Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapists work collaboratively with children and adults of all ages who are experiencing challenges with speech, language and communication and/or eating, drinking and swallowing. We work closely with parents, carers and families, as well as many other professionals, to identify, assess and offer support to people in many, different ways. Speech and language therapy really is a rich and varied profession.

At DMU, you’ll study a wide range of topics across the three-year programme – including phonetics and phonology, psychology, medical sciences, linguistics and language development. As the course progresses, you’ll learn more about communication disabilities, evidence-based practice and intervention and have opportunities to develop your own focus in your final year dissertation project.

Alongside your academic studies, each year you’ll undertake practice-based learning, including weekly and block placements in a range of settings, such as schools, hospitals, care homes and in the community. This enables you to apply your learning to practice and develop your clinical and professional skills in real-life situations.

All speech and language therapy students are eligible to receive a bursary of at least £5,000 a year with up to £3,000 additional funding available. See further information, including details of eligible health professional courses.

Key features

Our course is approved by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as a professional.

We have varied well supported practice- based learning opportunities, using a combination of external and simulated placements starting at the beginning of year 1 and continuing through to final year. These experiences will enable you to build your essential clinical and professional skills.

Through our programme design you will be supported to become a reflective and reflexive lifelong learner with the ability to critically evaluate and apply evidence to solve complex problems, as well as self-regulate emotions in response to the changing demands placed on you as you progress your career.

We have a clear emphasis on employability throughout our teaching and learning, as well as inviting employers, newly qualified and experienced SLTs to share their knowledge and perspectives to support your transition from student to SLT.

We have a strong focus on developing inter-professional skills and include specific events and activities in each year, working with other health and education students to understand and make the most of effective collaborative working.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.