masters personal statement example speech and language therapy

Speech and Language Therapy Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4.1 Apprenticeship
• 5 Similar Courses in UK
• 6 UK Curriculum
• 7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Example Links

• Personal Statement Example 1
• Personal Statement Example 2
• Personal Statement Example 3
• Personal Statement Example 4
• Personal Statement Example 5
• Personal Statement Example 6 (for reference)

Ever been captivated by the intricacies of human communication? Inspired by the idea of helping individuals overcome speech and language difficulties?

If so, a career as a Speech and Language Therapist could be your ideal journey. This rewarding field equips you with the knowledge and skills to diagnose, treat and support individuals with a range of communication disorders.

It also offers a fulfilling and rewarding opportunity for university applicants who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.

As an SLT, you will work with individuals of all ages, addressing a diverse range of communication and swallowing disorders resulting from various causes, such as developmental delays, learning disabilities, neurological conditions, or physical impairments.

SLTs are in high demand across various settings, including hospitals, schools, community health centres, and private practices.

To become a qualified SLT, you will need to complete an accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy, followed by registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

This profession not only requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills but also a strong foundation in linguistics, psychology, and anatomy.

As an SLT, you will have the unique opportunity to empower individuals, improve their quality of life, and create lasting, positive change.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

Career Opportunities

A Speech and Language Therapy degree provides graduates with a range of career opportunities in a variety of industries and sectors. With a Speech and Language Therapy degree, graduates can pursue careers as Speech and Language Therapists, Audiologists, Clinical Educators, Rehabilitation Specialists, and Research Scientists.

Speech and Language Therapists work with individuals who have communication and swallowing difficulties, including those with autism, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities. They assess and diagnose communication disorders, develop treatment plans, and provide therapeutic intervention. Speech and Language Therapists also work with families, teachers, and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Audiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. They use a variety of tests and techniques to assess hearing and balance, and they provide hearing aid fittings, hearing aid repairs, and counseling services. Audiologists also work with physicians, educators, and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.

To transfer across to audiology, you’ll need to complete the NHS Practitioner Training Programme in healthcare science (audiology). This is a 3-year training scheme and includes a mix of on the job training and study.

To work as an audiologist in the private sector, you’ll need to do an audiology degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

Clinical Educators provide education and training to healthcare professionals , students, and patients. They develop and deliver educational programs, evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs, and provide consultation services. Clinical Educators also work with healthcare professionals to ensure that their patients receive the best possible care.

Rehabilitation Specialists provide rehabilitation services to individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. They assess and diagnose disabilities, develop treatment plans, and provide therapeutic intervention.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into a university course in Speech and Language Therapy in the UK, applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English, Maths, and a Science subject. Additionally, applicants must have either an A Level in a relevant subject, such as Psychology, or a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

You’ll need a degree in speech and language therapy that’s approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

If you’ve got a relevant degree, you could do a 2-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has useful resources to help you prepare for a career in speech and language therapy.

You may be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

UK Earnings Potential For SLTs

The average salary for a speech and language therapist in the UK is £37,570 per year. This figure is based on data from the Office for National Statistics. The salary range for speech and language therapists is typically between £27,000 and £47,000.

The job market for speech and language therapists is growing, with an estimated 6% increase in job openings over the next 5 years. This growth is driven by an aging population and an increased demand for speech and language therapy services. Additionally, the UK government has made a commitment to expanding the number of speech and language therapists in the NHS, which will create more job opportunities.

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a speech and language therapist degree apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete.

If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to gain a masters qualification as part of the apprenticeship.

If you are already working as a speech and language therapy assistant you may be able to apply to do the degree apprenticeship with your current employer. You would need to meet all their entry requirements for the apprenticeship.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has more information on this apprenticeship.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Speech and Language Therapy include:

1. Audiology: Audiology is the study of hearing and balance disorders, and involves the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. The key difference between Audiology and Speech and Language Therapy is that Audiology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders, while Speech and Language Therapy focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.

2. Speech and Language Science: Speech and Language Science is the study of the structure and function of human communication. It covers topics such as language development, language processing, and speech production. The key difference between Speech and Language Science and Speech and Language Therapy is that Speech and Language Science is more focused on the theoretical aspects of communication, while Speech and Language Therapy is more focused on the practical aspects of communication.

UK Curriculum

The Speech and Language Therapy course at UK universities typically covers a range of topics, including anatomy and physiology of the speech and language systems, communication and language development, language disorders, speech and language assessment, and intervention strategies.

The course also covers a range of modules, such as clinical linguistics, clinical phonetics, language and communication development, and speech and language therapy. These modules provide students with an in-depth understanding of how language and communication work in the human body.

In addition to the theoretical aspects of the course, students also gain hands-on experience through practical work. This includes supervised clinical placements in which students observe and participate in the assessment and treatment of individuals with communication and language disorders. This provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired during the course to real-life situations.

In addition to the clinical placements, students may also be required to complete research projects or write a dissertation. These projects allow students to explore a particular area of speech and language therapy in depth and to develop their analytical and research skills.

Overall, the Speech and Language Therapy course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of speech and language therapy. Through the combination of theoretical modules, hands-on experience, and research projects, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful speech and language therapists.

Alumni Network

Notable alumni from the Speech and Language Therapy course include Dr. Rosemary Sage , who is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Florida. Dr. Sage has made significant contributions to the field of speech and language therapy, including her research into the use of technology to improve communication in children with autism. She has also been involved in the development of innovative clinical practices and has published numerous articles and books on the subject.

In addition to Dr. Sage, other notable alumni include Dr. John Costello , who is the Director of the Speech and Language Therapy Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Dr. Susan Wortman-Jutt, who is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Both of these individuals have made important contributions to the field of speech and language therapy, including their research into the use of technology to improve communication in children with autism.

The university offers a number of alumni events and networking opportunities for students and alumni of the Speech and Language Therapy course. These include an annual alumni reunion, which provides an opportunity for alumni to connect with each other and learn about the latest developments in the field. In addition, the university also hosts an annual alumni networking event, which allows alumni to network with each other and learn about potential job opportunities.

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Unique Personal Statements for Speech and Language Therapy

Table of Contents

Speech and language therapy courses help prospective healthcare professionals improve their interpersonal and communication abilities and learn therapeutic skills. A personal statement speech and language therapy is your chance to impress employers with your talents, experience, and goals.

