Careers
Career in Speech and Language Therapy
What is Speech and Language Therapy?
Routes into Speech and Language Therapy
There are two main routes into the speech and language therapy profession: university and apprenticeships
University :
- Undergraduate (BSc): Requires A-levels in subjects like languages (including English), biology, psychology, or sciences. Specific entry requirements vary by university.
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Postgraduate (PGDip or MSc): Requires a related undergraduate degree, typically in science, language, or psychology. A minimum of a 2:1 grade is usually required. Check with individual universities for specific entry details.
Apprenticeships:
- Offers a blend of work-based and academic learning.
- Aligns with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements to register as a Speech and Language Therapist in the UK.
- Apprentices are employees, not students, and do not take student loans. Employers pay wages, while tuition is covered by the government’s apprenticeship levy.
- A minimum of 20% of the apprentice's working week is dedicated to learning outside the workplace, which may be arranged flexibly.
Career Change: Speech and Language Therapy combines a passion for helping people with communication and swallowing issues with an interest in language, communication, and science. It’s a fulfilling career choice for those looking to make a difference. You can join the speech and language profession at any time in your career!
Useful links:
- Find out more information here: Become a speech and language therapist | RCSLT
- University degrees— Speech and Language Therapy University Courses | RCSLT
- Why choose speech and language therapy- Why choose speech and language therapy? | RCSLT
- Speech and language therapy support workers | RCSLT
Work experience and shadowing opportunities
Work experience with our team
Looking for some work experience in speech and language therapy? We offer the opportunity to shadow a variety of team members, covering different areas of speech therapy. This gives you a real insight into what the profession is all about and helps you build valuable skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Shadowing opportunities are available for anyone aged 15 years and above. Simply fill out our application form and email it to us at cpm-tr.sltmailforparents@nhs.uk to discuss opportunities further!