Speech and language therapist : Entry requirements

To practise as a speech and language therapist you must have a degree accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and be a registered member of the Health Professions Council (HPC) .

Undergraduate degree courses last three or four years and typically cover both theoretical and clinical studies. Theoretical subjects include anatomy, physiology, neurology, psychology, phonetics, linguistics, child development, speech pathology and therapeutic methods. Clinical practice takes place in hospitals, schools, clinics and day-centres, under the supervision of qualified therapists.

Most universities accept access courses from mature students with relevant work experience, though they may request additional qualifications in science. Contact individual institutions for details of entry requirements. All applications for undergraduate degrees should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) .

If your degree is in a subject other then speech and language therapy, you must undertake an accredited two-year postgraduate course in order to qualify. A degree in the following subjects will increase your chances of being considered for entry on to a postgraduate course:

• communication studies/speech science;
• linguistics;
• psychology;
• physiology;
• biological science/human biology;
• social science.

Postgraduate courses require relevant work experience. Applications should be made directly to the relevant institution. Closing dates vary between institutions but generally fall between September and December.

Visit the RCSLT and HPC websites for a list of universities offering accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication skills - to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds and to motivate clients and gain trust: clients may be uncooperative because they are frightened, frustrated or disorientated by their situation;
• patience - progress may be slow, involving repetitive exercises to aid clients who have problems memorising, processing and retaining information;
• creativity - to design programmes appropriate to different learning styles and communication issues;
• teamworking skills - for interacting with other professionals;
• organisational skills and flexibility - to deal with a range of clients in varied settings;
• the ability to be at ease in a clinical environment.

Empathy, assertiveness, tact, a sense of humour and physical and mental stamina are also important qualities. A driving licence is essential for community speech and language therapists, particularly in rural areas, as there is frequent travel between different settings. Knowledge of Welsh, Gaelic or community languages may be a requirement or an advantage in some parts of the UK.

Competition for places on courses is strong and pre-entry experience and knowledge of the profession is essential. Experience can include work as a speech therapy assistant or work with children, elderly or disabled people. Before applying, visit child and adult clinics to observe and talk to practitioners. The RCSLT website contains further information on obtaining work experience.

Means-tested student bursaries (including payment of tuition fees) are available for undergraduate courses from the National Health Service (see NHS Careers ). The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) administers bursaries for healthcare and social work students on behalf of the Department of Health (see NHS Student Bursaries ). In Scotland, funding is usually available through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) . For postgraduate courses, applicants are often eligible for a bursary, but should check with individual institutions before making an application.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.