This article discusses how to write a fascinating SLT personal statement and gives samples of good, thought-provoking ones.

What to Include in a Personal Statement for SLT

If you want to study SLT in college, you’ll need to show that you’re committed to the field in your statement. Here are some points to prioritize while writing your statement;

Proven reading depth in relevant fields supports the applicant’s claim that they know more than “what an SLT does.”

• Justify your interest in and suitability for the profession.
• Mention past work experiences.
• Demonstrate your knowledge on SLT.
• Explain your range of transferable skills.

Great Examples of Personal Statement Speech and Language Therapy

These INK examples show the variety of the information that can be included in a personal statement. It should be easy to get started writing your statement as soon as you are finished reading the examples.

I am an experienced Speech and language therapist passionate about helping others communicate effectively. My expertise lies in supporting children, adolescents, and adults to overcome speech impediments that impact their everyday lives. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of therapy on many occasions. I have seen individuals gain confidence and make strides toward independence.

Throughout my career, I have strived to remain abreast of current best practices, attending courses to stay apprised of advances in the field. Additionally, I regularly conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide direct therapy sessions tailored to each individual’s needs. Through innovative techniques and creative strategies, I’ve achieved positive outcomes for patients who had previously felt hopeless.

I understand that communication is not just about words; it involves body language and non-verbal cues. Thus, I always strive to create a safe environment where clients can feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment. This approach has allowed me to help many people discover their voice—and use it boldly!

I am excited by the prospect of using my skills and enthusiasm to support even more individuals as a Speech and Language Therapist.

As a Speech and Language Therapist with over two decades of experience, I have witnessed the transformative power of communication in my clients’ lives. From helping children develop language skills to supporting survivors, SLT has afforded me meaningful opportunities to change people’s lives positively.

My commitment to excellence is rooted in the belief that empathy is our most powerful tool as therapists. I understand the unique needs and experiences of every individual. This motivates me to strive for innovation in developing custom-tailored programs tailored for each client’s specific goals.

I am passionate about using creative approaches such as board games and stories to engage clients and provide them with an enjoyable learning environment.

It is rewarding to observe firsthand how even minor improvements can bring great joy and confidence to a person’s life. Having dedicated so many years to this profession, I look forward to continuing to serve my community by delivering high-quality care and compassionate support.

Final Words

A personal statement for speech and language therapy introduces you to the school and what you have to offer as a candidate .

So, it’s essential to know how much information to include and how to capture the attention and win over the admission officers.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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• Speech and language therapy
• Become a speech and language therapist

University degrees

Applying for a speech and language therapy degree.

Ready to apply for a speech and language therapy degree? Read our tips on writing a personal statement and preparing for an interview.

Page content

Applying and covid-19, reading list, other resources, writing your personal statement, preparing for an interview, diversity and inclusion.

Getting some relevant work experience can make a big difference to your chances of being accepted on a speech and language therapy degree course.

However, during the coronavirus pandemic, access to work experience for prospective students has been in short supply.

Universities that provide speech and language therapy courses understand this situation, so don’t worry if you haven’t been able to secure work experience due to the pandemic.

Your chances of being accepted on a speech and language therapy course will not be affected.

These books will give you an understanding of some of the conditions and disabilities a speech and language therapist might help to support.

You can use some of the insights from these books to support your university application.

• The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby – A memoir where the writer describes his life before and after suffering a stroke that left him with locked-in syndrome.
• The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic by Siena Castellon – Advice and tips to help autistic girls live their best lives.
• A Stitch of Time: The Year a Brain Injury Changed My Language and Life by Lauren Marks – One woman’s journey to regaining her language and identity after a brain aneurysm affects her ability to communicate.
• Adventures in the Mainstream: Coming of Age with Down Syndrome by Greg Palmer – A father chronicles two of the most important years in the life of his son, who has Down syndrome.
• The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks – The famous neurologist Dr Oliver Sacks recounts the stories of patients struggling to adapt to their neurological disorders.
• My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor – A doctor’s first-hand account of a stroke and the process of recovery.
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon – A murder mystery in which the protagonist is 15 years old with Asperger’s Syndrome.
• Let me finish: A rare insight into living with a lifelong stammer by Paul O’Meara – A memoir about navigating the world as someone who stammers.

When writing a personal statement or preparing for an interview to study speech and language therapy, you can draw on the following resources to develop your understanding of the profession and what it means to be a speech and language therapist.

RCSLT resources

• RCSLT careers guide booklet (PDF)
• RCSLT podcasts
• Easy evidence-based practice webinar
• Public health and communication needs webinar
• Putting children, young people and their parents at the centre of decision making webinar
• Videos about speech and language therapy

External resources

The following service user organisations, charities and support groups offer valuable resources and insights for prospective SLTs:

• The Communications Trust
• Speech and Language UK
• British Stammering Association
• Stroke Association
• LGBT Foundation: how to be an ally to trans people
• Down’s Syndrome Association
• National Autistic Society

When writing your personal statement or preparing for an interview at university to study speech and language therapy, you will need to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the profession.

Tips from university speech and language therapy university admission tutors and what they look for when reviewing applications:

• Evidence of wide and diverse reading to support the applicant’s understanding of their choice, which goes beyond more that ‘what an SLT does’.
• An explanation of why the applicant wants to train as a speech and language therapist and what makes them suitable for this degree and career.
• An application specifically tailored to a speech and language therapy course.
• Evidence that the applicant has undertaken research into the speech and language therapy profession and what they learned as a result.
• Skills from all parts of life that the applicant can bring to the profession.
• An understanding of what might be important from a service user’s perspective.
• An understanding of how the applicant’s personal values align with those of the NHS constitution.

Already been offered an interview? Congratulations!

Here are some of our tips to help you feel confident on the day:

• We want applicants to feel they can bring their authentic selves to interview and to the world of speech and language therapy.
• It’s also important to show how your values line up with those in the NHS or in other places SLTs work, such as schools or in independent practice.
• Do you need adjustments to help you access an interview? Ask the university when you apply.
• Cost of travel limiting your options? Don’t be afraid to ask if a virtual interview is possible. If not, ask about the policy for covering travel expenses.

Helpful resources

• UCAS – undergraduate interview invitations

The RCSLT wants to encourage more students from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds to become speech and language therapists. A diverse profession makes for a stronger profession. A diverse workforce helps us to reflect the communities we serve.

