BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy

What you will study

Year 1 (Level 4)

In the first year of study, you are introduced to the concepts of phonetics, linguistics, psychology, biology and human development that will underpin your studies on the rest of this course.  You will develop skills in research and professional practice.  You will undertake a pre-clinical in semester 1 and a clinical placement in a Speech and Language Therapy team in semester 2.

Modules:

• Foundations in Professional and Evidence Based Practice: This professional practice module supports students to develop values, behaviours, knowledge and skills that are required to meet HCPC standards of proficiency and core RCSLT professional capabilities. There is a core focus on the student honing and adapting their reflective and self-evaluation skills to aid their lifelong career journey as an autonomous and compassionate SaLT.
• Development and Learning Across the Lifespan: This module covers theories of human development, language acquisition, literacy acquisition, bilingualism and biological, psychological and social changes across the lifespan.  Students are introduced to underpinning theories with reference to their application to practise.  
• Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan: students are introduced to specialist areas of speech, language, communication, eating drinking and swallowing.  This module covers a range of topics including AAC, paediatric and adult eating drinking and swallowing, fluency, learning disability and neurodiversity.
• Introduction to Phonetics and Linguistics: This module covers the basic concepts of phonetics, phonology and linguistics. Students learn to transcribe typical speech at a detailed level using all the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet, and learn how to break down typical language into its components and the theoretical background to these components.
• Essential Psychology: This module provides an underpinning of psychological theory relevant to Speech and Language Therapy practise.  Teaching broadly covers biological, cognitive and social psychology, including individual differences, attachment theory, and personality.

Year 2 (Level 5)

In the second year, you will build on the knowledge and skills you have learned in year 1.  You will learn more about specialist areas of Speech and Language Therapy, and apply this knowledge to practice through lectures, seminars, simulation and placement.

Modules:

• Speech and Swallowing: Teaching focuses on developmental and acquired motor speech (e.g. apraxia of speech, dysarthria) and swallowing difficulties. Students will appraise evidence, evaluate teamwork, identify intervention goals, and assess impact on health and well-being. 
• Applied Life Sciences and Psychology: This module integrates life sciences and psychology to support the development of knowledge and skills relevant to speech and language therapy.  It focuses on applying anatomical, physiological, and psychological theories to SLT practice, such as vocal tract anatomy, the nervous system, and psychological theories such as educational and forensic psychology.
• Language and Cognition: Study will focus on acquired cognitive communication and language difficulties and neurological conditions. You will be encouraged to consider how the epidemiology fits with the wider determinants of health and to consider a holistic, strengths-based approach to person-centred intervention. 
• Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics: Having learnt the typical aspects of phonetics and linguistics, students use this knowledge to analyse speech and language data from atypical speakers. Students learn about typical development of speech and language as well as frameworks for understanding disordered speech and language. They learn how to assess the speech and language of patients with a variety different clinical presentations.
• Developing Professional and Evidence Based Practice: Students continue to build on the professional skills they learned in level 4 in this module.  Students learn about service development, efficacy and auditing and the use of outcome measures in clinical practice.  Students continue their research journey, learning about ethics of research and submitting a research proposal.
• Sounds, Hearing and Audiology: This module covers the anatomy, physiology, and theoretical background of all aspects of hearing. Students learn how to work with deaf children and adults, and learn how to interpret audiograms and work with audiologists.

Year 3 (Level 6):

In the final year of study, students consolidate their learning from the previous two years to integrate their understanding of the theories underpinning Speech and Language Therapy and their application to practice.   Students will complete 2 clinical placements in their third year, and have the opportunity to present their research projects at a local conference.

Modules:

• The Evolving Profession: This module aims to provide students with a contextual overview of the evolution of the profession, paying particular importance to the local and national policies and procedures and wider cultural shifts and movements influencing the profession.  It will aim to encourage and facilitate debates and discussions around contemporary themes and advancements in the profession and more broadly in health, education and social care sectors. 
• Speech and Language Therapy Specialisms: This module focuses on communication and swallowing difficulties in specialist settings. The module integrates science, psychology, and communication to examine conditions, their psychosocial impact, and ethical considerations for intervention.
• Advanced Professional Practice: This module broadly covers ethical dimensions related to clinical practice, models and frameworks of holistic person-centred care, social, cultural and linguistic factors and implications for intervention, and reflection in practice.  Teaching includes opportunities for mock interviews and preparation for being a newly qualified practitioner.
• Clinical Research Project: In this module, students carry-out a basic clinical research project. The taught sections of this module cover the practical aspects of carrying out the project including: research design, data collection, data analysis, ethics, literature searching, and structuring a research report. As well as whole class teaching, students are allocated a project supervisor who will carry personally tailored tutorials guiding them through the process.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

120 UCAS tariff points at GCE A Level or equivalent in relevant subject areas such as science, the arts and languages.

A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), to include English/Welsh language, Maths and Science at grade C or above. 

In addition to the academic requirements, all applicants whose first language is not English or Welsh must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to Level 8 of the International English Language Testing System, with no element below 7.5

Wrexham University takes into account a variety of qualifications and experience when considering applications to our programmes. If you are unsure if the qualifications you currently hold will be accepted for entry, or if you're not sure you'll achieve the required UCAS Tariff points, please contact us at enquiries@wrexham.ac.uk for further advice and guidance.

Teaching & Assessment

You will be taught through a blended learning approach, utilising in person teaching on our Plas Coch campus, online lectures and seminars, and set asynchronous work to complete in your own time.  Lectures take on a dynamic and practical approach, including group work and discussions, debates, creating resources, presentations and case studies. 

Assessment takes many forms, including written assignments and exams, case based oral exams, placement-based vivas and portfolios.

Teaching and learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference

Career prospects

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team is committed to helping you achieve your professional goals. They provide personalised advice, useful resources, and extracurricular employability events to prepare you for the job market.

Graduates of this course can pursue careers in:

• Clinical roles within Speech and Language Therapy
• Public Health Practitioner
• Roles within the RCSLT, our professional body 
• Heath Education Improvement Wales
• Lecturing/teaching
• Research roles
• Local and national government, influencing policy
• Registered Intermediary 
• Management roles in health boards
• Voice coaching
• Roles within third sector e.g. charities

*all roles may be subject to additional training

Additionally, you may choose to further your expertise through postgraduate studies. Explore our postgraduate courses for more information.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.