Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are in high demand both in Ireland and internationally. A career in this rewarding and fast-growing field is within reach, and for students pursuing a master’s degree to practise professionally, the way the programme is delivered makes all the difference.

At Portobello Institute, we offer an accredited postgraduate pathway leading to professional body registration as a SLT.

There is a choice of two delivery methods:

Whether you opt for in-person or blended learning, this MSc is completed over two years. The programme combines academic knowledge with clinical placement experience, preparing students to work across paediatric and adult settings.

Both formats offer:

  • The same professional qualification, awarded by Health Sciences University
  • Expert academic guidance
  • Real-world insight and clinical placements

The key difference lies in how the programme is delivered.

Flexible, Student-Centred Delivery is Key to Success

Our courses place flexibility and student development at the centre of the learning experience, with tailored academic, professional, and personal support throughout your studies.

You may be ready to step into in-person postgraduate study at our central Dublin campus in Rotunda, Dublin 1 or you may prefer a blended learning option that supports you to continue working while you study.

Whichever delivery option you choose, the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) programme is designed to accommodate a range of lifestyles, commitments, and career ambitions.

The Difference Between Blended and In-Person Learning

In short, blended learning combines online weekday evening classes with scheduled in-person weekend teaching, while in-person learning is delivered through regular weekday classes on campus.

Blended learning offers a more flexible study structure, whereas in-person learning is designed for full-time, campus-based study. Both delivery modes require significant time, interest, and commitment.

What Is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a flexible study model that combines:

  • Online weekday evening and in-person weekend classes designed to fit around work and family commitments
  • Self-directed online study
  • Live and recorded lectures via the online portal
  • Practical clinical and professional learning experiences

While the hybrid-style blended pathway offers greater flexibility, it still includes regular in-person teaching and full-time clinical placement requirements.

What Is In-Person Learning?

In-person learning is a campus-based study model that offers:

  • Weekday classes delivered on campus
  • Regular face-to-face interaction with lecturers and classmates
  • Practical clinical and professional learning in person
  • A structured weekly timetable
  • An immersive classroom learning experience
Who Does Blended Learning Suit?

The blended delivery method is particularly beneficial for working professionals who want to advance their career, gain a recognised qualification, and apply their learning to real-world settings.

Many students may already be working in areas such as healthcare, education, disability support, childcare, psychology, social care, or allied health settings before progressing towards qualification as a speech and language therapist.

This includes individuals currently employed as speech and language therapy assistants who aspire to develop professionally.

Who Might Prefer In-Person Learning?

In-person learning may suit students who are ready to commit to full-time, campus-based study and prefer a more structured learning environment. If you enjoy collaborative classroom learning and regular face-to-face engagement with lecturers and fellow students during weekday hours, the in-person format may be the right fit for you.

This pathway may appeal to recent graduates of Portobello Institute’s health science degrees, as well as in areas such as psychology, linguistics, or related disciplines who are looking to take the next step in their education and move towards professional qualification.

Blended or In-Person: How Do They Compare?

Consideration

Blended

In-person

Teaching

Online classes with scheduled weekend teaching on campus

Weekday campus-based teaching with regular face-to-face interaction

Best suited to

Students who want to balance postgraduate study with work or other commitments

Students who prefer a structured, full-time campus learning environment

Tutor contact

Online and face-to-face tutor guidance, including tutorials and webinars

Regular face-to-face contact with tutors throughout the week

Practical learning

Practical skills developed through scheduled in-person teaching sessions

Practical skills developed during weekday campus sessions

Clinical placements

The same supervised clinical placement requirements

The same supervised clinical placement requirements

Commitment

A demanding two-year postgraduate programme with greater flexibility in taught delivery

A demanding two-year postgraduate programme with a regular campus-based timetable
Study Speech and Language Therapy at MSc Level

If you're interested in pursuing an MSc in Speech and Language Therapy, explore the programme in more detail.

Ultimately, the choice between blended and in-person delivery comes down to what works best for your lifestyle, commitments, and preferred way of learning. More information on the delivery schedules can be found here.

Our team are on hand to guide you and answer any questions you may have about this. Simply schedule a call with a Career Pathway Consultant.