Our mission is: “To prepare speech and language therapists in training to become competent clinicians and independent lifelong learners, by providing a supportive learning environment to explore relevant theory and apply it to clinical practice, with an emphasis on lived experiences and evidence.”

Speech and Language Therapy Curriculum Structure

The Speech and Language Therapy curriculum at the University of Galway follows a spiral design, revisiting key themes across each year to support deeper learning, competency development, and reflective professional growth.

Core Strands of the Curriculum

Our curriculum is organised across three integrated strands that develop throughout the four years of study:

Strand 1: The Developing Clinician

• Focuses on clinical skills, professional identity, and reflective practice.

Strand 2: Human Sciences

• Provides foundational knowledge in psychology, anatomy, physiology, and related disciplines.

Strand 3: Communication & Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (EDS) Sciences

• Explores the science behind communication disorders and EDS needs across the lifespan.

Yearly Learning Aims

Year 1: Foundations in Practice

• Develop introductory knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes that underpin SLT practice.
• Build core professional practice skills through integration across the three strands.

• Apply learning through tutor-guided case work in simulated and clinical environments.

Year 2: Expanding Knowledge & Clinical Application

• Extend and deepen knowledge and skills from Year 1, with increasing focus on practical clinical application.
• Manage straightforward cases using integrated learning from all strands.
• Emphasise targeted service provision and person and family-centred care.

Year 3: Managing Complexity & Specialisation

• Continue to develop knowledge, attitudes, and clinical reasoning skills to manage complex cases.
• Explore specialist service provision, drawing on advanced content across all three strands.
• Gain more autonomy in clinical placements and case discussions.

Year 4: Professional Readiness & Transition to Practice

• Consolidate all prior learning, integrating knowledge, clinical skills, and reflective practice.
• Enhance key personal and professional skills relevant to all healthcare roles.
• Prepare for entry into the SLT workforce with a strong focus on independent practice and career readiness.

This structured, spiral curriculum ensures our graduates are confident, compassionate, and competent professionals, ready to meet the diverse needs of individuals across healthcare and educational settings.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Employability: Our graduates are fit for practice and highly sought after because they are skilled professionals capable of working across settings with diverse client groups.
• Research Driven Education: University of Galway's strong research foundation ensures that students are well-informed and evidence-based practitioners. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, enabling students to apply theoretical principles to Speech and Language therapy practice.  Teaching is student-centred with a range of innovative and engaging teaching and learning methods. Our curriculum is spiral in nature, which means that we revisit topics and themes throughout the programme to deepen students’ knowledge and skills. There is a clear, transparent, pathway to facilitate the development of competencies across the four years.  
• Research-active lecturers: Our staff are internationally recognized researchers and academics in the field of speech and language therapy. The team implements research-led teaching and excellence in teaching and learning to ensure graduates become competent, capable clinicians.
• High quality learning and clinical environment: We have a purpose-built speech and language therapy on-site clinic on campus. This clinic is a unique collaboration between the University of Galway, and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Students undertake some of their clinical placements in this facility. The on-site clinic has the dual function of delivering high quality services to the public while at the same time providing a supportive learning environment for SLTs in training.
• Theoretical and Experiential Learning: This course combines important theory and evidence-based practice with a diverse range of experiential learning opportunities (such as community engagement, group facilitation, simulation, Interdisciplinary learning). Throughout the four years you develop skills and apply your knowledge to practice becoming a competent Speech and Language therapist.
• Clinical placement: Students complete a total of 450 hours of clinical placement over the four-year programme. These placements are organised to meet students' clinical needs and develop clinical competencies across settings and client groups.  All placements are supervised by qualified speech and language therapists ensuring safe, supportive, and high-quality learning experiences.   

Speech and Language Therapy graduates are eligible to apply to register with CORU to work in a range of settings with adults and children with a range of speech, language, communication and swallowing needs. For example, graduates may work in the following settings:

• Primary care teams
• Community Disability Network Teams
• Hospitals
• Community Rehabilitation Centres
• Child and adolescent services
• Mental Health Services
• Individuals' Homes
• Child Development Centres
• Day Centres
• Mainstream and Special Schools
• Language Classes
• Voluntary Organisations
• Private Practice

Practice Education

Practice education begins in the first year, when students visit schools. Throughout the course, there is a combination of one-day weekly placements in the on-site clinic and block placements in the community where students are given the opportunity to learn under the supervision of a qualified speech and language therapist.

The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) requires that speech and language therapists in training undertake a minimum of 450 hours clinical education, 300 of which must be with a speech and language therapist and 150 of which can be clinically related.

Students must undertake clinical placements, under the supervision of qualified speech and language therapists, in a range of settings to develop clinical competencies. The location of the clinical placements can vary and can take place outside of Galway, in Galway and on campus.

We have a purpose-built speech and language therapy on-site clinic on campus. This clinic is a unique collaboration between University of Galway, the health services.  Students undertake some of their clinical placements in this facility. The on-site clinic has the dual function of delivering high quality services to the public while at the same time providing a supportive learning environment for SLTs in training.

We use innovative and creative teaching, learning, and assessment methods to facilitate students to link theory with practice. The curriculum is delivered by a dynamic reflective team that is committed to excellence. 

Accrediting Body
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with CORU (the regulatory body for health and social care professionals in Ireland) and become members of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) - the professional body for speech and language therapists in Ireland.