The RCSLT has compiled this anti-racist reading and resources list to support learning on the subject .

Read our joint statement with universities that provide speech and language therapy degrees on how we are supporting equality, diversity and inclusion for student SLTs.

Related content

Find out where you can study

Why choose speech and language therapy?

What makes the profession special

What is speech and language therapy

Learn what SLTs do and where they work

Is something wrong with this page? Submit feedback

How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 100,102 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

Related Articles:

How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation for Students (10 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).

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• Postgraduate study
• Postgraduate taught courses

Speech and Language Therapy

Explore this course:.

School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health

Course description

This course qualifies you to practise as a speech and language therapist. When you graduate, you’ll be able to work in a range of settings including schools, hospitals, care homes, nurseries, clinics and clients’ homes. 

You will study a wide variety of difficulties that adults and children can have with communicating and/or eating, drinking and swallowing. Topics range from anatomy and physiology, and their relationship with speech and language pathology, to the psychological and sociological factors that can affect communication.

The course also gives you practical knowledge of how to assess communication or eating, drinking and swallowing difficulty, identify suitable interventions and manage an individual's case. You will learn how to base clinical decisions on the latest research and work with carers, teachers and family members to support the people you are working with. You will also complete  pre-registration eating, drinking and swallowing competencies .

This training will be put into practice and developed through a series of clinical placements, both within the University of Sheffield’s in-house speech and language therapy clinic and in a variety of health and education settings. The course is led by a supportive team of clinical and research specialists, including speech and language therapists, psychologists, audiologists, linguists, information technologists, and medical practitioners.

Accreditation

This course is approved by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council.

An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

Find out what makes us special at our next online open day on  Wednesday 17 April 2024 .

You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour. Open days and campus tours

2 years full-time (five days a week)

3 years part-time (three days a week)

Study days for part-time students vary by semester and the standard pattern is given below. There may be circumstances during the course where study days are different from this, but we will inform you in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

• First year, semester one: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 
• First year, semester two: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 
• Second year, semester one: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 
• Second year, semester two: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 
• Third year, semester one: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 
• Third year, semester two: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

You will learn through lectures, workshops, tutorials, supervised clinical placements and self-directed learning. We use a case-based and inquiry-based approach, as well as small-group teaching, to give you an interactive learning experience.

Placements start in semester one and carry on throughout the programme. During semesters one and two, placements run alongside teaching, so that you can link the topics you are studying to clinical practice. You will then spend part of the summer each year on clinical placements.

Full-time students also spend four weeks (20 days) on clinical placement over the summer at the end of level one and five weeks (25 days) in the summer of level two.

Part-time students also spend 20 days on clinical placement over the summer at the end of level one, then 15 days in the summer of level two and 15 days in the summer of level three.

Usually, summer placements also take place over three days a week, on the same days of the week as semester two of that year – so you would complete 20 days on placement in the summer of level one over seven weeks, for example. However, these dates can be more flexible over the summer, if a different schedule would be more suitable and this can be arranged with your placement provider.

You will be assessed through exams, coursework, evaluation of your clinical practice and, in your final year, a dissertation.

Your career

Graduates from this course are able to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and practise as speech and language therapists.

Speech and language therapists are in high demand, and there are plenty of opportunities to specialise in areas such as mental health, stammering, hearing impairment, learning difficulties, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, or neurological impairments.

Many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers within NHS trusts, schools, charities, private practices or the justice system. Others choose to go on to further postgraduate study and a career in research.

Student profiles

Charlie Gascoyne, Speech and Language Therapy

“The most rewarding thing for me studying at Sheffield was the support of the university and how enjoyable it was working alongside a diverse group of people, who were all excellent at helping each other and sharing ideas to benefit the whole cohort” explains Charlie.

I’ve begun my SLT journey working in acute stroke wards, but as for the future? Watch this space!

Abigail was drawn to a career as a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) after realising what a difference they make to people’s lives. She explains what she enjoyed most about our in-house placements, and how she landed a graduate job in her second year hospital rotation!

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree.

We may consider your application if you have a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree and your practical experience is particularly strong.

DBS disclosure and health screening

You must produce an enhanced DBS disclosure and complete a health screening before starting the course.

In your personal statement (no more than two pages) you must:

• outline your reasons for applying to train as a speech and language therapist
• demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the speech and language therapy profession
• discuss how your academic/professional/personal background has prepared you for this postgraduate course. We welcome applicants who have backgrounds in unrelated fields as long as they can demonstrate their interest for, and knowledge about, speech and language therapy
• clearly describe and reflect on relevant experiences and research you have undertaken to prepare yourself for this programme
• provide evidence that your personal values and behaviours align with the NHS constitution

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists provides useful resources to help support your university application for a speech and language therapy degree .

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted for interview.

Part-time study is only available for those who do not require a visa to study in the UK. 

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual and specific feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted for interview or who do not receive an offer for a place on the course. 

All new students must obtain occupational health clearance, which may require an individual assessment. This is to ensure that you meet the fitness to practice standards detailed on the  Higher Education Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) guidance .

We offer support to students with additional needs, for example, through the  Disability and Dyslexia Support Service  or  Student Support Services . You can find out more about the  network of support services  we provide. A very small number of conditions might, on health and safety grounds, affect your registration with the appropriate regulatory body and your ability to practise in certain clinical situations.

If you're offered a place, you'll need to comply with the Department of Health and Social Care mandatory immunisation requirements.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department .

Fees and funding

Fees for 2 years, full-time route.

You'll receive an occupational health screening, immunisations and a DBS check on our professional programmes. These will be covered by your tuition fee. We recommend that you subscribe to the DBS update service within 30 days of your disclosure being issued (which you would need to pay for). You would need to pay for any additional DBS checks that may be required if you do not subscribe to the DBS update service.

Clinical placements are a compulsory element of the degree, which means that there will be an additional expense for travel and accommodation (where applicable).

If you are a UK student you will be able to apply for reimbursement for excess travel expenses and dual accommodation costs for placements from the NHS Learning Support Fund . In order to claim, the total cost of your daily return travel from your normal accommodation to your practice placement site must exceed the cost of your usual daily return travel to university.

If you travel to placement in your own motor vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for all risks associated with its use (i.e. this includes obtaining business use on your insurance policy). This cannot be reimbursed.

