Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Science Speech and Language Therapy, Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to MSc Speech and Language Therapy!
This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Ben Bolton-Grant
Course Director, MSc Speech and Language Therapy
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or returning to your course, we welcome you at the start of what we are sure will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding year of study with us.
Our aim is to provide all our students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that informs understandings of the world we live in. Our courses are highly valued by employers, and our approach to student learning and support places you at the heart of everything we do. In addition to offering a diverse range of teaching approaches and a variety of different methods of assessment, we attach the greatest importance to providing you with constructive feedback on your work so you can develop your future learning.
Our learning environment is student-centred, and we value your opinions. We want to know about the things you enjoy and think we do well, and also to hear about ways in which you believe we can improve your experience with us. You can share your views with us through course representatives, evaluation of modules, or constructive comments to staff. Whichever route you choose, we are always interested in what you have to say.
Staff across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide you with all the support we can to help you succeed on your chosen course, and we look forward to working with you as you achieve your academic ambitions. I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year.
Professor Andrew Cooper, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Each student is allocated an Academic Advisor. Details of this can be found in the 'Course Essentials' section of the course community group on MyBeckett.
Wendy Forde
sltadmin@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
0113 812 7306
The Course Administration Team can be found in room 315, on the third floor of the Portland Building at City Campus.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences Admin Office Opening Times and Dates Calendar can be found in the appendices section at the end of this handbook.
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course level, in formal and informal meetings with academic and support staff and at School Forums. Details about being a Course Representative are available at Course representatives | student information | Leeds Beckett University
The Students' Union oversees Course Representatives and more information is available at Course Reps (leedsbeckettsu.co.uk)
Your Academic Librarian team can be contacted on HSSLibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
To find out the key resources for your subject and to book an appointment with the Library's Academic Support Team, see your Subject Guides: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_social_sciences
Further contacts in the course team:
SLT Clinical Education Leads:
Jo Sandiford, j.c.sandiford@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 8620
Naomi de Graff, n.de-graff@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 3257
sltplacements@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 4525
At Leeds Beckett University you are joining a diverse community in which we aim to be a place where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to achieve excellence. We are committed to providing a vibrant, ethical and sustainable working and learning environment that values equality and diversity. This commitment exists alongside our legal and moral obligations to provide an inclusive environment for staff, students and community partners.
Leeds Beckett University and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) have both published statements supporting the Black Lives Matter campaign in which they outline their commitment to tackling racism at an individual, organisational and societal level. You can access these statements here:
https://www.rcslt.org/news/black-lives-matter-a-statement/
https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/news/2020/06/0620-black-lives-matter
As a course team, we respect the religious views of all of our students, and we try to deliver the course in a way that supports students to express these through their religious observance.
We recognise that students may need to be absent on certain days for religious festivals and/or observances, and we support student decisions to do this. Please inform tutors who are teaching on those days. If the absence is for more than one day, please also inform the course administrator (sltadmin@leedsbeckett.ac.uk), and consider meeting with your academic advisor if you need support to make a plan for catching up on the work you miss. If your religious observance gives rise to a regular difficulty with attendance (e.g. on Friday afternoons), please discuss this with your academic advisor in the first instance.
Wherever we can, we will try not to schedule assessments to take place on a day of religious observance. If a clash does happen please tell your Level co-ordinator as soon as possible. If we can't change the assessment calendar, or if your religious observance over a longer period (e.g. fasting) impacts on assessment, you may wish to use the mitigation system to defer the assessment. You will then sit/submit the assessment at the next opportunity.
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Skype for Business will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course CalendarCourse Overview
The aims of the programme are to:
- Prepare students for a career in Speech and Language Therapy, by enabling them to demonstrate the Standards of Proficiency for Speech and Language Therapists (HCPC, 2013) and register with the HCPC.
- Develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills in the foundation disciplines of phonetics, linguistics, psychology, medical sciences and research, and specific knowledge of communication disorders, therapeutic approaches and healthcare delivery.
- Develop the ability to be independent in gathering, critically evaluating and applying knowledge to the practice of speech and language therapy.
- Develop the skills to build successful therapeutic relationships and empower service users to change and develop.
