BSc Speech and Language Therapy

This course unit runs in the second semester of the first year of study providing a foundation knowledge in key topics within the fields of psychology and sociology, focussing on theoretical models and relevant research. These will be related back to clinical practice and highlight considerations for working with clients.  

This unit will support students understanding of clients, carers, and the influence of various factors on diagnosis, intervention and engagement. It will also encourage them to explore and reflect on factors related to themselves that could influence their practise and personal development during their studies and into their career.

The course unit will cover the following content:

• Psychological and sociological concepts relevant to speech and language therapy  
• Application of concepts to practitioners and clients across the lifespan  

The unit aims to:

• Provide students with a foundation knowledge in key topics within the fields of psychology and sociology relevant for speech and language therapy.
• Provide students with an awareness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional processes across the lifespan, their impact on the individual, and consideration of these factors in practice.
• Provide students with opportunities to apply psychological and sociological theories to speech and language therapy and reflect on how these theories relate to clinical speech and language therapy practice.
• Provide students with an awareness of the psychological and sociological factors that could impact their interactions with clients and their families and their own behaviour as practitioners.

Learning and teaching processes utilise tutor led lectures, group discussions, and directed independent reading and study.  

To support independent study, resources, including videos, directed reading, multiple choice quizzes and lecture slides, will be made available.  

• Outline and apply key sociological and psychological theories and models relevant to language and communication and understand the importance of these to speech and language therapy practice.
• Describe the key developmental changes that commonly occur across the lifespan, and their impact on the individual.
• Discuss explanations for the acquisition, consolidation, modification and deterioration of skills and processes with reference to research.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of communication needs on the psychological and social wellbeing of a person and their relationships.
• Apply knowledge of social and cognitive psychology to healthcare practice.
• Reflect on psychological processes related to their own values, beliefs, and biases considering the potential impact on practice.
• Demonstrate social and cultural awareness, identifying and understanding the differences and needs of others. 

• Acquire, synthesise, and evaluate information from a range of sources.
• Present a clear discussion of the topic, demonstrating an understanding of the theoretical issues involved, which is accurately expressed.  
• Synthesise and interpret information on complex topics to present logical arguments, with reference to the evidence.
• Understand the importance and application of the content covered to the provision of speech and language therapy services.
• Engage in independent learning to review and consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the information presented. 

• Use library, electronic and online resources to support learning.
• Write clearly and concisely in an appropriate formal style in order to communicate information accurately and reliably. 

• Demonstrate effective communication skills appropriate to the intended audience.
• Continue to engage in self-directed learning that will promote professional development.
• Provide constructive feedback on the work of peers by applying assessment criteria effectively, differentiating between strengths and weaknesses. 

Students will have the opportunity to self-evaluate their performance using online quizzes and against tutor and peer discussion during class discussion exercises.  

Students will receive a mark and detailed, evaluative tutor written feedback on completion of the exam. This feedback will include guidance to students regarding their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter as it relates to future course units, and on their formal written communication skills for future assessments.

Students will receive feedback from peers on practice exam questions 

• Eysenck, Michael. Fundamentals of Psychology, Taylor & Francis Group, 2008.
• Laura, E. Berk. Development Through the Lifespan, Pearson Education, 2017.  
• Russell, Lani. Sociology for Health Professionals, SAGE Publications, Limited, 2013.