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undergraduate programme

Duration of the Programme

The undergraduate programme is full-time extending over four years or eight semesters.

Programme Structure

This is an exciting time in the Discipline of Speech and Language Therapy as we have recently reviewed our curriculum in order to continue to provide the SLT in training with a clear pathway to becoming a competent clinician. This new curriculum comprising of 3 strands (Developing Clinician, Human Sciences and Communication and Swallowing Sciences) will be phased in gradually beginning in September 2009. One of the principles underpinning the new curriculum is that it is a spiral curriculum, whereby topics will be introduced and then revisited in more depth each year with an expectation that SLTs in training will apply increased knowledge, skills and attitudes to the management of communication and swallowing problems as the programme progresses.

In each year substantial proportions of time are devoted to:

Developing key knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for professional practice.

Integrating human body structure and function, mental processes, behavioural and social aspects of human existence
Exploring the causes, nature, specific diagnostic features and relevant aspects of assessment and intervention of communication impairments
A range of disciplines are involved in teaching the Speech and Language Therapy programme reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of speech and language therapists' work.

Placements

The clinical component of the course provides students with opportunities to develop their professional skills. Clinical practice is an integral part of the programme. Clinical placements comprise a combination of concurrent placements (weekly placements) and block placements. All of the clinical placements on the programme are compulsory. Students may be asked to undertake placements anywhere in Ireland.

Summary of Modules * The new curriculum was introduced for new entrants in September 2009.

YEAR 1
Developing Clinician	Professional Studies 1 Practice Education 1
Human Sciences	Human Body Function Anatomy Psychology 1 (Developmental, Cognitive & Psychology of Learning)
Communication & Swallowing Sciences	Linguistics 1 Phonetics & Phonology Communication Impairments 1

YEAR 2
Developing Clinician	Professional Studies 2 Practice Education 2 Research Methodology 2
Human Sciences	Neuroanatomy Neurophysiology Psychology 2 (Health & Social Psychology)
Communication & Swallowing Sciences	Linguistics 2 Communication Impairments 2

YEAR 3
Developing Clinician	Professional Studies 3 Practice Education 3 Research Methodology 3
Human Sciences	Psychology 3 (Cognitive Neuropsychology)
Communication & Swallowing Sciences	Linguistics 3 Communication Impairments 3

YEAR 4
Developing Clinician	Professional Studies 4 Practice Education 4 Research Methodology 4

We use a variety of approaches to facilitate students learning e.g. group and project work, tutorials, lectures, problem-based learning, videos etc.

We also use a variety of assessment methods on the programme - e.g. written examinations, group projects, essays, reflective logs and presentations. There are examinations at the end of each semester.

Further information, including entry requirements can be found in our programme brochure.

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Discipline of Speech and Language Therapy
National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
Phone: 353 91 492957; Fax: 353 91 495540
E-mail: Speech and Language Therapy
This page was last updated Monday, November 14, 2011