the RCSLT pre-registration Eating, Drinking and Swallowing competencies.
There is an increasing consideration of research in practice and how speech and language therapists can contribute to the evidence base.
You will also choose your topic for supervisor-supported independent research, leading to your final dissertation in Stage 4.
You will continue to build on your knowledge and understanding of the professional context of clinical practice and relevant legislation. There is an in-depth consideration of the role of the speech and language therapists, not only as clinicians, but also as advocates for and future leaders of the profession.
You will carry out further placements, with a unique opportunity to carry out a placement-based service evaluation project and develop your clinical skills on a further block placement.
You will build on your previous research work to conduct your independent research project, leading to your research dissertation.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
We use innovative teaching methods and models in our academic and clinical teaching. Case-based teaching and problem-based learning accompany lectures and seminars. You will also benefit from the experience and expertise of our visiting lecturers who are experts in their field.
Our teaching methods develop deep learning, critical thinking, reflection skills and creativity. This enables you to deal with the diverse nature of Speech and Language Therapy practice.
Skills and experience
Practical skills
You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including our language analysis lab for the transcription and analysis of recorded samples of language.
You’ll also have access to our campus clinics, the Children’s Speech and Language Clinic, and the Tavistock Aphasia Centre. You will benefit from observing qualified therapists at work, and begin your clinical work experience treating both adults and children with communication difficulties.
Professional skills
Your practical, workplace skills will be developed through clinical experiences which are embedded throughout your degree programme. You’ll have extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of clients with communication and swallowing difficulties.
You will carry out a clinical service-based project evaluating an aspect of service delivery during your fourth year, which gives you further exposure to clinical work.
Research skills
You will consolidate your knowledge of research methods and skills, applying them as you complete your dissertation project.
Opportunities
You will undertake a variety of work placements throughout your degree.
The clinical placement opportunities embedded throughout your degree will provide you with the clinical experience you need to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
This experience will include:
- video and live observations of a range of clients with communication difficulties
- child study – working with a child and their family to observe and analyse typical development
- clinical placements in our in-house campus clinics: The Children’s Speech and Language Clinic, and The Tavistock Aphasia Centre throughout your second year
- a series of external placements, including a service evaluation project, in local settings such as hospitals, clinics and schools during your third and fourth years
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a speech and language sciences student, you’ll be based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at our city-centre campus.
You will benefit from excellent facilities, including well-established in-house clinics. These are equipped with observational facilities and the latest recording technology to maximise your learning.
Our facilities include:
- The Children’s Speech and Language Clinic, dedicated to working with children
- The Tavistock Aphasia Centre, dedicated to working with adults with acquired communication difficultiesÂ
You will also have access to:Â
- a language analysis lab for transcription and analysis of recorded samples of language
- our resource centre
Support
You’ll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Our degree provides a direct pathway to a career as a qualified speech and language therapist. The successful completion of this degree provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Speech and Language Therapist. You can also apply for membership to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
Many speech and language therapist graduates work for the NHS, in:
- hospitals
- clinics
- paediatric assessment centres
- adult rehabilitation centres
- in the community
Other graduates work for schools and charities or work in private practice.
Speech and language therapists usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team, alongside other health professionals such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Once you qualify, you can specialise in a particular area of speech and language therapy.
If you wish to work with language-disordered children in a classroom setting, you may want to take a one-year teaching qualification (PGCE) after your degree.
A number of our graduates have also gone on to take up research posts.
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.Â
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| AAB normally including one of the core sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). If a candidate is not sitting any of the core sciences at A Level, we will consider other profiles, e.g., students with Psychology A-level. In these cases, applicants would need strong performance in a core science at AS Level (B or above) or at GCSE level (7 or above) . The candidate would still require AAB in their chosen A-levels. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. General Studies not accepted as a full A Level. GCSE Mathematics and English required (minimum grade B or 6) if not offered at a higher level. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| A minimum of 34 points with three subjects grade 5 or above at Higher Level including 1 core science preferably Biology. A core science at grade 6 and Mathematics (or Mathematical Studies) and English at grade 5 required at Standard Level if not offered at Higher Level. | |
