Speech and Language Therapy BSc (Hons)

Speech and language therapists work collaboratively with children and adults of all ages who are experiencing challenges with speech, language and communication and/or eating, drinking and swallowing. We work closely with parents, carers and families, as well as many other professionals, to identify, assess and offer support to people in many, different ways. Speech and language therapy really is a rich and varied profession.

At DMU, you’ll study a wide range of topics across the three-year programme – including phonetics and phonology, psychology, medical sciences, linguistics and language development. As the course progresses, you’ll learn more about communication disabilities, evidence-based practice and intervention and have opportunities to develop your own focus in your final year dissertation project.

Alongside your academic studies, each year you’ll undertake practice-based learning, including weekly and block placements in a range of settings, such as schools, hospitals, care homes and in the community. This enables you to apply your learning to practice and develop your clinical and professional skills in real-life situations.

Key features

  • Our course is approved by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as a professional.
  • Varied practical opportunities, right from the beginning of year 1, will enable you to build your essential clinical and professional skills.
  • We have a strong focus on developing inter-professional skills and include specific events and activities in each year, working with other health and education students to understand and make the most of effective collaborative working.
  • We have well-established links with East Midlands NHS, school and independent providers to ensure a dynamic and clinically relevant curriculum.
  • We have a clear emphasis on employability throughout our teaching and learning, as well as inviting employers, newly qualified and experienced SLTs to share their knowledge and perspectives to support your transition from student to SLT.
  • You could gain valuable international experience as part of your studies with our DMU Global programme. Previous students have visited schools and community groups in India, supported deaf children in The Gambia and taught English to children in Bangkok.
BSc (Hons) Award
September Start
Full-time Study Mode
3 years Duration
B621 UCAS Code

Entry Requirements For This Course

GCSEs

  • Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including: English, Maths and Science

Plus one of the following:

Level 3 qualifications must be taken within the last 5 years and will normally be taken in one sitting. 

A Level

  • A minimum of 128 UCAS points from three A-levels at grades ABB or higher. We do not accept General Studies

T Levels

  • Distinction in Healthcare Science (optional module in Assisting with Healthcare Science, not Optical Care Services)
  • Distinction in Health (optional module in Supporting the Therapy Teams or Supporting the Adult Nursing Team or Supporting the Mental Health Team or Supporting the Care of Children and Young People)

BTEC

  • BTEC National Diploma - normally in Health and Social Care or Applied Science at DD plus another level 3 to meet the 128 UCAS points
  • BTEC Extended Diploma - normally in Health and Social Care or Applied Science at DDM

Access Diploma

  • Pass in the QAA Access to HE Diploma ‘Science’ or ‘Medicine and Healthcare’ with 45 credits at Distinction

English, Maths and Science GCSE required at grade C/4 as separate qualifications. Equivalency not accepted within the Access qualification.

We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course.

International Baccalaureate: 30+ points

Alternative qualifications 

Degree: 2:1

Foundation degree: each application will be considered on its merits 

Mature students: Applications from mature students are encouraged. Mature students must normally demonstrate evidence of academic attainment within five years of application.

English language requirements:

If English is not your first language an average IELTS score of 8.0 (with no component below 7.5) when you start the course is essential. English language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning (CELL), is available both before and during the course.

Work experience: We expect candidates to have sought some related experience e.g. with a voluntary organisation/school/nursery etc before applying. Where possible they will have had experience within a speech and language therapy clinical setting. In their personal statement applicants should demonstrate some knowledge of the profession and the potential ability to:

  • Recognise and respond to the needs of others.
  • Motivate others.
  • Make others feel safe and comfortable during interactions ('rapport').
  • Listen effectively and with empathy.
  • Communicate effectively in spoken and written English adapting to varied listeners and settings.
  • Learn independently.
  • Manage time and workload and effectively.  
  • Apply problem-solving skills flexibly and creatively to complex situations.
  • Reflect realistically on own learning and performance

Non-academic requirements

As well as academic requirements, you will also be required to meet and fulfil non-academic requirements which are stated below:

  • Self-Declaration Form clearance
  • Occupational Health clearance
  • Enhanced DBS disclosure clearance

You submit an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure application form before starting the course (if you are overseas you will also need to submit a criminal records certificate from your home country), which needs to be cleared in accordance with DMU’s admissions policy. Contact us for up-to-date information.

We strongly advise that you opt for the DBS update service as it is possible that future placement providers may request a recent DBS and not one from the start of the programme. If you decide not to opt for this service then you will have to pay for the DBS again if requested by your placement provided – the university will not cover this cost. 

You must meet and fulfil all non-academic requirements before 17 July 2023. Failure to meet this deadline may result in your offer being withdrawn.

Resources: For more general information and resources on how to prepare for applying to become a Speech and Language therapist, please see the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists website.

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