City

What you'll study

This clinically oriented MSc combines academic teaching, practical skills training and supervised clinical placements. Core teaching covers anatomy and physiology of speech, language and swallowing; phonetics and linguistics; neurogenic communication disorders; paediatric language development and disorders; voice and motor speech disorders; dysphagia assessment and management; and counselling and family‑centred practice.

Research methods and evidence‑based practice are emphasised through modules on quantitative and qualitative approaches, critical appraisal and a substantial independent research project or dissertation. Professional issues such as clinical governance, ethics, multidisciplinary working and service delivery models are embedded throughout the programme.

Practical skill development takes place in purpose‑built clinical skills suites and in university clinics, with structured simulated patient work and progressive supervised placements in community, school, acute and rehabilitation settings. Placements are integrated across the programme to develop assessment, intervention planning, outcome measurement and reflective practice.

• Foundations of communication sciences and disorders
• Assessment and intervention across the lifespan (paediatric and adult)
• Neurogenic communication and acquired dysphagia
• Voice, fluency and motor speech
• Research methods and statistics; dissertation
• Professional practice: ethics, law, interprofessional working
• Clinical placements and simulated clinical skills training

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a recognised undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (for example speech and language sciences/pathology, linguistics, psychology, health sciences, biology) at a 2:1 standard or equivalent. Applicants with a lower classification may be considered where they can demonstrate substantial and relevant clinical or paid experience with people who have communication or swallowing needs.

All applicants must meet professional suitability requirements for clinical practice, which commonly include an enhanced criminal record check (DBS or equivalent), occupational health clearance and up‑to‑date immunisations. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency to the level specified by professional regulators.

Selection also typically involves application form screening and may include an interview or assessment day where communication skills, motivation for the profession and aptitude for clinical work are evaluated.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to apply for professional registration and normally go on to work as speech and language therapists in a wide range of settings. Typical employers include National Health Service trusts, local authority services, mainstream and specialist schools, independent and private therapy practices, and third‑sector organisations supporting people with communication disabilities.

Clinical roles include work with children with developmental language disorders, adults with stroke and other neurogenic conditions, people with voice or motor speech disorders, and those with swallowing difficulties. Graduates also find roles in service management, research, specialist advisory posts, assistive technology, and education. Many continue to postgraduate research (PhD) or pursue specialist clinical qualifications and advanced practitioner roles.

Why study at City

City’s programme is delivered within a health sciences school with close clinical partnerships across local NHS trusts, enabling diverse placement opportunities and strong links between teaching and contemporary clinical practice. Teaching staff include practising clinicians and researchers, ensuring that learning is grounded in current evidence and service realities.

The programme provides hands‑on experience in university clinics and simulation facilities, and benefits from multidisciplinary teaching with students from related health professions. The course is designed to meet professional and regulatory expectations for entry to practice and to equip graduates with the clinical, ethical and research skills needed for a contemporary career in speech and language therapy.