Masters in Speech Difficulties: PG Certificate/ PG Diploma/ MSc

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Study mode: Either Full Time OR Part Time by Distance Learning

Duration: Full-time - MSc / PGDip 1 year; Part-time - PGCert 1 year; PGDip 2 years; MSc 2 or 3 years

Why choose Speech Difficulties at Sheffield?

This programme will be of particular interest to speech and language therapists and other graduates from the UK and Overseas with a background in phonetics/linguistics. The programme is designed for students who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in evidence-based working with a range of clients with developmental speech and literacy difficulties. Client groups considered will include those with phonological impairment / disorder; childhood apraxia of speech / developmental verbal dyspraxia; dysarthria. The course provides research training and is a good basis for an MPhil/PhD. The department is recognised by the ESRC as a research training outlet.
Students can begin with the PG Certificate and transfer to the PG Diploma or MSc.

This programme does NOT provide a professionally accredited qualification in speech and language therapy.

Programme Outline

The course is offered on a full time or part time basis, over the full calendar year.
Students can enrol on the PG Certificate (60 credits), PG Diploma (120 credits) or MSc (180 credits). Students may transfer from one course to the other in the summer of each year.

Aims and Objectives

The programme aims to develop:

• knowledge of current research into spoken and written language development and difficulties across the lifespan
• understanding of the impact of speech difficulties on school, home and social life, and later employment and relationships
• knowledge of a range of technical and research methods used in the investigation of spoken and written language difficulties and evaluation of subsequent intervention programmes
• knowledge of current assessments and interventions for children with speech, language and literacy difficulties
• competency in quantitative and qualitative research design and methods in the social sciences

Curriculum

PG Certificate / PG Diploma / MSc

• Developing an Evidence Base for Practice
• Spoken and Written Language
• Speech Difficulties 1 : Nature and Investigation
• Speech Difficulties 2 : Intervention & Management

PG Diploma / MSc, in addition

• Research Methods A
• Research Methods B (for MSc students and for PG Dip students wishing to progress to the MSc)
• 2 or 3 OPTION modules from the following:
  
  • Developmental Disorders (specific language impairment, autistic spectrum disorders, learning difficulties, behavioural difficulties, AAC, auditory processing disorder amongst others)
  • Case Study
  • Early Years
  • Cleft Lip and Palate
  • Literacy, Numeracy and other Symbolic Systems
  • Methods in Clinical Linguistics
  • Professional Research skills
  • ICT Applications in Human Communication Sciences
  • Developmental Communication Sciences
  • Acquired Communication Disorders
  • Special Topics in Human Communication Sciences
  • Other options may be available by arrangement

MSc, in addition

• Dissertation

More details of the course structure and curriculum are available here

Modules are also available for individual study. For more information see here

Assessment methods

All modules are assessed by written work.

Teaching Methods

• Online course material
• Study block attendance with lectures, tutorials and practical workshops

4 study blocks of 2 or 3 days are held throughout the year. Attendance at study blocks is normally compulsory. However, students who are based out of the UK, or who have special circumstances, may be able to be exempted.

Key Teaching Staff

The following staff contribute to teaching on this programme: Professor Joy Stackhouse, Professor Bill Wells, Professor Sara Howard, Dr Maggie Vance.

What our students say about our courses

• Click here to read what our students say about our courses.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally have a good BA or BSc degree (1st class, upper 2nd or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as Speech and Language Therapy/Pathology, Linguistics, Education, Psychology or Computer Sciences. A background in phonetics is necessary for some modules.

For students who do not have English as a first language, the English language requirement is an IELTS average score of 7 with no component less than 6, or the equivalent.

Fees and Funding

More information about fees is available here

Funding is available for employees of the Yorkshire and the Humber and East Midlands NHS.

Funding for international students.
There are scholarships available for some nonUK, nonEU students who are studying either full-time or part-time masters programmes at Sheffield.
For more information go to: http://www.shef.ac.uk/international/enquiry/money/pg and look at information for your country.

Closing Date for applications

The course commences in mid-September of each year.
Applications will usually be considered up until 31st July in each year.

How to apply

You can apply online here

For more information contact

• Prof Sara Howard Programme Director, Tel:0114 2222448
• Prof Bill Wells  Admissions Tutor, Tel:0114 2222429
• Ms Sheila Corry Admissions Secretary, Tel: 0114 2222405

University of Sheffield, Dept of Human Communication Sciences, 31 Claremont Crescent, Sheffield, S10 2TA