MSc Speech & Language Therapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute Dublin - Course Overview

If you aspire to become a speech and language therapist, the MSc Speech & Language Therapy (Pre-registration) course at Portobello Institute in Dublin offers a structured and rigorous pathway to becoming a speech and language therapist.

In this article, we dive into what the programme involves, who it’s for, how it’s delivered, and what your prospects will be after graduation.

Why choose this MSc programme?

The healthcare and education sectors are experiencing strong demand for skilled therapists who can assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Ireland’s health sector is the country’s third-largest employer, and there is a consistent need for skilled speech and language therapists.

The number of training places for speech and language therapy remains limited, making targeted programmes like this one particularly valuable.

A programme such as this offers a timely and valuable route into a profession with meaningful impact.

This MSc delivers a pre-registration pathway designed to develop you into a competent, evidence-based speech and language therapist ready to work across diverse client groups and settings.

Speech and Language Therapists are skilled professionals in high demand, listed on the Department of Enterprise Critical Skills Occupation List which documents employment areas where there is a shortage in respect of qualifications, experience or skills which are required for the proper functioning of the economy.

By combining strong academic foundations with extensive clinical experience, the programme positions graduates for meaningful and impactful careers in physiotherapy.

Meet the Team: Lindsay Harrison – Programme Development Lead, MSc Speech and Language Therapy

Who is this programme for?

You should consider applying if you:

• Hold an honours (2.2 or above) undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (for example psychology, language studies, linguistics, biological/medical sciences, childhood or education studies).
  
  
• Alternatively have significant recent and relevant experience in an allied role (for example working as a speech and language therapy assistant). 
  
  
• Are ready to commit to intensive full-time study over two years in order to meet the clinical practice requirements and academic standards of the profession.
  
  
• Demonstrate strong communication skills in English: for applicants whose first language is not English, minimum requirements include IELTS 7.5 (no element below 7.5) / TOEFL 118 / OET 1800 (no element under 400). 

Entry to the programme is competitive: applicants will be invited to an online interview (via MS Teams) where past academic performance, experience, motivation and suitability for the profession will be assessed. 

Duration, structure & delivery

• Duration: 2 years full-time. 
  
  
• Two intakes: January (6 January 2026) and September (21 September 2026) for both the in-person weekday and blended-learning options.
  
  
• Fee: €16,896 per year. 

Learning modes

The programme is delivered via:

• In-person weekday lectures and practical sessions OR blended-learning (online lectures, tutorials, with scheduled in-person sessions). 

• A mix of formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical classes, project supervision and guided independent study. 

• Attendance requirement: typically a minimum of 80% across all modules. 

Curriculum and modules

Across the two years you will cover core foundations, professional practice, advanced practice, research and placement experience. Key modules include:

Year 1

• Human Science for Speech and Language Therapy 

• Professional Practice in Speech and Language Therapy 

• Adult Speech and Language Therapy 

• Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy 

• Advanced Skills in Speech and Language Therapy 

• Practice Placement 1 

Year 2

• Advanced Conditions and Disorders 

• Mental Health 

• Research Methods in Health Science 

• Speech and Language Therapy Dissertation

• Practice Placement 2 

Placements & practical experience

A defining feature of this programme is its strong emphasis on real-world professional practice. You will undertake mandatory practice placements that gradually build your confidence and competence in client-facing roles. 

In Year 1, you will begin with one day per week of pre-clinical placement during Semester 1, giving you the chance to gradually build confidence in a supported environment.

In Semester 2 and Semester 3, you will continue to develop your skills through either two days per week over six weeks or one day per week over twelve weeks, depending on the placement structure.

This step-by-step approach ensures a smooth introduction to clinical practice as your knowledge grows.

More information on Year 2 work placements can be shared upon request.

These placements provide valuable exposure to babies, children and adults with a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties—such as autism, cleft palate, hearing impairment, stammering and stroke-related impairment. 

Professional recognition & career paths

Upon successful completion of the MSc you will be awarded the master’s degree by Health Sciences University, aligned to Level 9 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

With your qualification and upon successful registration with the relevant governing bodies , you will be equipped to pursue roles as a speech and language therapist across a variety of settings – including hospitals, private clinics, schools, community services and specialist centres.

This career pathway positions you to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with complex communication and swallowing needs, and to grow professionally through continuing development, research and practice specialisation.

Application timeline & process

• Applications for the 2026 intakes are now open. 

• To apply: Submit the online application form → complete the MS Teams interview → await decision (typically within 7-10 working days) → once offered, formally accept and pay deposit to secure your place. 

Conclusion

The MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute offers a comprehensive, professionally-oriented route into the dynamic field of communication and swallowing therapy.

With its robust academic foundation, intensive placements and strong career relevance, this programme is designed for those who are committed to becoming highly capable, evidence-informed practitioners poised to make a meaningful impact.

If you’re ready to embark on a rewarding career helping individuals communicate, connect and live more fully, we encourage you to explore the course page in more depth, download the brochure or book a consultation with our course advisors today.