BSc Speech and Language Therapy

We typically require grades AAB. No specific subjects are required, but a mixture of science and arts subjects is recommended.

Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available; this means either the name and/or code number of a unit or module that you have undertaken. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including three GCSEs/iGCSEs at grade 4/C or above (must include Mathematics). Plus grade 5/B in English Language and 5/B in one of: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Science.

GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP+ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of two grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than C/4. This does not apply to English Language because of the nature of the programme and therefore applicants will need to obtain grade 5/B in this subject.

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP++ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of four grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than 4/C. This does not apply to English Language because of the nature of the programme and therefore applicants will need to obtain grade 5/B in this subject.

We require 35 points overall, with 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

We normally require grades AABBB in five suitable Scottish Higher level subjects plus one Advanced Higher subject at grade A. English Language and Maths not taken at Higher/Advanced must have been achieved at SCQF Level 5.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this considered on an individual basis.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

We consider your full educational background. A decision about your suitability for this course will not be taken based solely on the foundation year completed, and will include all prior qualifications. Applicants should pass the Foundation Year at the first attempt as resits may not be considered

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma

We require successful completion of a National Extended Diploma at grades D*DD.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We require successful completion of a National Diploma at grades DD plus A at A-level.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We accept the National Foundation Diploma at Grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside 2 A-level subjects with minimum grades AB.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We accept the National Extended Certificate at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside 2 A-level subjects with minimum grades AB.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades D*DD

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD plus an additional A Level at grade A.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades D plus additional A Levels at grade AB.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AB. 

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018).

Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3).

The specific course requirements are: an overall of 60 credits are required, with 45 Level 3. A minimum of 39 credits should be at Distinction plus 6 credits at Merit. 15 credits at Distinction must be in a science subject.

You should also have GCSE English Language at a minimum grade B/6 and Mathematics at minimum grade C/4.

We welcome applicants completing an Access to HE course in a health or science-related subject.

We consider Access courses to be suitable for mature applicants who have been out of full-time education and have had no previous access to higher education. We will consider applications on an individual basis taking into account other factors such as other educational achievements, life experience and skills.

Due to the nature of Access to HE diplomas, it is often not possible for an applicant's college to supply a sufficiently detailed reference. Under these circumstances, we may request a supplementary reference to enable us to fully consider your academic ability.

Although this could result in us delaying our decision, please be assured that this will not adversely affect your application in any way. Please contact us if you require further information.

Students educated up to GCSE level who have only taken a one-year Access course will not normally be accepted.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (eg AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

This course will accept grade B in Core Mathematics in lieu of the correct grade in GCSE Mathematics.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade B or 5 or;
• IELTS 8.0, with no component less than 7.5.or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language should appreciate that a particularly high standard of spoken and written English is necessary to cope with linguistics, phonetics and clinical work. As a minimum we require the above English language requirements.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here.

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Work experience with speech and language therapy service providers is not a requirement for entry to the course.

You should undertake reading about the role of the speech and language therapist, and the experiences of individuals with speech, language and communication and/or feeding and swallowing disorders.  

If you have some practical experience with individuals who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing, we strongly encourage you to provide information about it in your personal statement. This experience should not relate to your own experience of speech and language therapy, or that of other members of your immediate family.

In your personal statement you should include a reflection about the range of roles speech and language therapists undertake and how they support and effect change with clients, rather than a simple description of the kinds of conditions or clients they work with. You should not describe your own experiences, or those of your family members.

Please note that future inflationary increases will be applied to each subsequent year of the course, subject to government regulations on fee increases.

If this is your second tuition fee loan for an undergraduate course: Students who already have a degree and are planning to undertake a nursing, midwifery or allied health profession subject as a second degree will now also have access to student loans through the student loans system.

See more information about changes to NHS bursaries on the government's website .

You will complete three block clinical placements during the course. You will be expected to pay upfront travel and/or accommodation costs and then apply to get these reimbursed.

As per the government announcement, all UK speech and language students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. The funding will be given to all new and continuing degree-level nursing, midwifery and many allied health students from September 2020. More information can be found on the NHS website.

Please note, eligibility criteria for the new funding will be the same as the wider NHS Learning Support Fund payable to students ordinarily resident in the UK and studying at a university in England. Find out about the financial support available to students starting at Manchester.

