Speech and Language at uni

[Weezy511]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping some SALTs might come across my post and offer some generic information the uni's don't want to seem to give out!

Basically, I'm looking to start a SALT undergraduate degree when my DD starts reception, which will be in 2 years. I've previously trained as a teacher and quit because it was hell, so it's not my first time through uni, but there are some practical things I'd like to ask, such as;

What is an average week like at uni & then at placement?

Will I be able to do school drop offs and pickups at any point?

Are the term times longer than other uni courses? For example some courses seem to have 4 weeks over christmas and other 2 or 3.

Would I be mad to attempt this with a then 4 & 3 year old?

Hi I'm an OT, the training demands are fairly similar for SALT.

Our first term (Sep-Christmas) was full on, long days in uni. If I had pick ups/drop offs to do then I'd have had to have someone else do it. But after that it got lighter. Although you'll need someone who can be flexible around you as your timetable will change every term.

Placements were 1x4weeks and 3x8 weeks (it was the same for physio, don't know for SALT) and were full time hours. Hospitals are stricter on start/finish times, community placements are likely to be more flexible but it will depend on your educator. You'll almost certainly have a mix of both.

I did a masters in 2 years. We got 2 weeks at Xmas and Easter but there were also assignments to complete. The first summer we got 7 weeks offf!!! The next summer we ran straight through placements so no break then finished in September.

Kinda mad to do it with little ones but if not now then when - go for it!

HTH!

Thank you so much for your reply!

Yeah I can see them being similar courses in terms of demand so that's really helpful. I'm not expecting to be able to pick them up everyday or anything but it would be nice just once in a while. I think what I want to feel is that actually I'd be around more for them than I am now, despite being part time in a service role because they'll have me every weekend and in the holidays - fingers crossed.
I know, I don't think there's ever an ideal time with kids for anything more than making a cup of tea, and even then!

It will be nice to have holidays together, especially if you're do an undergraduate degree as holidays are longer. But many students use the holidays to work because they need the money and term time is busy 💁🏻‍♀️

After you qualify AHP therapy roles offer such a child friendly career, especially with community work and especially in education!

Good luck!