Graduate Opportunities  
Our students have opportunities to work in Ireland and abroad. Our students are highly sought after in roles across a range of client groups and settings. Our students also pursue and PhD studies after their undergraduate education.

International Opportunities
Our graduates have opportunities to work internationally with a variety of client groups across a variety of healthcare and educational settings. Graduates who are registered with CORU and members of IASLT can apply for mutual recognition with international professional organisations through the Agreement for the mutual recognition of Professional Association Credentials (MRA, 2022).

Professor Renée Speyer
Dr. Stanislava Antonijevic-Elliott
Dr. Clare Carroll
Yvonne Fitzmaurice
Laura Loftus
Dr. Rena Lyons
Dr. Ruth McMenamin
Dr. Mary Pat O’Malley-Keighran
Niamh Ward 

The programme team recognises the need for a wide range of assessment types in order to provide for a diversity of learning needs. The range and diversity of assessment procedures allows the varying strengths of individuals to be demonstrated. We use innovative and creative teaching, learning, and assessment methods to facilitate students to link theory with practice.

The assessment strategies developed are part of the learning process for progression through the programme. These strategies are effective in building confidence and developing transferable skills which are particularly useful for professional practice. The assessment strategies promote the development of personal transferable skills e.g. teamwork, time management, critical thinking skills, presentation skills etc.

The assessment strategy integrates the academic components of speech and language therapy with practice education, thereby increasing the relevance of the assessment to speech and language therapy practice.

The assessment strategy is learning outcome driven. Each module leader develops an assessment plan which reflects the learning outcomes of the module. The assessment strategies employed within the degree programme become more demanding as the SLTs in training progress and test comprehension, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, problem solving skills, critical thinking, decision making and clinical reasoning at the appropriate level of study.

Each year both the theoretical and clinical components of the programme are assessed by means of a combination of written examinations, coursework and oral assessments. 

Course queries: healththerapies@universityofgalway.ie

T + 353 (0)91 495470
E healththerapies@universityofgalway.ie
www.universityofgalway.ie/speech_language_therapy/

Programme Director(s):  
Dr Mary Pat O’Malley
Programme Director

Q: What is the programme structure and duration?
A:The BSc in Speech and Language Therapy is a 4-year full-time undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8). The curriculum follows a spiral approach, revisiting and deepening core themes (linguistics, anatomy, dysphagia, research, etc.) across Years 1–4.It integrates classroom learning with clinical placements each year—including both weekly in-campus sessions and block placements in hospitals, schools, and community settings.

Q: What’s involved in clinical placements?
A:Students complete a minimum of 450 hours of clinical education: around 300 supervised by qualified speech-language therapists and 150 in clinically-related contexts. Placements begin in Year 1, progressing from school visits to on-campus clinics (including a purpose-built University‑run facility) to block placements in external healthcare and educational settings. You may have to travel outside of Galway for placement. SLTs in training are required to wear a uniform while on placement.

Q: What happens after I graduate?
A:Graduates are eligible to apply for CORU registration and membership of the professional body, the Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists (IASLT). They pursue careers in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, mental health services, voluntary agencies, private clinics, and primary care settings.

Q: What kind of personality is suited to a career in Speech and Language Therapy?
A:To become a successful Speech and Language Therapist, you need a mix of interpersonal, emotional, and analytical skills. Key traits include:

• Empathy and patience – You’ll be working with people of all ages who may struggle to communicate or feel frustrated by their challenges.
• Strong communication skills – Not just speaking clearly but also listening actively and adapting your communication to suit clients’ needs.
• Problem-solving ability – Each client is unique, so you'll need to think creatively to tailor therapy approaches.
• Teamwork and collaboration – SLTs often work as part of multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, schools, or clinics.
• Resilience and professionalism – You’ll face emotionally demanding situations and need to maintain a high standard of care. Having a genuine interest in helping others improve their quality of life through communication is one of the most important foundations for this career.

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science), and any other subject recognised for entry purposes.

Additional Requirements 

Vaccination and Medical Requirements 

As part of the programme requirements, all students must undergo a medical assessment and/or health screening. This process ensures that students are fit to undertake clinical placements.

All registered students must participate in the Programme’s Vaccination and Screening Programme which requires students to produce evidence that they have received the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and the Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccinations. In line with this requirement, we recommend that student’s evidence both the MMR and Hepatitis B before the commencement of placement. Evidence of these vaccinations must be provided in the first year of the course.

Garda Vetting

Students must satisfy Garda/Police clearance requirements. Garda clearance must be applied for through University of Galway, regardless of whether an individual currently holds Garda clearance with another organisation.

Language Requirements

Students must meet the English Language Requirements where English is not their first language.

Alternative Pathways

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme 

• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements,   

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€4,868	€3,000	€27,500	€340	€3,340	€8,208	€27,840

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI. 
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU tuition.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.
• Occupational Health Service
  In year one students are required to pay a €200 fee towards a subsidised Occupational Health Service provided to students of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences in compliance with all relevant legislation and standards. This is shown as part of the levy

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information. 

International (Non-EU) Application Information  

Application Process
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists

IASLT Podcasts

Further Education
Students may continue further study in the following programmes at the Discipline of Speech and Language Therapy in the University of Galway.

MSc Childhood Speech, Language & Communication Needs  (full-time/part-time)

MSc Applied Multilingualism (full-time/part-time)

PhD Speech and Language Therapy