Find out about the financial support available to students starting at Manchester.

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form.

Applicants whose personal statement is specific to another discipline

Because of the high volume of applications we receive, we will not consider those applicants who choose Speech and Language Therapy as a second option and whose personal statement is geared towards a different discipline.

Face-to face interviews are not required for entry to the programme.

We welcome students who are returning to education after a period away from study. Returners typically make up a proportion of students on our course.

If you are returning to education, you should have completed some assessed study at level 3 in the five years prior to the start of the course.

Individual consideration is given to recent academic qualifications or other relevant experience. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience of health-related areas, especially in which there is some anatomy, physiology and/or psychology.

Find out more about life at Manchester as a mature student .

We welcome applications from overseas students.

Health screening

The University of Manchester is mindful of the health of both its students and of the public, with whom healthcare students come into contact on placement. If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with a confidential health screening check as advised by the Department of Health to meet your offer conditions.

The health screening comprises completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and their General Practitioner and also a medical appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department, who will advise on any follow-up vaccination or other intervention which may be indicated.

See Higher Education Occupational Physicians/ Practitioners (HEOPS) Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) Students - Standards of medical fitness to train [PDF] for more information.

See the HCPC guide for more information.

International applicants will need to submit an overseas police check and this will be included as a formal offer condition.

If your application is successful, we require you to comply with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

In order to take a place on the course, you will be required to comply with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If your application to the course is successful, your DBS will be organised by our admissions team, but if you would like to know more about the process please look at the government website.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Requests for deferred entry are granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and are normally granted for one year only. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date.

We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBC at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

We will consider transfers, this is at the discretion of the Admissions Tutor and Programme Director and will take into account your qualifications and the units you have studied in your current degree.

All three years of the course involve academic and practical work, including a considerable amount of clinical experience, and we work closely with local service providers, including the NHS, to make sure that we prepare you to meet the highest possible workplace standard.

In the first year, study focuses on developing intellectual skills and understanding of typical speech, language and swallowing.

The second and third years include units on clinical linguistics and phonetic and research, but much of your time is spent studying disorders of speech, language, communication and swallowing, as well as approaches to assessment and intervention while also gaining clinical experience.

In particular, you will be required to engage in a number of learning activities to meet the RCSLT (2021) pre-registration eating, drinking and swallowing requirements. You must successfully sign off a minimum of 16 of the 20 competencies and complete 10 hours of direct working with children with EDS issues and 30 hours of working with adults.

You will study foundation science subjects as they apply to speech and language therapy (clinical research, biomedical sciences, phonetics, linguistics, psychology and sociology).

You will also undertake professional orientation and preparation towards your first four-week block clinical placement in the north-west region.

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Drawing on your clinical experience from Year 1, study focuses on developmental communication and swallowing disorders, as well as those acquired in adulthood.

Study is more clinically focused in clinical linguistics, phonetics and research methods. Professional preparation continues towards your six-week block clinical placement.

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Apply more critical thinking to your studies as you move towards professional autonomy in your final year. Study builds upon Year 2, considering those living with lifelong disability, as well as acquired neurological disorders and developing advanced research skills in your particular areas of interest.

There is professional preparation towards your final six-week block clinical placement and, looking beyond this, to preparing you for employment as a speech and language therapist.

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk .

The Health and Care Professions Council also has some guidance on becoming a healthcare professional with a disability.

For applicants with a disability applying for entry in September 2024 please note:

RCSLT recognise that some students may have a disability, which will potentially affect their ability to work with aspects of the eating, drinking and swallowing (EDS) process. For example, some may have sensory difficulties with sounds and smells, which affect working with food. To support students and HEIs, RCSLT has agreed that for a time-limited period, those with a disability (where their disability has prevented them from achieving the pre-registration EDS competencies) will still be able to graduate. This will be agreed on a case-by-case basis in discussion with the SLT teaching team and the individual student.

From September 2025, new students entering the course with a disability will need to achieve the pre-registration EDS competencies to be able to graduate.

Therefore, you are strongly advised to disclose any disability during the application process, where it may affect your ability to work with clients with EDS issues and/or may prevent you from successfully graduating.

This degree has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for regulatory purposes. This means you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and to become a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) after graduation.