- Facilitate personal development through reflection on performance, values and beliefs in order to become a self-aware, ethical and professional practitioner.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
LO1
Demonstrate the ability to identify, critique and apply a systematic and critical understanding of theory and principles in psychology, phonetics and phonology, linguistics, speech and language pathology, research and medical sciences to the assessment and management of people with speech, language, communication and swallowing needs across diverse contexts of contemporary speech and language therapy practice (SOP 4, 13, 14).
LO2
Select, use and modify a range of communication skills to develop successful therapeutic relationships and work in partnership with colleagues, other professionals, support staff, service users and their carers (SOP 8; 9).
LO3
Give deliberate thought to the critical consideration of their own values and beliefs in relation to the social and cultural contexts of practice and to understand these issues in the lives of individuals and in planning effective, non-discriminatory services for people with speech, language, communication and swallowing needs (SOP 5; 6).
LO4
Critically review and apply a range of research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to facilitate the ability to find, evaluate and create new theoretical and empirical evidence and apply it to evidence- based practice in speech and language therapy over the course of their clinical careers (SOP 12; 13; 14).
LO5
Reflect objectively and critically on all aspects of the quality of their practice to identify and act upon personal and professional development needs (SOP 11; 12).
LO6
Select and effectively apply the skills required to practice as an autonomous professional, exercising their own professional judgement in relation to complex or novel issues in client care (SOP 4) and the professional obligations and requirements of the HCPC (SOP 1; 2; 3; 7; 10).
Assessment & Feedback
The assessment balance and overall workload associated with this course are calculated from core modules. They have been reviewed and confirmed as representative by the Course Director. A standard 20 credit module equates to 200 notional learning hours, which may be comprised of teaching, learning and assessment, any embedded placement activities and independent study.
Level 7 is assessed by coursework predominately, with some examinations and practical assessments. Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the course calendar (see your community page in MyBeckett) and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available.
Feedback will be provided on MyBeckett and Pebblepad for your summative assessments.
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks (Exams and Timed Assignments) or five weeks (Coursework Assignments) of your submission. What happens during this time?
Marking
- Anonomous marking.
- The first marker grades the work and writes feedback.
- Between 30 minutes and 1 hour per assignment.
Internal Moderation
- Anonymous review of accuracy, consistency, equity & parity of marking.
- Usually undertaken by a member of the course team.
- Usually includes review of all fails.
External Moderation
- Anonymous review of accuracy, consistency, equity and parity of marking.
- Undertaken by the external examiner.
- Usually includes review of all fails.
For both internal and external moderation, the moderator is given a sample of work spanning all grades, the full marks spreadsheet (to review the whole cohort of marks), along with the assessment outline, guidance and marking criteria. Internal and external moderation is still undertaken anonymously and may result in changes to the cohort marks. Work at Level 4 is not externally moderated but internal moderation takes place for all assessment components across the course.
Within Speech and Language Sciences at Leeds Beckett University we aim to be transparent and informative with the feedback we offer students on assessed work. For each piece of marked work that is globally graded, the work will be assigned a grade that is "anchored" at a clear point, ending in either -2, -5 or -8. These anchors each depict a clear grade that is typical of a low, mid or high standard within each classification. For other assessments, your grade may be an accumulation of smaller components. In these instances, your grade will be the sum (or average) of these components.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
Level 7 Year 1
To pass a module on the MSc Speech and Language Therapy you must achieve a minimum of 50% in all components (a component is a piece of assessment within a module that counts towards award eligibility).
If you fail any components you be required to be re-assessed in those components. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process for the module (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
When you have completed all re-assessment opportunities in Level 7 Year 1 the Progression and Award Board will consider your progression to Level 7 Year 2. To progress to Level 7 Year 2 stage, you must pass all year 1 modules. If you are unable to progress, you may repeat each failed module once, taking the next academic year to do this. There is no eligibility to repeat placement modules.
Level 7 Year 2
To pass a module on the MSc Speech and Language Therapy you must achieve a minimum of 50% in all components (a component is a piece of assessment within a module that counts towards award eligibility).
