MSc in Evidence Based Practice in Communication Disorders

The aim of this specialist Masters level programme is to develop Speech and Language Therapists’ expertise in the principles and practice of evidence-based practice (EBP) and skills in the area of delivering research in the clinical setting. Speech and Language Therapists will be both using and contributing to the evidence base in communication and swallowing disorders.

Evidence-based practice is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual clients (CEBM, Oxford). Having its origins in the fields of medicine and clinical epidemiology, EBP is now a growing part of speech and language sciences. Since 2003, Speech and Language Therapists practicing in the UK have been required by the Health Professions Council to ‘be able to conduct evidence-based practice’ (Standards of Proficiency for Speech and Language Therapists). 

In 2011-2012 we hope to offer a postgraduate certificate (60 credits) and postgraduate diploma (10 credits) in Evidence Based Practice in Communication Disorders

Course Structure

This is a part time taught course for practicing Speech and Language Therapists who wish to further their professional and academic development while utilising and contributing to the evidence base of the profession. The course is taught in block modules to fit around normal working practice. The course involves a total of 19 contact days over two years, the final year will concentrate on carrying out a research project related to clinical practice.

In addition, in 2011 we are hoping to offer this programme as a full time programme over 12 months.

This is the first discipline specific programme for Speech and Language Therapists in Evidence Based Practice. It satisfies requirements of the Knowledge and Skills Framework and professional and regulatory requirements for continual professional development.

Course Benefits

The programme provides training in the principles of EBP (i.e. formulating answerable clinical questions; searching for current best evidence; critically appraising the evidence in terms of methodological quality; integrating critical appraisal with our clinical expertise and our client’s values; evaluating our effectiveness in applying these elements and seeking ways to improve them in future). It also provides training in research governance and management within the NHS; and qualitative and quantitative methods related to clinical research.

The programme will enable students to deepen and extend their subject-specific knowledge of the field of speech and language therapy as it relates to their own clinical specialism (e.g. developmental language disorders, developmental speech disorders, aphasia, motor speech disorders, voice disorders, dysphagia) and to develop their oral and written presentation skills. It will contribute to the evidence base of the field by completing a thesis in which a clinical research project is undertaken. This will involve empirically examining a new or existing clinical practice (e.g. assessment or intervention) and may take the form of a pilot study that has the potential for providing a foundation for subsequent research (e.g. PhD) or a study that may be publishable in its own right.

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

The full time course, should it go ahead, will include all of the above modules with the possibility for options in semester two.

Entry Requirements

Entry qualifications

  • Academic degree leading to a qualification as a Speech and Language Therapist: (a) from UK universities, upper second-class or first class undergraduate degree or Master’s degree or (b) from institutions outside the UK, the equivalent of the above.
  • Registered with the Health Professions Council as a Speech and Language Therapist in the UK (or the equivalent licensing body outside the UK, if applicable).
  • At least 1 year post-qualification experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist.
  • Reference from relevant clinical service manager (employer) indicating that applicant has approval in principle to conduct a research project within their clinical service. In order to complete the research project applicants must be in employment and have access to clinical population.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English should have IELTS 7  (or equivalent) Minimum of 6.5 in Listening and Speaking elements required

We strongly encourage applicants who do not meet the academic qualification of the entry requirements but who do have extensive clinical experience to apply for this course and discuss their application with the Programme Director, Dr Helen Stringer helen.stringer@newcastle.ac.uk

Fees and Funding

Please see the online postgraduate prospectus for up to date fee information. If UK/EU students are an alumnus of the University, they may also be eligible for a 20% reduction in postgraduate tuition fees.

How to Apply

please see the how to apply page for more information

Contact

For more information, please contact Dr Helen Stringer (h.b.stringer@ncl.ac.uk) or Gillian Cavagan (gillian.cavagan@ncl.ac.uk )