Continuing Professional Development Postgraduate Pathways in Speech and Language Sciences

The CPD framework in Speech & Language Sciences is made up of a menu of standalone Masters level modules. This menu of modules was developed, and continues to be developed, through partnership between the Speech & Language Sciences section at Newcastle University and regional Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) managers and clinical leads.

The focus of all modules is on quality improvement in an individual practitioner’s workplace through the identification of clinical or strategic issues, exploration of the evidence base to address that issue and completion of work-based projects. In this way managers or individual practitioners can address current issues, translating research and best evidence into practice.

Qualified professionals can choose a number of options for their postgraduate study including completing single standalone CPD modules, accumulating a number of these modules to achieve a postgraduate certificate or diploma, or transfer them into a MSc in Evidence Based Practice in Communication Disorders (EBPCD).

The programmes are designed to be accessible to professionals working full time in a pressured and ever changing environment. Modules are typically taught over two or three full days at Newcastle University. It is expected that each module will require approximately ten study days in total. Self-study is supported by email; a virtual learning environment; discussion boards and Facebook groups.

What can I study?

A number of modules have been approved to be offered as standalone CPD opportunities. Further modules are in development. The menu of modules includes modules from the MSc in EBPCD.

What is available this year?

Nine modules are offered in 2013-14. The availability of modules is subject to sufficient numbers.

SPE8307

Scientific Writing for Publication*

16th, 17th, 18th and 19th September 2013

SPE8304

Principles of Evidence Based Practice*

30th September, 1st & 2nd October 2013

SPE8315

Cognitive-Linguistic Communication Disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury: Advanced theory and practice

1st & 2nd October 2013 and 14th January 2014

SPE8300

Critical Appraisal I*

18th, 19th and 20th November 2013

SPE8306

Research Methods in Assessment and Intervention*

27th, 28th and 29th January 2014

SPE8308

Research Project Management*

3rd, 4th and 5th March 2014

SPE8314

Effecting change in a multi-agency context: Influence and Leadership

12th, 13th March and 8th May 2014

SPE8316

Acquired apraxia of speech: Clinical and theoretical perspectives

7th & 8th April and 21st June 2014

SPE8301

Critical Appraisal II*

19th, 20th and 21st May 2014

*These modules also form part of the MSc in Evidence Based Practice

How much time does each module take?

All modules are designed to be accessible to busy working practitioners and so are delivered in concentrated blocks to fit around normal working practice, with contact teaching time of between 2 and 4 full days for each module. Approximately 8-10 additional days self-study is required in order to complete the module requirements.

Who are they for?

The modules vary as to whether they are exclusively designed for SLTs or whether they are also suitable for other professionals. This information can be found by clicking on the module title above.
Applications are welcomed from across the UK and from outside of the UK. For students attending from outside of the North East of England a range of affordable accommodation is available in Newcastle, including Carlton Lodge, newly refurbished self-catering accommodation on campus.

What qualification will I gain?

Participants who successfully complete the required assessments for the modules will a Newcastle University Certificate of Credit Achieved for 20 credits at Postgraduate level.
Participants can accumulate credits from a minimum of 60 to a maximum of 180 credits and so be awarded a Certificate, a Diploma or a Masters Qualification.

How much will it cost?

The fees for the academic year 2013 – 2014 are £620 for each 20 credit stand-alone module.

What are the entry requirements?

  1. Academic degree/qualification leading to a licence to practice as a speech and language therapist or related professional (as specified for each individual module).
  2. Applications from outside the UK able to demonstrate equivalent qualifications are welcomed.
  3. Registered with the Health Professions Council as a Speech and Language Therapist in the UK, or for other professions the equivalent Professional Licensing Body (or the equivalent licensing body outside the UK, if applicable).
  4. Reference from relevant service manager (employer) indicating that applicant has approval in principle to conduct assignments related directly to their workplace context.
  5. 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 are unsure whether they meet the entry requirements to discuss their application with the CPD Framework Director, Dr Cristina McKean cristina.mckean@ncl.ac.uk or Head of Section, Dr Julie Morris julie.morris@ncl.ac.uk

How do I apply?

Applications are now open for the academic year 2013-14. Please use the application guide to support you with this process. If you have any queries please contact Cristina McKean or Ruth Daglish. If you wish to be notified when applications are opened for other modules then please register your interest with Ruth Daglish

Any other questions?

If you have any further questions please get in touch please contact Cristina McKean or Ruth Daglish.