Speech and Language Therapy (Professional Qualification) - MSc

​During this programme, you will:

• Develop the skills to assess, diagnose, treat and manage people with communication and swallowing disorders.

• Participate in supervised placements, building confidence in assessment and therapeutic planning. Collaborate with other practitioners within the multi-disciplinary teamwork environment

• Develop and maintain an evidence-based approach to clinical practice; delivering person-centred care and supporting client self-determination.

• Graduate with a CORU-approved professional qualification and become eligible to apply to register with the Speech & Language Therapy Registration Board.

Programme specific: Frequently Asked Questions

Key Information:

• Delivered full-time over two years.

• Delivered on campus. This is an intensive professional qualification programme involving academic and placement modules.

• Modules and placements scheduled over autumn, spring and summer semesters.

• Placement components form a cornerstone of studies in Speech and Language Therapy.

• Graduate with a Level 9 Master’s qualification, preparing you for a professional career in speech and language therapy.

You will learn through a blend of:

• Lectures, workshops, and experiential learning

• Reflective practice and supervised research

• Practice placements

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers through group work and assessments

Year 1

Autumn Semester

• Preparation for Practice (PR6031) will introduce the professional, ethical, and reflective foundations required for clinical practice in speech and language therapy.

• Foundations of Linguistics (SL6111) will provide a grounding in key areas of linguistics relevant to the assessment and treatment of communication disorders including phonetics & phonology, syntax and semantics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics and clinical linguistics.

• Core Concepts and Frameworks for Speech and Language Therapy Practice (SL6121) will explore theoretical models and core principles guiding SLT assessment and intervention across the lifespan.

• Foundations Of Anatomy and Physiology (Sl6131) will examine the structure and function of the human body with particular emphasis on speech, language, and swallowing.

• Practice Education 1 (SL6141) will introduce you to clinical environments and allow you to begin applying theoretical knowledge under supervision.

Spring Semester

• Research Methods for Education and Health Sciences (ES6002) will equip you with the foundational skills to design, conduct and critically evaluate health sciences research.

• Neurogenic Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Adulthood (SL6112) will focus on adult communication disorders arising from neurological conditions, including assessment and intervention.

• Developmental Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Childhood and Adolescence (SL6122) will address developmental disorders of speech, language, and communication in younger populations.

• Practice Education 2 (SL6132) will provide further supervised clinical experience, building confidence in assessment and therapeutic planning.

Summer Semester

• Research Project 1 (CT6023) will see you work closely with your supervisor to finalise your ethics application, recruiting, data collection and/or literature review.

• Contemporary Issues in Speech and Language Therapy Practice (SL6083) will critically examine current challenges, innovations, and developments in SLT practice in national and international contexts.

Year 2

Autumn Semester

• Research Project 2 (CT6041) will see you work closely with your supervisor to continue data collection, analysis and begin to write up your research.

• Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Through the Lifespan (SL6114) will examine the assessment and management of dysphagia and related disorders in infants, children, and adults.

• Analytical Tools and Techniques for Speech and Language Therapy Practice (SL6124) will cover advanced transcription practice as well as a range of assessment frameworks, analytical tools, approaches to data gathering, and techniques to engage service users in decision making and interventions.

• Practice Education 3 (SL6134) will provide further opportunities for you to observe and experience work as a developing SLT practitioner.

• Fluency, Voice and Hearing Through the Lifespan (SL6144) will focus on disorders of fluency, voice, and hearing, and their assessment and treatment across all age groups.

Spring Semester

• Research Project 3 (CT6032) will see you work closely with your supervisor to complete your analysis, write up and disseminate your research project.

• Innovation In Management for Health and Social Care (PPP3) (CT6042) will explore leadership, service design, and innovation in healthcare delivery, with a focus on patient-centred care.

• Engaging Through Complexity (PPP2) (CT6052) will help you develop professional judgement and adaptability when managing complex clinical cases and service user needs.

• Therapies And Technologies for Speech and Language Therapy Practice (SL6105) will explore current and emerging therapeutic approaches and technologies that support communication and swallowing.

• Advanced Clinical Decision-making for Speech and Language Therapy Practice (SL6115) will strengthen your ability to apply critical thinking, professional reasoning, and evidence-based strategies in complex clinical scenarios.

Summer Semester

• Practice Education 4 (SL6125) will be your final placement, supporting you in assessing and managing the needs of service users across the lifespan in health and social care settings.

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules .

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.
  • Students in their final undergraduate year can apply, but must show they meet all entry requirements by the end of June in the year the programme starts.

• For candidates who meet this requirement, the HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test-Ireland) will be used as the only instrument to select students for this programme.
  • Visit HPAT Ireland website for information on registration fees, registration deadlines and exam dates.

• Successful applicants must have Garda clearance, health screening, CPR certification and vaccinations before placement (any costs will be covered by the student). More information on Student Vetting.

International students:

• For international candidates, the International Student Admissions Test; ISAT will be used to select candidates. Applicants must have sat the exam by 31 January in year of which they wish to apply.

• If English is not your first language and you have not studied in an English-speaking country, you must have an acceptable English Language qualification .
  • An IELTS score of 8.0 with no less than 7.5 in any component is required or
  • A minimum of Grade C (Minimum Score of 185) on the Cambridge CEFR C1 Test or
  • Occupational English Test OET (Speech Pathology) A minimum of grade A (400) in three components and B (350) in one component (listening, reading, writing and speaking).

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students

Checklist of Documents:

• *Academic transcripts and certificates – Translated if needed.*
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID number
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• Completed consent to travel form

English Language:

• English Language Competency certificate
  • Accepted language qualifications are noted in Entry Requirements above.

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying.

EU - €12,000 per annum*

Non- EU - €24,000 per annum*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie ).

Funding

Find further information on funding and scholarships .

The MSc Speech and Language Therapy programme can lead graduates to the following sectors and careers:

• Speech and language therapy roles in hospitals, community health settings, and private practice
• Specialist positions in education, disability services, and early intervention
• Research, teaching, and healthcare leadership roles within clinical and academic settings

Graduate Profile: Tanya Boyle, graduated in 2025

Speech and Language Therapy is a career I have always been passionate about. I completed an undergraduate degree in Social Science as a stepping stone, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding people, communication, and social systems and when I was offered a place on this programme I was absolutely delighted.

From day one, the Speech and Language team in UL were incredibly welcoming and engaging. The smaller class size meant you could really get to know the lecturers, and that personal connection made a huge difference to my learning experience. The lecturers come from a diverse background with a mix of academic and clinical experience and are always there to offer support and encouragement.

The programme itself was intensive, both academically and clinically. Balancing coursework with placements required a lot of organisation, but with commitment and determination, it was achievable. The clinical placements were by far my favourite part. Being able to take the theory we had worked so hard on and apply it in real settings was amazing. Working directly with clients, witnessing their progress, and knowing I had played a part in that was inspiring and reminded me exactly why I had chosen this career.

I am now a qualified speech and language therapist, and I am excited to begin my career and explore the many different paths within the profession. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone considering speech and language therapy as a career. It is challenging, but if you put in the hard work, the rewards at the end are more than worth it.

Still Curious?

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.

Online Information Sessions