Human Communication
Human Communication is concerned with people across the lifespan who have communication problems and /or difficulties with swallowing. The dynamic and enthusiastic multi-disciplinary staff team deliver a range of courses including a very popular BSc (Hons) Human Communication - Speech and Language Therapy.
Current new initiatives in the Division include:
- the development of a Masters Module for teachers and therapists with the School of Education, Leicester University
- a joint conference on evaluating intervention in school settings organised with the Human Communication Sciences Department, the University of Sheffield
- this year to be hosting the RCSLT National Student Day.
Undergraduate studies
The pre-registration Speech and Language Therapy undergraduate programme is a varied and stimulating course for those who are interested in communication and working with people. The programme is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team and combines science, technology, linguistics, psychology, and personal and professional development with clinical training. There is a strong inter-professional education (IPE) theme running throughout the course and students take part in a number of IPE events.
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia has offered an award which may be given to a student on the DMU course who produces an excellent and exceptional piece of work related to aphasia.
http://www.aphasiatavistocktrust.org
Research and PhD opportunities in Speech and Language Therapy
The research in the Division is collaborative and focuses on areas that have direct applications to professional practice or the patient’s experience. There are opportunities for speech and language therapists who wish to study for a PhD either full-time or part-time. Currently staff are carrying out research in: dysfluency, dysathria, interprofessional education, symbol use, course evaluation, cultural perspectives on language use and learning, quality of life issues in aphasia and phonology and phonetics. They have links with universities in the UK and in Malaysia, China and Bulgaria.
Further postgraduate opportunities
The SLT Division offers a Dysphagia Masters Module for qualified speech and language therapists. This module was developed in collaboration with colleagues in clinical practice and has the approval of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Topics include the evidence base for instrumental measurement, the impact of complicating factors and ethical issues.
Inter-professional contact and discussion is at the heart of the Doctorate in Health Science which is available for experienced clinicians who are required as part of their job to carry out and/ or lead research in a specific area of professional practice. The doctorate is offered on a part-time basis and takes a minimum of four years and a maximum of six years to complete.