If you fail any components you be required to be re-assessed in those components. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process for the module (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
When you have completed all re-assessment opportunities in Level 7 Year 2 the Progression and Award Board will consider your eligibility for the award of MSc Speech and Language Therapy. For this award, you will need to pass all modules and the placement module 'SLT Clinical Placement B'. If you are not eligible for the award, you may repeat each failed module once, taking the next academic year to do this. There is no eligibility to repeat placement modules.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
Staff teaching on the MSc Speech and Language Therapy prioritise the student learning experience, recognising that as graduates, students come to the course already possessing skills in autonomous learning and critical thinking. Learning and teaching approaches focus on enabling students to use their existing skills and knowledge to develop a coherent, subject- specific knowledge base; to develop critical appraisal of speech and language therapy research to inform evidence-based clinical decisions; and to develop self-aware reflective practice.
The design of the curriculum and approaches to teaching and learning take account of the Leeds Beckett Education Strategy, and in particular, the learning pathway). Within this model Level 7 is viewed as a transition, and learning and teaching on the course aims to support this so that students become confident to apply their knowledge and skills in complex and novel situations. A key part of the curriculum is the research project which aims to give students a thorough understanding research as a practice and product and how it is applied to evidence-based care in speech and language therapy. Students encounter a range of teaching and learning activities on the course:
- Lectures are used for the transmission of core knowledge bases. They are often interactive and make use of directed discovery teaching.
- Small group learning is employed to promote problem-solving critical thinking, reflection, communication skills, the integration of theory with clinical practice, and independence.
- Seminars are included to permit students to access opportunities for self-directed learning, critical reflection, self-assessment, and peer review.
- Practicals are employed for skill-based learning. They permit students to acquire subject-specific skills through repeated practice. They also further critical analysis, evaluation skills, self-awareness, reflection, communication skills, self-assessment, and team work. Practicals permit the tutor to employ coaching techniques and, for example, allow him/her to give immediate individualised feedback to students.
- Tutorials on the course are group-based or one-to-one. They provide the forum for analysis, synthesis and evaluation of learning. Students are given the opportunity to raise specific issues and they are encouraged to develop their own ideas in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Clinical placements are a crucial part of the learning on the course and are required by the professional and regulatory bodies. Students must adhere to fitness to practice requirements before starting on placements. This type of experiential learning promotes the students' ability to apply theory to practice. It also supports critical analysis skills, communication skills, self-awareness, reflection, and an awareness of the role of the SLT and other related professions.
- Simulation and role play allows students to 'try out' clinical situations in a safe environment. This learning strategy develops the similar skills as the clinical placements but it also encourages students to think creatively and to apply theory to practice innovatively, thus fostering self-confidence and independent thinking.
- Aspects which require guided and independent study are built into all modules of the programme. These are important as they offer the opportunity for consolidation and reconstruction of acquired knowledge bases. They encourage students to develop their own patterns and strategies of learning.
The synthesis and clinical application of learning is paramount on the course, and this is facilitated through the 'Clinical and Professional Studies' modules, giving students the opportunity to critically apply and extend their learning to date through working in groups on case-based scenarios.
This information is correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternate modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes. Details of module delivery will be provided in your timetable.
Level 7 Year 1 Core Modules
Foundations of SLT (Speech and Language Therapy)
Clinical and Professional Studies 1
Dysphagia
Disorders of Speech
Clinical Placement A
Level 7 Year 2 Core Modules
Clinical and Professional Studies 2Disorders of Language
Disorders of Communication
Evidencing Practice
Clinical Placement B
Overall Workload | Level 7 - Year 1 | Level 7 - Year 2 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 287 hours | 264.5 hours |
Independent Study | 619 hours | 639.5 hours |
Placement | 210 hours | 240 hours |
Level 7 is assessed by coursework predominately, with some examinations and practical assessments.
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT): Certified Membership
The HCPC protects the public by regulating sixteen health and care professions, including Speech and Language Therapy. The HCPC sets the standards for the professionals on their register; they approve programmes which professionals must complete to register; they take action when professionals on the Register do not meet their standards.
The RCSLT is the professional body for people working in or studying for speech and language in the UK. It provides curriculum guidance for and accredits programmes of study in speech and language therapy.
Graduates awarded the MSc Speech and Language Therapy are eligible to apply to join the HCPC register through the 'approved qualification' route.
https://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/students/
This is the only Leeds Beckett University postgraduate award which confers eligibility for HCPC Speech and Language Therapy registration.
Graduates are entitled to become certified members of the RCSLT when:
(i) They have completed an accredited programme of study.
