Msc? PGDip? PGcert? BSc?
Speech and Language Therapy? Speech Sciences? Evidence based practice in communication disorders?
NHS funded? Self- funded?
Apply by UCAS? Apply by post? Apply directly to uni online? Apply for more than one course at once?
Just an application form? Interview? Group tasks?
If you don't get in first time round do you wait until next year?
The process of getting onto a Speech and Language Therapy course is pretty complicated. Knowing which is the best option for you is not easy. Combine this with the limited amount of courses and the competition for places, the process can be pretty stressful!
I applied for two courses and also contacted another one for more information. I was basically told by one that my degree was not that relevant so not to bother applying. My work experience was not taken into account. This really knocked my confidence and I didn't think I'd get onto a course at all. However, after a successful English/ Maths test, group task and interview I got onto my current course straight away.
I have enjoyed my course, loved being on placement but found it stressful at times. Our grade is based entirely on essays and a dissertation which I have found a bit tricky as someone who prefers exams to writing assignments. Some of these have been due in whilst we are on placement. As a well organised person I have tried to get these finished before they are due, but sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day! I have found myself rushing placement preperation in order to meet deadlines. We are also not graded on our placements and as this is the main reason we are on the course it seems a shame that this is not reflected. Having said that, I can see how the process of marking these is more subjective than an essay marking grid.
Having almost completed my course, I have met students from other universities. Most are shocked when I tell them we do not have end of year exams. Obviously I haven't met everyone, but those that I have seem to have a better grasp of the terminology that is used within the workplace and the medical model. In contrast (again this is just an opinion) I feel whilst finding some of the background knowledge difficult, I have been able to apply my thinking flexibly, which can be useful when outside factors are impacting on what you are seeing during assessment/ therapy.
I think universities need to be clearer about what their course gives you in terms of a qualification and what the courses will actually involve in terms of assessment and placements. I think its obvious there are a lot of people applying for many places but information will help the person find a course that suits their learning style.
