Master of Speech and Language Sciences
MSpeech Honours
- UCAS code: B62M
- Full time
- 4 years
- Next start date: September 2022
Our accredited Master of Speech and Language Sciences degree will prepare you for a career as a leader in speech and language therapy.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £22200
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAB
- IB: 35 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This four-year Master of Speech and Language Science MSpeech Honours degree focuses on developing your leadership and research skills. This will enable you to consider the role of the speech and language therapist, including as a future leader of the profession.
You will gain a thorough understanding of all areas necessary to undertake speech and language therapy practice, through case-based teaching – where you'll discuss real-life scenarios – and high levels of clinical work.
You will study core modules in speech and language pathology. These include causes, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of a range of speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders in adults and children.
Clinical experience during every year of the course will allow you to put this theory into practice, providing you with a scientifically orientated, and theoretical understanding, of Speech and Language Therapy. This ensures you graduate a confident, competent and highly skilled speech and language therapist.
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Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
Quality and ranking
- 3rd in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2022 (Speech and Language Sciences category)
- 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
Professional accreditation
Our BSc Speech and Language Therapy and Master's in Speech and Language Sciences degrees are monitored and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
Successful completion of this degree provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a speech and language therapist and to apply for membership of the RCSLT.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
We lay the foundation for later work with topics including anatomy and physiology of speech and language, linguistics and phonetics, developmental psychology, child language and development, clinical education, speech and language pathology and research methods.
You will be introduced to case-based problem-solving and case management. You will observe speech and language therapists at work, and complete a child study, working with a child and their family to observe and analyse typical development.
Modules
You will continue to study linguistics, phonetics, psychology and speech and language pathology. You will learn to apply problem-based learning to cases of developmental and acquired communication disorder. You will start to take responsibility for the assessment and treatment of clients in our campus clinics under the supervision of expert staff.
Modules
You will undertake clinical placements with different client groups in a range of speech and language therapy services, including: hospitals; nurseries; schools; rehabilitation settings; and charities.
You will continue to develop your knowledge and understanding related to specific client groups such as clients with autism or dementia. You will apply your knowledge to the understanding of communication and swallowing disorders.
There is an increasing consideration of research in practice and how speech and language therapists can contribute to the evidence base.
Modules
You will continue to build on your knowledge and understanding of the professional context of clinical practice and relevant legislation. There is an in-depth consideration of the role of the speech and language therapist, not only as a clinician, but also as advocates for and future leaders of the profession.
You will carry out further placements within the local community, complete a project related to service evaluation and conduct an independent research project.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Methods in Practice IV | 60 |
| Professional Issues and Leadership | 20 |
| Clinical and Professional Education IV | 40 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
We use innovative teaching methods and models in our academic and clinical teaching. Case-based teaching and problem-based learning accompanies lectures and seminars. You will also benefit from the experience and expertise of our visiting lecturers who are experts in their field.
Our teaching methods develop deep learning, critical thinking, reflection skills and creativity. This enables you to deal with the diverse nature of Speech and Language Therapy practice.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reflective report/journal
-
Reports
-
Seminar tasks/exercises
Skills and experience
Practical skills
You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including our language analysis lab for the transcription and analysis of recorded samples of language.
You'll also have access to our campus clinics, the Children's Speech and Language Clinic, and the Tavistock Aphasia Centre. You will benefit from observing qualified therapists at work, and begin your clinical work experience treating both adults and children with communication difficulties.
Professional skills
Your practical, workplace skills will be developed through clinical experiences which are embedded throughout your degree programme. You'll have extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of clients with communication and swallowing difficulties.
You will carry out a clinical service-based project evaluating an aspect of service delivery during your fourth year, which gives you further exposure to clinical work.
Research skills
You will consolidate your knowledge of research methods and skills, applying them as you complete your dissertation project.
Chat to a student
I chose Speech and Language Sciences at Newcastle because of the passionate department of experienced academics who are at the top of their field. Newcastle was exactly what I was looking for as a supportive learning and social environment.
Opportunities
You will undertake a variety of work placements throughout your degree.
The clinical placement opportunities embedded throughout your degree will provide you with the clinical experience you need to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
This experience will include:
- video and live observations of a range of clients with communication difficulties
- child study – working with a child and their family to observe and analyse typical development
- clinical placements in our in-house campus clinics: The Children’s Speech and Language Clinic, and The Tavistock Aphasia Centre throughout your second year
- a series of external placements, including a service evaluation project, in local settings such as hospitals, clinics and schools during your third and fourth years
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a speech and language sciences student, you'll be based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at our city-centre campus.
You will benefit from excellent facilities, including well established in-house clinics. These are equipped with observational facilities and the latest recording technology to maximise your learning.
Facilities include:
- The Children's Speech and Language Clinic, dedicated to working with children
- The Tavistock Aphasia Centre, dedicated to working with adults with acquired communication difficulties
You will also have access to:
- a language analysis lab for transcription and analysis of recorded samples of language
- our resource centre
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Our Master of Speech and Languages Sciences degree provides a direct pathway to a career as a qualified speech and language therapist. The successful completion of this degree provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a speech and language therapist and to apply for membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
Most speech and language therapist graduates become employed by the NHS to work in hospitals, clinics, paediatric assessment centres, adult rehabilitation centres or in the community.
Speech and language therapists usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team, alongside other health professionals such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Once you qualify, you can specialise in a particular area of speech and language therapy.
If you wish to work with language-disordered children in a classroom setting, you may want to take a one-year teaching qualification (PGCE) after your degree.
A number of our graduates have also gone on to take up research posts.
Make a difference
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Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
A Level
AAB
International Baccalaureate
35 points
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Contextual offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Important information for students
Students undertaking a Speech and Language Science degree have unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults. The School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences must ensure students undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to confirm they are fit to practise.
The School reserves the right to discontinue the studies of any student who receives an unsatisfactory DBS disclosure.
Visit the UK Government's website for more DBS information
What we are looking for in applicants
You'll need the following to study this degree:
- excellent spoken and written communication and organisational skills
- to be able to work in a physically demanding environment (e.g. on clinical placement)
- emotional resilience when helping people who find it hard to communicate
- to be personally attuned to the NHS values as stated in the NHS constitution
You will be asked to undertake Occupational Health checks prior to the course. Find out more about how health conditions and disabilities may affect your studies and the support that will be available:
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2022 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£22200
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Read more about fees and funding
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.
NHS Learning Support Fund
You may be eligible for a Training Grant of up to £5,000 per academic year, plus financial support, via the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
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