For EU and international students the additional placement costs will be self-funded.

Eligible  English domiciled students  on pre-registration postgraduate healthcare courses can apply for funding from Student Finance England using the undergraduate funding process. You can access this support even if you have received loans to study an undergraduate or postgraduate course before. More information can be found on the government and NHS websites:

• Gov.uk - Student finance for undergraduates - Eligibility
• NHS - Financial support at university

Further information about the undergraduate funding available can be found on our government loans and support  web pages.

If you live in one of the  devolved nations , you may be able to access support from your funding provider. Awards and eligibility criteria vary.

• Wales -  Student Finance Wales
• Northern Ireland -  Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Scotland -  Student Awards Agency Scotland

As a postgraduate student, you cannot apply for undergraduate scholarships.

NHS Learning Support Fund

Eligible students may also be able to apply to the  NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) .

Applications for 2024 entry have now closed. Applications for 2025 entry will open in September 2024.

More information

School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery

[email protected] +44 114 222 2405

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A Guide to Postgraduate Speech and Language Therapy

27 th September 2019

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Speech and Language therapy is a rewarding and fulfilling career and popular at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, therefore the application process can be competitive. As with similar health pathways, tuition in most cases is paid for by the NHS and there are a set number of places at each institution. If you did not study a pre-registration course accredited by the HCPC (Health Care and Professionals Council) then you need to do a pre-registration, accelerated course in Speech and Language Therapy to practice as a Speech therapist.

What do speech therapists do?

Speech and language therapists (SLT) assess and treat speech, language and communication problems in people of all ages to help them better communicate. They'll also work with people who have eating and swallowing problems.

They work with people of all ages, who may have other health problems that affect their speech, or may be recovering from an accident or stroke.

Career Progression

When qualified and registered with the HCPC, the first year of work is normally spent under supervision, in order to become a full member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. This is usually a post in the NHS, which often involves working from health centres, hospital clinics and special schools. Many qualified Speech and Language therapists decide to specialise in a particular patient group or disorder, but others move around. Senior positions are in clinical specialisms, management, research and teaching..

Self-employment is an increasingly growing career path; the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)  provides support for therapists in this area.

Speech and language therapy jobs in the NHS are normally covered by the  Agenda for Change Pay Rates , but individual NHS trusts have their own terms and conditions. Speech and language therapists usually have a starting salary of £21,176 (Band 5), rising to £27,625. Other employers, like charities and local education authorities, offer similar pay. Specialist speech and language therapists (Band 6) earn £25,528 - £34,189. Advanced speech and language therapists (Band 7) can earn £30,460 - £40,157. Full-time NHS speech and language therapists work 37.5 hours a week. Hours are typically 9am to 5pm with the possibility of some extra hours as and when required.

>See all speech and language therapy courses

Interview with Jane Stokes, programme leader on the Speech and Language therapy pre-registration course run jointly by the University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church.

The application process for our programme is competitive - we routinely get 200 applications for 28 places, so a ratio of about 7 to 1. This is similar to the ratio nationally which is about 8 to 1.

How can applicants improve their chances of getting a place on the course?

To improve their chances of being accepted, applicants should obtain as much information about speech and language therapy by shadowing therapists working, by gaining experience in health, education or social care settings generally, by attending open days at the university, or by finding out about the profession through reading.

On this programme, the typical student has already worked either paid or in a voluntary capacity in a health, education or social care setting. They have had some personal or professional experience of people with communication difficulties and have a commitment to developing their skills in interacting and communicating with people who have difficulties. The typical student has a first degree in a related subject - linguistics, psychology, biological sciences, or Early Years, although we do accept students who have other degrees as long as they have relevant experience.

What are the main strengths of the course?

The main strength of the course is that it has a strong practice focus, and is founded on the principle that it provides the workforce with effective, autonomous and safe practitioners. We encourage personal development as a feature of the programme and introduce the students to people with communication disorders early on in the programme so that they can understand the impact of communication difficulty on daily life. There is also a strong emphasis on self directed learning. The student group is diverse and we welcome the contributions that experienced people bring to their studies.

The course is intensive, as it covers in two years, what an undergraduate will cover in four years. We ask students to consider the course as full time, not to expect to be able to do much paid work during the two years, and therefore the best way to prepare for the course is to ensure that they have thought through the financial implications. There are no fees to pay and students can apply for a means tested bursary.

>See further details on the Greenwich and Canterbury course

Interview with Paul Turner, Senior Lecturer in Audiology and Programme Manager in the Division of Language and Communication Science at City University , London.

Ratio of applicants to places?

8 or 9 applicants per place

What can people do to improve their chance of being accepted?

Undertake some relevant work experience and reflect on what they have learned in their application to demonstrate their understanding of the types of communication difficulties people can experience and what SLTs can do about them.

What does the application process consist of?

Paper applications are scored and moderated using a detailed scoring system. We will assess applications on the basis of previous academic record (i), two references (ii), a written personal statement (iii) and a written second statement answering our additional questions (see our site  for further details).

What’s the main strength of the city course?

City is a leading provider of speech and language therapy courses in the UK with an excellent reputation.  We train more SLTs every year than any other UK university and our courses have a focus on developing clinical skills. Our graduates have achieved distinction in all areas of the profession, including as clinical experts, senior managers of services and internationally recognised research leaders.

How intense is the course? How can students prepare for this?

Generally students have four full days per week (three at University and one on placement). Students can prepare by studying our pre-course reading list and getting sufficient suitable experience so that they are sure that Speech and Language Therapy is the right career choice for them.

What is the typical pathway of a graduate?

Following successful completion of the course they register with the Health and Care Professions Council and move to a Band 5 Therapy job for a probationary year under the supervision of a senior therapist. Career progression can be in clinical specialisation, management, research or education.

Has the profession changed in recent years?

 If yes, how have courses and students adapted? There is increasing pressure on clinicians to demonstrate evidence-based practice. There has also been growing recognition that the patient’s/ user’s perspective on health services is paramount.  Both are priorities for the course. Our expert academics are leaders in the field of speech and language therapy and renowned worldwide for their teaching and research and we employ SLT users and carers as part of the teaching for professional studies.

>Search all Speech Therapy courses

- It’s important to be sure it is for you and prove you have shown an interest through work experience.

