The BSc Speech and Language Therapy provides the knowledge, skills and confidence for a career that will improve the lives of children and adults with communication disorders or swallowing difficulties. Over the four years of the course, you will gain specialist knowledge  for a rewarding career, as well as general skills in communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

The course is broad and varied, and students study Behavioural Science, Anatomy, Physiology, Linguistics and Speech Science as well as Speech and Language Therapy theory, assessment and treatment approaches. A strong emphasis is placed on using the most recent scientific evidence to underpin your clinical practice.

Most learning within the university takes place in small-group tutorials, and much of your work is self-directed. You will have plenty of opportunities for clinical work experience (practice education) in UCC’s Brookfield Clinic and further afield in hospitals, schools, community care, and disability services.

The BSc Speech and Language Therapy course is designed to ensure graduates have the knowledge, skills and values to meet the demands and challenges of working within the healthcare profession.

Year 1 Modules:

AN1061 Anatomy of Speech and Hearing (5 credits)

PL1025 Fundamentals of Physiology (5 credits) 

SL1004 Communication, Learning and Behaviour across the Lifespan (5 credits)

SL1005 Preparation for Academic and Professional Learning (5 credits)

SL1006 Language Acquisition (5 credits) 

SL1007 Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Sciences I (10 credits) 

SL1008 Introduction to Language Studies (5 credits)

SL1009 Introduction to Communication Disorders I (10 credits)

SL1010 Introduction to Communication Disorders II (10 credits)

Year 2 Modules:

Neuroanatomy and Embryology for Speech and Language Therapy; Introduction to Research Methods; Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Sciences; Communication Disorders in Children; Language Sciences; Practice Education

Year 3 Modules:

Applied Neurology for Speech and Language Therapy; Advanced Research Methods; Language Sciences; Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Sciences; Communication Disorders in Adults; Practice Education 

Year 4 Modules:

Research-Based Dissertation; Practice Education; Dysphasia; Mental Health and Communication Disorders; Advanced Research and Practice in Speech and Language Therapy

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.

Leaving Certificate entry requirements: 

H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, one Laboratory Science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and one other subject recognised for entry purposes.  

Special Entry Requirements: H4 in a Laboratory Science subject and a H4 in a language other than English.  Students presenting with a 2016 (or previous) Leaving Certificate must present with a HC2 in a Laboratory Science subject and a HD1 in a language other than English.

Mature students:  Applicants should apply directly to the CAO, include a statement of interest and may be called for interview. A H4 in a laboratory science subject and a language other than English in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent is required (A HC2 if presenting a pre-2017 Leaving Certificate).  Approximately five places are available on this course for mature students.

International Students should visit the International Education website.

Fitness to Practise
This programme is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy – full details may be found here

Student Vetting
All students on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.

Vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC once a student has accepted their place on the programme. It involves a police check to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether any criminal proceedings are pending. The Garda Síochána provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of six months or more (including permanent residence).

All students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of six months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries of residence. This certificate should state that the student has had no convictions recorded against them while residing there.

EU Applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.

Non-EU Applicants

Mature Applicants:  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.

You will engage with different types of learning experiences, including small-group learning, lectures, simulations, workshops, clinical placement, seminars, tutorials and study groups. Throughout the four years, you will be expected to demonstrate professional behaviours, independence and manage a busy timetable and workload.

Commencing with the 2013/2014 intake, this programme will be subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy – full details may be found here.

Garda vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC once a student has accepted their place on this progamme.

Garda Vetting and Infectious Diseases Policy

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May.  Not all modules will have formal examinations.  Many modules use other types of asessment and on the Speech and Language Therapy Programme you are assessed throughout the year in a variety of ways on your acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities. Some of the methods we use include oral presentations, video case exams, clinical portfolio, essays, multiple-choice-question exams, group projects, phonetics practical, reflective papers, and research reports. Detailed written feedback is provided to each student on their assessment performance.

You will be taught by a highly qualified and enthusiastic group of academic lecturers and senior therapists on the Practice Education team. The lecturers have trained and worked locally in Cork as well as nationally and internationally.

You will benefit from being taught Anatomy in UCC’s new state-of-the-art FLAME laboratory. We ask clinical experts from around Ireland to come to UCC to give masterclasses on their areas of special expertise in speech and language therapy.

The staff in the department have been recognised locally and internationally for their excellence in teaching as well as research.