(ii) They have joined the HCPC register of Speech and Language Therapists.
(iii) They have completed the RCSLT framework for newly qualified practitioners.
'In Year' Work Placement Information
The Health and Social Care Practice Learning Team source and allocate students to clinically supervised placements in both years of study.
Indicative (example) placement information - students usually go out on placement at the following times. Please be aware that this may be subject to change.
Minimum of 100 sessions (session = ½ day) of clinically supervised placements across the course, with a minimum of 30 sessions in a child and 30 sessions in an adult setting.
Placements may occur in both ongoing (1 day per week) and block (4 days per week) formats.
Year 1 Semester 1: Ongoing - 4 days
Year 1 Semester 2: Ongoing - 1 day per week over 8 weeks
Year 1 Semester 3: Block - 16 days over 4 weeks
Year 2 Semester 1: Ongoing - 8 days
Year 2 Semester 3: Block - 24 days over 6 weeks
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
The course philosophy derives from the nature of communication, the nature of professionalism and the nature of clinical practice, drawing on the five core capabilities of the profession articulated in the RCSLT curriculum guidelines (2018). Communication, by its very nature, is embedded in a personal and social context, and the course aims to develop your capacity to consider the strengths and needs of service users holistically, working with them in therapeutic partnerships underpinned by strong communication to facilitate change, inspire confidence and empower them to develop.
Flowing from this is a philosophy of practice which places service users at the centre of care, and seeks to act at all times in their best interests, one of the cornerstones of ethical practice. The course develops your understanding of professional autonomy and accountability, what it means to be a registered healthcare professional and demonstrate ethical and professional behaviours. This, in turn, requires the integration of theoretical knowledge with clinical practice enabling you to develop practice which is research and evidence-based.
By completing a pre-registration course at master's level, you refine your ability to apply critically appraised knowledge to novel and complex situations, preparing you to deliver high-quality care from the outset, and equipping you for lifelong learning and leadership in the profession as you career develops.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
The course specific pages of the library contain resources to help you find quality academic resources and materials related to your course: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/subject_support/speech_and_language_therapy
Each module has a specific reading list which can be found in the left hand menu in the module on MyBeckett.
The speech and language therapy resources room in CL723 contains assessments, resources for intervention and additional books which you may find helpful for your course. There is a resources room catalogue on your course community page in MyBeckett.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
No eligibility for registration with the HCPC. Awarded where a student meets the defined profile of achievement for the award as described in the University Academic Regulations Section 4 - 4.3.5
Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma Speech and Language Science
No eligibility for registration with the HCPC. Awarded where a student meets the defined profile of achievement for the award as described in the University Academic Regulations section 4 - 4.3.5
Level 7 MSc Speech and Language Science (No eligibility for registration with the HCPC).
Awarded where a student meets the defined profile of achievement for the award as described in the University Academic Regulations section 4 - 4.3.5 but has not passed the module Clinical Placement B.
Aegrotat Award No eligibility for registration with the HCPC.
Please see your Course Director if you require any further information.
Leeds Beckett University
Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, with 180 credit points at Level 7 of the Higher Education Credit Framework for England
Part-time delivery is not currently available.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
4.3.5 Postgraduate Profiles of Achievement (exemptions in bold)
c) Masters Awards
Masters degrees are awarded for the attainment of a minimum of 180 credit points at Level 7. The University awards these credit points where a student has:
- pursued a course of study of 180 credit points at Level 7 or above;
- achieved the overall learning outcomes for the award;
- submitted and achieved a minimum of 50% in all specified components of assessment;
- achieved an average of 50% or more in modules equivalent to 180 credit points at Level 7 or above;
- achieved an average of 50% or more in each module studied;
- achieved an overall average of 50% or more across all modules studied at this level.
- Achieved a pass in the non-credit bearing modules 'SLT Clinical Placement A' and 'SLT Clinical Placement B'
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The External Examiners for this course are as follows:
Dr Wouter Jansen
Senior Lecturer/Admissions Tutor/Course Lead, MSc Speech and Language Therapy
School of Health Science
Birmingham City University
Lecturer in Psychology for Speech and Language Therapy
Ms Carla Rohde
Programme Lead, BMedSci
University of Sheffield
Appendices
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