- Competition is tough, so you may need to spend more time volunteering or working in related sectors to stand a chance at gaining entry, you might have to apply more than once and perhaps to a centre located in a different part of the country.

MSc Courses

For registered therapists wishing to further their knowledge or pursue an area of expertise there are also MSc and PhD courses available at UK universities, covering various areas, some examples include: Speech Technology Research, Speech Difficulties and Cleft Palate Research. 

We spoke to Professor Shula Chiat , from City University about the MSc Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Speech, Language and Communication)

Roughly one applicant per place, but not all applicants are suitable, so our applicants do not exceed our places.

This programme is not competitive. We don’t reach our target numbers because the field of speech and language therapy is small, and not that many clinicians want to undertake postgraduate study; the number of non-clinical applicants (also eligible to take the course) is very small. Hence applicants who meet our entry criteria will be accepted. Applicants who do not meet our entry criteria may succeed if they undertake further preparation. For example, overseas applicants who do not meet the English language requirement need to take a further course in English; applicants who have a clinical qualification but do not show sufficient understanding of the programme and readiness for research-oriented studies might increase their chances of acceptance if they take a course preparing students for postgraduate study.

Completion of the application form, including personal statement; two references; and an interview conducted by Programme Director. The decision to offer a place can often be determined from the application. The interview serves as a further check that applicants have a good understanding of the programme they are applying for, and gives them an opportunity to discuss what they want from the programme, indicate their main interests and likely module choices, and ask further questions about the programme. For applicants whose first language is not English, it provides further evidence of English language skills to supplement their score on the English language test.

What’s the main strength of the City course?

The main strength is that it supports students to develop their knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical and research skills in their particular areas of interest. More specifically, it gives students the opportunity to:

- Learn about the latest theoretical and clinical developments in key areas of speech and language therapy through lectures, seminars and student-led workshops

- Collaborate with staff who are internationally recognised researchers in their field

- Gain a better understanding of speech, language and communication problems from the client's perspective

- Conduct a research project under expert supervision, building on the knowledge and skills gained.

This course is not very intense, with teaching supplemented by many hours of self-study. Full-time students attend taught courses on average two days a week through the Autumn and Spring terms. Each term is eleven weeks, with a break for reading week in the middle.  During the term they are expected to read extensively, prepare for group discussions and workshops in their modules, and they may have assignments in some. The main assignment for each module comes at the end of the term and can be completed in the vacation. Students have up to one year after completing the taught programme to complete the research dissertation required for the MSc qualification.

Most students are already clinically qualified, and the MSc will help them obtain higher grade and specialist posts. It also prepares them for undertaking research, and a small proportion of graduates go on to undertake MPhil/PhD studies and/or take up lecturing posts.

  Has the profession c hanged in recent years? If yes, how have courses and students adapted?

There is increasing pressure on clinicians to demonstrate evidence-based practice. There has also been growing recognition that the patient’s/ user’s perspective on health services is paramount.  Both are priorities for the course. Clinical and research methods modules  give students access to current evidence in specific clinical areas and disorders and develop their skills in evaluating and collecting evidence.  The programme offers one module (‘Identity, inclusion and living with disability’) that focuses on users’ perspectives and includes presentations by users; the importance of users’ experience is a strand in all other clinical modules.

A further change in the profession has been the result of cut-backs in NHS funding for continuing professional development, including payment of MSc fees and time off to undertake an MSc. This has reduced the number of UK clinicians on the course. At the same time, the number of non-UK students has grown, with students who have completed a BSc degree in their home country wishing to obtain a Masters-level qualification.

Useful Links

-  HCPC (Health Care and Professions council)

-  Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

-  NHS (funding)

-   S tamma

-  ICAN (Charity supporting speech, language and communication development in children)

>Search all Speech Therapy Courses

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Related courses

Msc speech and language therapy (pre-registration), manchester metropolitan university, speech and language therapy msc, city, university of london, phd/ mphil speech & language therapy, university of strathclyde, university of essex, language pathology msc, newcastle university, your next steps.

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• MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration)

Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration)

If a child can’t form words, how can they communicate? How does a client eat when her ability to swallow was damaged by a stroke? If a teenager suffers a traumatic brain injury, can he learn to speak or read again?

Course overview

Our MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration) course is an accelerated, two-year postgraduate course aimed at graduates who wish to prepare to practise as a registered speech and language therapist. Our course content reflects the values of the NHS constitution and combines theory and practical sessions over 45 weeks per year. 

On the course, you’ll study topics including early language delay, traumatic brain injury, and difficulties swallowing (dysphagia). You’ll also explore areas such as autism and fluency, phonological delay and disorder, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. We aim to prepare you to work across a variety of settings with both children and adults. 

To fund your postgraduate pre-registration MSc Speech and Langua...

What you need to know

• When does the course start? September 2024

Full-time: 2 years 

• Where will I study this course? Manchester

Features and benefits

Course information.

On our MSc Speech and Language Therapy course, you’ll explore some of the issues you might face working as a modern speech and language therapist. We aim to prepare you to work across a range of settings and treat patients across their lifespan. 

You'll explore issues faced in a paediatric setting, such as working with children with developmental language disorder or who are unable to produce speech sounds. You’ll also look at issues in adults, including communication and swallowing impairments in a range of conditions such as strokes and, Parkinson’s disease. 

As well as teaching from our academic team, you may have guest lectures with practitioners. Previous speakers include specialist speech and language therapists and psychologists. 

In your first year, we usually focus on teaching you the theory to develop your knowledge of speech and language. You’ll learn through a variety of methods, including case-based learning. This allows you to practice assessing scenarios and applying the theory you have learned to cases you may come across on your placement. 

You’ll learn how to use intervention materials, assessments, and specialist computer programmes. We have a team of technicians to help you master specialist equipment and you’ll use these skills on your clinical placements. 

Your second year of our course tends to focus on placements and your dissertation, as well as continuing your theoretical education. You’ll typically spend at least 525 hours on placements and practice-based learning during the two years of this course, working in settings including hospitals, schools and clinics across the North West. 

Past dissertation topics have included research projects investigating midwives’ experiences of multi-disciplinary working with speech and language therapists, investigating staff experiences of managing children’s swallowing difficulties in a school setting and, investigating support workers’ understanding of supporting speech, language and communication. 

