Speech Therapy

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech Therapy is a field of study practiced by clinicians to help improve a patient’s communication skills. Students interested in careers in speech therapy will learn how to treat patients who struggle with language based communication.

What 3rd Level Courses are Available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:

English Language – the study of English as a second language for non-native English speakers.
Literature – the study of written works of the imagination such as poetry, drama, and narrative fiction.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language – the practice of teaching English as a foreign language, especially in areas where English is not widely spoken by the native population.

Studying Speech Therapy in College

Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students a great introduction to the foundational principles of Speech Therapy including understanding human communication, learning disabilities, and physical disability’s therapy.

In subsequent years of study students will combine lectures, tutorials, and hands-on exercises with regular exams and presentations as benchmark assessments of their course progression.

Most undergraduate Speech Therapy courses run for three of four years and in certain cases universities will facilitate work experiences.

It is common with all language-based courses that students are expected to engage in a high number of contact hours with lecturers in tutors, ensuring their successful completion of a rigorous curriculum and preparing them for careers in Speech Therapy after university.

A bachelor’s degree is adequate for some non-research based careers in Speech Therapy. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working as speech therapists, social workers, and school teachers.

Career Options
Graduating from college with a degree in Speech Therapy will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set. A humanities degree teaches students to think creatively as well as equipping them with invaluable problem solving and communication skills.

Many recent graduates have gone into ‘entry-level’ careers in Speech Therapy working as occupational, rehabilitation, and arts therapists.

Other careers in Speech Therapy that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for, e.g. teaching, research, and consulting positions.

Relatable Jobs Include:

Social Worker
Primary School Teacher
Rehabilitation Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Home Help Organizer
Healthcare Assistant
Speech & Language Therapist
Physical Therapist
Equality Officer
Arts Therapist
Guidance Counsellor

Further Study

An undergraduate Speech Therapy degree is often the first step towards further postgraduate study often involving specialization in particular fields and areas of Speech Therapy and/or undertaking new, sometimes, interdisciplinary fields.

Visit postgrad.ie for more information.

FAQ

What points do I need to study Speech Therapy?
- Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule, Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Are there any particular qualities you need to study Speech Therapy?
- Students interested in careers in Speech Therapy will need to enjoy the study and use of language as well as its application in the real world. They will need to be innovative, creative, and collaborative as well as being able to communicate their own ideas and opinions.
Where can I study Speech Therapy?
- Explore your options here.