University of Reading

What you'll study

This degree combines theoretical study of communication, language development and neurobiology with practical clinical skills and supervised placements. You will study the typical and atypical development of speech, language and communication; phonetics and linguistics; feeding and swallowing (dysphagia); assessment and intervention approaches; and research methods and evidence-based practice.

• Core science and foundations: anatomy and physiology of speech, hearing and swallowing; introduction to neuroscience relevant to communication.
• Language and phonetics: phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics across the lifespan.
• Clinical modules: paediatric communication disorders, adult acquired communication and swallowing disorders, aphasia, motor speech disorders and voice disorders.
• Professional practice: clinical reasoning, ethics, interprofessional working, and legal frameworks for healthcare practice.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research design, statistics, critical appraisal and a final-year project or dissertation.
• Clinical placements: progressively longer supervised placements in a range of settings such as hospitals, community services, schools and private practice to develop hands-on assessment and therapy skills.

The programme is designed so that taught modules and clinical experience run in parallel, allowing you to apply academic learning to real-world clinical contexts. Assessment typically combines coursework, practical exams, placement assessments and a research dissertation or project.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: Applicants are expected to have strong qualifications at secondary/post-secondary level. Typical offers require successful completion of A-levels, an Access to Higher Education diploma, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers or equivalent. Relevant subjects such as Biology, Psychology, English Language or other science/social science subjects are advantageous.
• Alternative qualifications: Applicants with relevant BTEC qualifications, international qualifications or higher education study are considered; applicants should check equivalence and subject content.
• GCSEs/Equivalent: Functional skills or GCSE-level competence in English and mathematics is normally required; universities commonly ask applicants to hold a pass in English language.
• Experience and suitability: Relevant voluntary or paid experience with children, adults with disabilities, education or health settings is highly recommended and strengthens applications. Applicants must demonstrate communication skills, resilience and understanding of professional responsibilities.
• Selection process: Shortlisted applicants are normally invited to interview, which may include practical tasks, group activities and situational judgement assessments. Conditional offers depend on satisfactory occupational health clearance and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as required for clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration and typically enter practice as speech and language therapists working across health and education sectors. Common employment settings include NHS community and acute services, specialist paediatric services, schools and local authority services, private clinics and independent practice.

• Adult services: stroke and acquired brain injury rehabilitation, dysphagia management, voice and motor speech clinics.
• Paediatric services: developmental language disorder, autism spectrum support, feeding clinics and school-based therapy.
• Specialist roles: team leadership, clinical specialist posts, research assistantships and roles in commissioning or service development.
• Further study and research: postgraduate training (clinical or research MSc/MPhil/PhD), or conversion into related areas such as audiology, speech science, or clinical education.

Many graduates build careers that combine clinical practice with research, teaching or service management, and employability is supported by the practical placement experience and professional network developed during the degree.

Why study at University of Reading

The University of Reading offers an interdisciplinary environment that brings together language sciences, psychology and health-related disciplines, providing a strong academic foundation for clinical practice. The programme benefits from research-active teaching staff whose work informs teaching and clinical approaches.

• Clinical partnerships: Established links with local NHS trusts, schools and community services offer a variety of supervised placement opportunities across different client groups and settings.
• Facilities and support: Dedicated clinical skills teaching, access to speech and language resources and student support services help students develop practical competencies and professional readiness.
• Professional accreditation: The programme is designed to meet the professional standards required for eligibility to apply for statutory registration and professional membership on graduation, supporting progression to practice as a speech and language therapist.
• Student experience: Small-group teaching, supervised clinical mentorship and opportunities to get involved in research projects enhance learning and employability.

Together, these elements make the University of Reading a suitable choice for students seeking a rigorous, clinically-focused route into a speech and language therapy career.