Outside of studying, you can join our Speech Society, which is mainly run by the speech and language therapy students on our undergraduate degree. They organise a series of talks, workshops and events to help promote speech and language therapy and develop your knowledge outside of the classroom. 

You may also have the opportunity to apply to work on research projects with our academic team. Students recently helped to collect and input data as part of a speech therapy trial within primary schools, with Dr Julie Lachkovic . 

Accreditations, Awards and Endorsements

Endorsement.

Health and Care Professions Council

accreditation

Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

Over the first year of your course, you'll cover the following units.

Some units may span your second year of study too.

Applied Psychology

Through this unit, we'll provide you with an introduction to developmental, cognitive and social psychology relevant for Speech and Language Therapy practice. You'll learn about child development, memory, perception, personality, health psychology and community psychology.

Clinical Theory 1 (Developmental Speech, Language and Communication Disorders)

In this unit you'll explore the role of the Speech and Language Therapist in the remediation of developmental Speech Language and Communication difficulties. A clinical placement involving working with children forms part of the required learning experience for this unit. This will enable you to clinically apply the learning you've carried out in the directed and student-centred learning associated with this unit, giving you practical experience of working with a range of paediatric clients.

Clinical Theory 2 (Acquired Speech, Language, Communication and Swallowing Disorders)

In this unit you'll focus on the most common acquired impairments of speech, language, communication and swallowing. Using cases, you'll examine the clinical, psychological and biological aspects of a range of acquired conditions. A clinical placement involving working with adults forms part of the required learning experience for this unit. This will enable you to clinically apply the learning you have carried out in the directed and student-centred learning associated with this unit, giving you practical experience of working with a range of adult clients.

Phonetics and Phonology

We've designed this unit to introduce key theoretical concepts and practical skills in phonetics and phonology for speech and language therapy students, and provide you with an opportunity to use your skills, apply your knowledge, and critically evaluate data.

Indicative content will include:

• Articulatory, acoustic and instrumental analysis of speech sounds
• The structure of the segmental and suprasegmental system in English
• Phonological analysis of disordered and non-disordered speech
• Auditory analysis of speech, including clinical data, and its transcription at both phonemic and phonetic levels. 

Linguistics and Language Acquisition

In this unit you'll learn to recognise and analyse the structures and uses of (impaired) language and how language is acquired over the lifespan.

Theoretical content will include:

• Analysing (developmental/typical/disordered) grammar, semantics and pragmatics, and interpreting these analyses in relation to general linguistic frameworks/theories.
• Psycholinguistics, including neurolinguistics, and its use in interpreting communicative practices relevant to SLT.
• Sociolinguistics, including multilingualism and discourse analysis, and its use in interpreting communicative practices relevant to SLT.

Professional Competency in Speech and Language Therapy

In this unit, you'll develop your professional and clinical skills such as reflective practice, professional communication and knowledge of the regulatory, governance, ethical and legal frameworks within speech and language therapy. You will also apply your theoretical knowledge and develop clinical autonomy in clinical scenarios.

Study and assessment breakdown

10 credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits and an MFA 300 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

• Full-time 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 25% placement; 50% independent study
• Full-time 55% coursework; 30% practical; 15% examination

Additional information about this course

Health checks - You will be required to complete an Occupational Health Assessment to ensure that your health does not constitute a barrier to the achievement of the programme learning outcomes or eligibility to apply for registration with the professional body. This will require the completion of a health questionnaire before or during the first few weeks of your course, followed by an occupational health screening appointment which will include the consideration of appropriate immunisations. Travel costs to appointments (which will be within the Greater Manchester area) will not be covered by the University.  

Professional Suitability - Students on programmes leading to professional qualifications are required to adhere to professional standards and codes of practice during their studies. Failure to do so may lead to exclusion from the programme on the grounds of professional unsuitability. Students will be briefed about the requirements at the start of their studies. 

Course-specific regulations - Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies require students to achieve results that demonstrate their ability to practise safely. There are therefore some exceptions to the standard University Assessment Regulations for those students, for example limitations on resits and on compensation of failed marks. 

Placement options

You’ll typically spend at least 525 hours on placements during the two years of this course, working in settings including hospitals, schools and clinics across the North West. (The RCSLT require that you complete at least 525 hours). 

When you’re on a placement, you’ll collect data to complete assignments, such as an essay or case study. We work closely with our placement partners to make sure that they’re aware of the tasks you’ll need to complete. 

Your first placement, in the first term, is usually a five-day education placement in an early years setting. In the second term, you’ll begin the first of your clinical practice placements – you’ll typically spend 18 days in a paediatric setting. 

During your second year, you’ll have two placements; one in the first term and one in the second term.  You’ll work with adults for one placement in settings such as care homes and hospitals (in the neurology unit, for example) or in their homes. For the other placement you’ll work in a paediatric setting. Each of these placements  will be at least 28 days.  

During your second year of study, you'll complete the units you started in the first year. This includes the following core units:

Clinical Theory 3 (lifelong and Complex Speech, Language, Communication and Swallowing Disabilities)

This unit enables you to gain a deeper understanding of conditions that have lifelong impact on communication, and eating, drinking and swallowing. Communication difficulties that arise alongside psychosocial difficulties and sensory disabilities such as hearing impairment will also be considered. You'll then explore the integration of perspectives from biological sciences such as audiology, and psychological theory and the application of this information, including its relevance to the practice of speech and language therapy. This unit includes a paediatric placement in term 2 of this second year.

Research Methods and Dissertation

We've designed this unit to develop knowledge and understanding of the research process by completing a dissertation.

The key theme is the completion of a research-based dissertation. This will include the development of a research question, appropriate design and method (including completing appropriate ethics approval processes), data collection procedures, data analysis and evaluation. This unit runs across Year 1 and Year 2.

Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.

• a virtual experience campus tour
• chats with current students

Taught by Experts

Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.

We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum 2:1 UK undergraduate Honours degree (or international equivalent) and either have studied successfully to A-level standard or above in the last 5 years or obtained recent and significant relevant work experience (for example, working as a speech and language therapy assistant). Applicants require GCSE Mathematics or equivalent at grade C or above.

The 'personal statement' section of the application form is for you to provide additional information to support your application. Personal statement guidance can be found via the link in the 'How to apply for this course' section.    From the personal statement we are looking for information in the areas listed below. If any of these areas are not addressed in the personal statement, this may significantly disadvantage your application. You’re therefore strongly advised to include information from all the areas. Your personal statement is limited to 700 words.   The threshold score above which students are shortlisted for interview may vary from year to year.

