MSc: 12 months full time; 24 months part time
PGDip: 24 months part time
PGCert: 12 months part time
Fees per academic year 2013-14
UK and EU: full time £6,000(MSc); part time £3,000 (MSc)
International: full time £12,000 part time fees
The part time fees for students whose fee status is classed as international are £5,585. Please note that it is a requirement of student visas that you must be following a full-time degree programme. However, in some circumstances part-time study is possible.
More information is available about tuition fees and discounts.
This programme is for registered speech and language therapists. It covers the principles and practice of evidence-based practice (EBP) and how it relates to your own clinical specialism (eg developmental language disorders, developmental speech disorders, aphasia, motor speech disorders, voice disorders, dysphagia). It is the first programme for EBP in the UK that meets the requirements of the Knowledge and Skills Framework and the professional and regulatory requirements for continuing professional development.
The programme provides training in the principles of EBP including: formulating answerable clinical questions; searching for current best evidence; critically appraising the evidence in terms of methodological quality; integrating critical appraisal with clinical expertise and the client's values; evaluating effectiveness in applying these elements and seeking ways to improve them in the future. Research training also covers broader themes and issues such as research governance and management within the NHS; and qualitative and quantitative methods related to clinical research.
All modules are delivered in blocks of 3-4 days to be compatible with full- or part-time professional practice. Module content is focussed on applying skills to your area of clinical expertise with the aim of increasing both academic and clinical knowledge. Many of the modules are available on a standalone credit accumulation and transfer (CAT) basis, for practitioners following a CPD route. You will therefore have a stimulating and interesting mix of peers in each module.
For the MSc programme, you take seven taught modules and undertake a research project in your workplace that will form the basis of your dissertation and poster. Part-time MSc students have a total of 19 contact days over two years. Full-time candidates will complete the taught and research project modules in one year.
Part-time MSc students undertake a clinical research project, written up as a dissertation, with an accompanying poster, that examines a new or existing area of clinical practice. The project can be a pilot study that could provide a foundation for subsequent research or a publishable study in its own right. Full-time MSc students can undertake a systematic review in an area of interest.
Find out more detailed information about the programme modules
If you are undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) you take taught modules to a value of 120 credits. Students studying for the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) take taught modules to a value of 60 credits.
This programme links with the programme of CPD modules in speech and language sciences. There are several flexible routes to obtain a qualification that are also compatible with full- or part-time professional practice. See the CPD website for more information: www.ncl.ac.uk/ecls/sltcpd
Normally you must meet the following criteria:
(i) hold an upper-second-class or first-class Honours degree, or a Master’s degree, or equivalent, that leads to a qualification as a speech and language therapist
(ii) be 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)
(iii) all part time students must have a minimum of one year’s post-qualification experience working as a speech and language therapist
(iv) for students studying part time to master’s level you must be able to provide a reference from a relevant clinical service manager (employer) indicating that you have approval in principle to conduct a research project within your clinical service.
We strongly encourage applicants, particularly from Europe and overseas, who do not hold the relevant academic qualification (see above) but who do have extensive clinical experience to apply for this programme and discuss their application with the Programme Director, Dr Helen Stringer helen.stringer@ncl.ac.uk.
If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in listening and speaking, or equivalent.
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has rules for international students regarding minimum English language requirements.
International Students, consult your own government for funding. The University offers International Scholarships, and there are funding opportunities by external organisations available.
Students should consult their employers for sponsorship opportunities.
Visit our postgraduate application site.
There is no closing date for this programme. However, international students applying for September 2013 entry should apply by Friday 12 July 2013 to ensure that they have time to put appropriate arrangements in place.
Please note: As a formal condition of the offer to study at Newcastle University, students from outside the UK/EU are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship for their chosen programme. The deposit payment is non refundable, but will be deducted from tuition fees upon registration.
For further information please contact:
Gillian Cavagan
School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 7388
E-mail: speech@ncl.ac.uk
This programme is within the subject area of Linguistics, Speech and Language Sciences.