Hi, Dd wants to be a Speech and language therapist. She's only leaving high school next year but We are looking at uni/college etc and I'm struggling to make sense of what qualifications are actually needed. The courses at uni seem to be a year so is a degree needed first and if so in what?
More importantly, what would be the best courses to take at college/sixth form
Thank you :)
You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.
Further education
Speech therapy as career (my teen)
BadHare · 06/03/2024 05:25
teacrumpetsandcake · 06/03/2024 05:33
For A Levels, she would want English Language and at least one science, Biology is probably is best.
Sociology/ Psychology are also good, and/ or something creative like Art/ Music.
There are various options for courses, usually a 3 or 4 year BSc, or a fast track masters which is 2 years and can be done after a different related degree (e.g. Linguistics or Psychology).
Not sure what the one year courses are that you mention, but as far as I know you can't become an SLT in a year. Make sure the course says 'pre-registration' - that means you will be qualified to practice once completed.
donstrenchcoatanddarkglasses · 06/03/2024 09:18
The Royal College of Speech and language website (rcslt.org) will have a list of all the universities offering accredited courses and apprenticeships. Undergrad courses will be 3 or 4 years. Acredited courses can still have a slightly different focus - some are more linguisticsy or social sciency and some more medical sciencey, so she should look at what she likes best - some courses will be in uni department of social science, others in healthcare science, or even medicine - I think Newcastle it is part of the medical school.
She is likely to also need either some experience of shadowing an SLT so she understands the role, or some work/ volunteering experience, eg with young children or in a care home etc.
Universities are likely to interview candidates, so she should be prepared for that.
Good A levels could be English language, psychology, sociology, MFL, sciences, maybe drama.
Like other allied health courses, she will be on placement over a wide geographic area, so learning to drive might be helpful.
The NHS offers a learning support fund to help with some costs, such as placement travel expenses, as long as you are UK student and have applied for student loan.
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