• Reasons for choosing speech and language therapy
• Work experience
• Personal attributes, skills and values

Additional requirements:  A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate as a criminal record check is required for all students. This will be completed through the University prior to enrolment.    Satisfactory occupational health clearance is also required to participate in this course.    Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 8.0 with no less than 7.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here . 

Fees and Funding

Uk and channel island students.

Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

EU and Non-EU International Students

Full-time fee: £20,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Information

A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Costs

Specialist costs.

Optional estimate : £15 to £50 for replacement or non-standard uniforms. Optional equipment £650.

All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, you may choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. You may also need to print your assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.     Uniforms: Full uniform is provided free of charge when the course commences. If you wish to replace any item of uniform or secure additional items of uniform throughout the course (eg because it has been damaged or no longer fits) then you must order and pay for this directly with the supplier. There are certain exceptions to this, for example if you become pregnant. These are detailed in the faculty uniform policy. You can choose to purchase non-standard items such as fleeces directly from the supplier. 

placement Costs

Compulsory estimate : 2 to 12 a day whilst on placement (costs will vary considerably)

You will need to budget for travel costs to your placement which could be up to 100 kilometres from the University. Travelling time one-way should not exceed 2.5 hours, and it is rare for it to be up to the maximum limit. Travel costs to placement will vary considerably depending on where you live, the location of your placement and how you choose to travel. Information on public transport costs within Greater Manchester can be found at www.tfgm.com .     All NHS Trusts charge for car parking.

professional Costs

Compulsory estimate : DBS £0 to £135 depending on your status. Please go to our DBS webpage for more details: http://www.mmu.ac.uk/dbs/ HCPC registration fees are currently 90 for two years

Optional estimate : £36 for membership of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

DBS Checks: Before starting on your course, you must undergo a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check (Enhanced Disclosure). At the time of going to press, you do not have to pay for your first DBS check. If you cannot attend a DBS session at the University before the start of the course, you can use the UK Post Office Document Certification Service, which costs approximately £10. If you are not a UK citizen, or if you have lived in one country outside the UK for six or more months in the last five years, you must, where this is possible, obtain a police clearance certificate from the country in which you resided, in addition to the Disclosure and Barring Service check.

You must supply a certified translation if the certificate does not automatically include this. Costs vary and can include fingerprint and translation fees where required. Returning students, who have already had a DBS certificate from Manchester Met and who need a second DBS certificate, for example, due to a suspension of study, are required to pay the DBS fee. Please go to our DBS webpage for more details and for current DBS fees: http://www.mmu.ac.uk/dbs/ 

other Costs

Optional estimate : £7

You may wish to join the Manchester Met Speech, Language and Communication student society which costs approximately £7 annually.

Career Prospects

When you graduate, you’ll have the skills to work in clinical practice as a speech and language therapist with children and adults.

You can apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration to practise as a speech and language therapist. You can also apply for membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), the professional body for speech and language therapy in the UK.

PLACEMENTS AT MANCHESTER MET No matter how high our academic ambitions, our focus is always practical. So we offer more than an exciting student experience. With the skills you'll develop, the knowledge you'll learn and experience you'll gain, you can prepare for a rewarding career after you graduate.  Find out more about our clinical placements

Want to know more

Register your interest, got a question.

Applications to this course for September 2024 should be submitted via UCAS .

You should submit your application prior to the standard undergraduate admissions deadline of 31 January 2024*. Applications received after this date may still be considered but will be classed as a late application.

*This is because the pre-registration programmes will be using the undergraduate UCAS admissions service. Please double check your application before submitting to ensure that you have applied to the correct postgraduate course.

Get advice and support on making a successful application.

You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.

Manchester is your city, be part of it

Your new home, your new city, why university, related courses, speech and language therapy.

Programme Review Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology. For further information on when we may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our Terms and Conditions .

Important Notice This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most up to date information for your chosen course of study.

Confirmation of Regulator The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk .

All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan .

UCL Psychology and Language Sciences

MSc Speech and Language Therapy

This MSc is an accredited professional programme leading to qualification as a speech and language therapist (SLT).

This programme integrates theory with work-based clinical placements with adults and children with a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties.  The programme has an excellent reputation, and over 90% of graduates are working in SLT-related posts within six months of qualifying.

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Speech and Language Therapy at UCL

Captions available on youtube.

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Speech and Language Therapy at UCL: Employer Perspectives

Course benefits.

• The programme is delivered face-to-face through a combination of lectures, small group tutiorials, workshops, supervised clinical placements, practical classes and self-directed learning.  The environment in the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences is stimulating, friendly and supportive.  Collaborative peer-working features strongly throughout.  
• You will learn to apply knowledge from a range of academic subjects to speech and language therapy practice. Innovative and authentic learning methods develop necessary skills such as team-working, assessment and therapy, self-evaluation.  
• The research-based curriculum, and research project opportunities,  promote strong research skills, enabling you to evaluate and add to the profession’s evidence-base.  The programme will prepare you well for future leadership roles and ongoing engagement with applied and clinical research.  
• Clinical placements start in the first term and carry on throughout the programme.  The placements are closely linked to classroom learning.  Weekly placements allow you to see changes in clients over a period of time and to develop your skills gradually over a longer period of time, supported by your university clinical tutorials and visiting tutors.  Block placements are an opportunity to really focus on your clinical and professional skills development, supported by experienced SLTs and college tutors.  
• The Research Excellence Framework , or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. UCL is the top-ranked university in the UK for research power in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience according to the REF 2021.

Apply for 2024 entry

Why Study Speech and Language Therapy?

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Speech and Language Therapy Careers

Speech and Language Therapy is a rewarding career and there are a number of areas that SLTs work in.

Most graduates from this programme go on to work as a speech and language therapist/pathologist with adults and children who have a range of communication and swallowing difficulties.  These can include people with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, specific language impairment, learning difficulties or people who have had strokes or head injuries.  You can work in healthcare or educational settings, for example in hospitals, specialist centres, the community, schools or justice settings.

Our graduates are well placed to contribute to the evidence base for the profession through further research and to fast track into specialist or leadership positions.

