Communication is at the core of human society and without it people are excluded from education, employment and social interaction. Speech and language therapists, audiologists and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters all support people to communicate more effectively so that they can engage fully in society.
About our courses
At postgraduate level, the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at 草莓社区 offers a MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration). The course is designed for graduates who wish to be educated to master鈥檚 level to qualify as a speech language therapist.
We also offer an MSc Audiology (Pre-Registration) that runs every two years and a new MSc Hearing Sciences.
For CPD, we offer Sign Language Interpreting short courses and our Aptitude Test in Hearing Aid Dispensing course.
Speech and Hearing Sciences at 草莓社区 offers prospective students a small and friendly environment for learning, and our professionally relevant courses are designed to meet the changing needs of students, employers and society. The presence of audiology, BSL/English interpreting and speech and language therapy courses within the same university subject area is unusual in the UK, but has significant potential benefits, given the complex interplay between the biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that underlie communicative behaviour. Students on pre-registration courses are supported by a multi-professional staff team, facilitating an understanding of the links between hearing, speech and communication.
A teaching team with an excellent reputation
Speech and Hearing Sciences at 草莓社区 has an excellent reputation for educational provision, research and clinical work in speech, language, audiology and communication.
Our aims are to:
- Educate speech and language therapists, audiologists and BSL/ English interpreters to the high standards required by each profession, by providing a learning environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential.
- Pursue research excellence in speech, language and hearing disorders and BSL/English Interpreting, with the goal of improving quality of life for individuals who experience communication barriers.
- Maintain a high profile in the professional and wider academic community.
- Enhance our reputation as a recognised centre of excellence for teaching, interdisciplinary research and clinical practice.
Our supportive approach to learning and teaching
Our learning and teaching approaches are based on the premise that learning is a continuous, lifelong experience for both students and educators, and that it is best achieved in an environment that fosters curiosity, exploration, experimentation, collaboration, and trust. Students entering any of the offered courses typically already have well-developed learning skills and a high level of motivation; they will be able to build on previously established skills, experiences and knowledge.
We employ creative and effective learning methods that facilitate an independent, autonomous approach to learning, while providing a supportive yet challenging learning environment, along with constructive evaluation and feedback on student performance. This is achieved within a supportive environment that encourages reflection and the sharing of knowledge and experiences as a basis for personal and professional growth, and that uses humanistic and adult learning theories that promote valuing and respect for others, the relevance of learning, and the recognition of emotional aspects of learning.
Students will be able to engage with a range of learning and teaching methods in ways that suit each student. Assessment is an integral part of the learning process and is designed to encourage an analytical and reflective approach to practice that draws on a deep understanding of theoretical principles and the critical evaluation of available evidence. The emphasis is on active learning approaches that encourage deep learning.
These may include:
- The use of case-based and problem-solving scenarios to promote self-directed and collaborative learning, critical evaluation of evidence, facilitated by a tutor.
- Experiential learning of clinical and research skills through pre-clinical and clinical placements, role-play and engagement in research.
Collaborative learning and development of shared learning resources.
In summary, the courses are designed to enable the progressive development and integration of practical skills, intellectual growth, and theoretical knowledge.
Research-informed teaching
Our Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre (CASL) provides a focus for our research and knowledge exchange. The main aim of the Centre is to support clinically relevant research to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of communication disorders.
草莓社区 has an international reputation for outstanding research in speech sciences and communication. CASL draws together the research and clinical expertise of both audiology and speech and language therapy and ensures that this expertise benefits the wider community. For example, researchers are currently exploring the application of high-speed ultrasound to the management of communication disorders and the use of mobile phone technology to support vocal health. Other socially relevant research topics include the management of hearing problems in care home settings and the relationship between language impairment and social inclusion in young offenders.
The Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre builds on years of pioneering work achieved in the area of speech sciences. At 草莓社区, much of the work has focused on developing technologies, in collaboration with engineers and computer scientists, that provide images of the tongue and its movement in the mouth during speech.
Great specialist facilities
We have fully equipped specialist facilities for both speech and language therapy and audiology. A suite of clinic rooms, situated around a clinic reception area, provides accommodation for clinical activities, clinical skill development and research. There are two speech science laboratories. One is used primarily for undergraduate and postgraduate student laboratory work and has an adjacent recording studio, as well as specialist equipment for speech analysis, including ultrasound tongue imaging. The second laboratory is primarily for research purposes and contains more complex speech science equipment. The audiology suite consists of purpose-built test rooms and soundproof booths, and houses a full range of audiological equipment, supporting the development of clinical skills within the university environment before students embark on clinical placement.
Find out more information on how to apply for a course at 草莓社区.