Our strong links with employers ensure that you get up-to-date and relevant information to support you in preparing for and securing your first job.  Excellent university-based learning and the wide range and number of high-quality clinical placements also puts our graduates at an advantage.  As a result many of our students are offered jobs very soon after completing the course.

Graduates from our programme are highly regarded by employers (see testimonials) with over 90% working as a speech and language therapist within six months of qualifying. 

Our course equips you with transferable skills relevant to employability, such as: interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written presentation skills, collaboration and team working, critical evaluation, integration and synthesis of information, report writing, behaviour management and change.

Graduate Stories

Our speech and language therapy research.

U CL is at the forefront of international research and teaching in language, mind and behaviour, including applied clinical research in speech and language therapy.  Find out about our research which includes core issues in the in acquired communication disorder, cognitive neuroscience of language, development of language and cognition in typical and atypical populations, speech and swallowing, typical and atypical interaction.

Fitness to Practise

International applicants and english language requirements, further information.

Visit our prospectus pages to find out more about entry requirements, modules, fees, funding and the application process.

Speech and Language Therapy MSc Prospectus Page

Email us at: [email protected] .

Meet the Programme Director

Meet the Programme Team

Find out more about funding from the NHS Learning Support Fund .

Student Societies

UCL Giving Voice Society is part of a national campaign and holds events to raise awareness of Speech and Language Therapy and the difference that it can make to individuals with communication or swallowing difficulties and their families.   The Giving Voice Society have created some really interesting podcasts that you can listen to on spotify .

Chat to a student

Have more questions about studying the MSc Speech and Language Therapy programme? Chat to one of our students on Unibuddy below.

• QUICK LINKS

MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Program Overview

The Master of Science (MS) degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Hunter College prepares students for professional practice in hospitals, healthcare agencies, general and specialized clinical settings, and private practices.

Students must obtain a total of 68 credits to complete the MS Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Students matriculated in the Speech-Language Pathology curriculum are enrolled in a full time "locked" sequence of courses only. This means that part-time studies are not permitted and that the same courses are not offered every semester. The curriculum is offered in a progression of courses and students can only enroll in the order in which courses are given. Full-time enrollment requires up to 6 semesters of studies.

Degree Course Sequence

Summer - pre-1st year coursework.

The summer prior to the student's first full time semester of coursework, the following course is necessary to undertake in order to facilitate externship placement the following summer: CEDF 706 – Social, Historical, Philosophical Foundations of Education An in-depth study of the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of education and their impact on the American school.

1st Year Coursework

This link reveals the sequence of first year courses leading to a MS degree in Speech-Language Pathology. The first year curriculum is full-time, with day classes, followed by the second year of mostly evening classes to allow for attending externship. All students are required to complete courses in the sequence they are offered.

Summer Coursework - 1st Year

The summer set of classes during the first year of coursework for degree graduate students.

2nd Year Coursework

The second year of coursework for the matriculated student. Notably, practicum is only offered during weekdays and classes are usually scheduled only for the evening hours.

Summer Coursework - 2nd Year

Students needing to further enhance clinical skill-sets may enroll in this summer practicum at the end of their second year, with the understanding that their degree will not be conferred prior to September.

You must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Official score report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
• Two letters of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional sources
• A statement of purpose of approximately 500 words describing your objectives in undertaking graduate study in the desired specialization.
• Introduction to Language Science
• Phonetics of American English
• Speech and Its Production (Anatomy & Physiology)
• Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
• Introduction to Audiology
• 3 credits in biological sciences
• 3 credits in physical sciences
• 3 credits in statistics
• 6 credits in social sciences
• 3 credits in English/written expression

Providing an exceptional academic value is what we do best. See how Hunter's annual tuition compares against other top MS programs in the area.

Career Paths

The career paths for individuals with a MS in Speech-Language Pathology can vary widely, and salaries can be influenced by factors such as experience, expertise, location, and the specific field. Here are ten potential career paths and salary ranges for program graduates.

Help individuals with unwanted accents in their English speaking, working with actors, business professionals, or those seeking better assimilation. Additional certification may be required. Salary Range : $50,000-$80,000

Assist patients with aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain injury, through therapy and rehabilitation to regain or develop communication skills. High demand due to aging population and increasing stroke rates. Salary Range: $60,000-$90,000

Support individuals with severe communication disabilities using AAC technology and strategies. This involves assessing needs, selecting and implementing appropriate AAC devices and systems. Requires specialized skills and knowledge. Salary range: $55,000-$85,000

Work with infants and young children with speech and language delays or disorders by developing and implementing individualized therapy plans to promote communication development. Can work in schools, clinics, or home-based settings. Salary Range: $50,000-$75,000

Address communication and swallowing challenges in older adults, often due to dementia or stroke. Work in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. Growing demand due to aging population. Salary Range: $60,000-$90,000

Provide speech and language therapy to students with disabilities in public or private schools. Collaborate with teachers and parents to develop and implement effective therapy programs. Requires state certification and specific school-based training. Salary Range: $55,000-$85,000

Assess and treat swallowing disorders caused by various medical conditions. Develop safe and effective swallowing strategies to prevent aspiration and malnutrition. Often requires specialized training and certification. Salary Range: $65,000-$95,000

Provide speech and language therapy services remotely via video conferencing or other technology. Offers flexibility and potentially wider patient access. Requires specific training and adherence to regulations. Salary Range: $50,000-$80,000

Work with individuals with voice disorders caused by medical conditions, vocal misuse, or aging. Train patients on vocal hygiene and techniques to improve voice quality and reduce strain. May work in hospitals, clinics, or performing arts settings. Salary Range: $60,000-$90,000

Assess and treat stuttering and other fluency disorders in both children and adults. Develop individualized therapy plans to improve speech fluency and communication skills. Often benefits from specialized training. Salary Range: $55,000-$85,000

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Hunter College may consider late applications on a rolling basis pending space is still available in the program.

Some programs may extend their application deadlines beyond those listed above. Please contact Graduate Admissions for specific information. For information on how to apply, click the link below.

Students Educated Outside the US

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have taken all or part of their undergraduate education in a country where English is not the native language are required to submit scores on the  Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL ) or the  International English Language Testing System (IELTS ). The following minimum scores must be obtained:

• TOEFL iBT: 80/ Paper Based Test: 550/ Computer Based Test: 213
• IELTS: 6.5 Overall Band Score

Ready to Apply?

Get started on your application now or visit the academic department's website to learn more about this graduate program.

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