Pathways to Speech & Language Therapy: What Background Do You Need to Apply?

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) offers the unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

From helping children find their voices to supporting adults recovering from stroke or coping with neurological conditions. It’s a profession rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a passion for communication.

With expanding demand across healthcare, education, and social sectors, it’s a rewarding field for those inspired by human connection and lifelong learning.

What’s This Course All About?

The MSc in Speech & Language Therapy (Pre‑registration), delivered by Portobello Institute and awarded by Health Sciences University, prepares graduates to meet professional standards and qualify as Speech & Language Therapists.

With accreditation pending from the HCPC and aligned to Level 9 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, the two‑year full‑time or blended learning pathway provides a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and real‑world experience Portobello Institute.

What Background Do You Need to Apply for an MSc Speech & Language Therapy?

There’s no single “speech therapy degree” required to apply, but Portobello welcomes applicants with:

• A 2:2 honours degree (or above) in areas like early childhood care and education, teaching, psychology, linguistics, biological or medical science or language studies. If your area of experience or qualification is not listed here, you can still reach out and ask us about your personal background.
• Equivalent professional experience - for example, as a speech & language therapy assistant.
• Strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to build rapport.
• A written and spoken English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 8.0 overall, with no band under 7.5—TOEFL 118/120 or OET 1800 with no element below 400 is also accepted Portobello Institute.

What Makes an Ideal Candidate?

1. Academically Strong: You’ve thrived in rigorous, subject-focused study. Whether your degree is in biology, sociology, or early childhood education, you’ve honed analytical reasoning and writing skills.

2. People‑Centred & Compassionate: You value listening, empathising, and empowering individuals across diverse ages and needs.

3. Practically Minded: You enjoy applying research to real-life challenges - whether from academic clinics, voluntary roles, or a career setting.

4. Reflective and Eager to Grow: You’re motivated to develop evidence‑based interventions and regularly reflect on your own practice.

5. Adaptable & Professional: Comfort working in multidisciplinary teams, engaging with different cultures, and managing conflict or sensitive situations.

Course Structure: What You’ll Learn

The MSc mixes academic theory with hands-on placements:

• Year 1 covers foundational modules (Human Science, Professional Practice), communication therapy for adults and children, advanced clinical skills, and the first placement.

• Year 2 focuses on complex disorders, mental health, research methods, a substantial dissertation (40 credits), plus two further placements—all designed to build robust, patient‑centred care skills.

Sessions include lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and case‑study analysis - either weekdays on campus or a blended‑learning format across evenings and weekends .

Real‑World Placements You’ll Gain

During placements, you will:

• Engage in three block placements over two years.
• Work directly with clients four days a week.
• Experience a variety of clinical settings, from paediatric to adult services.

Applying: What You Need to Do

1. Hold an eligible degree or demonstrate relevant experience.

2. Complete the online application.

3. Attend a 15‑minute interview via MS Teams - your degree, experience, motivation and communication skills will be assessed.

4. Receive a decision within 7–10 working days after the interview.

5. Accept your offer with deposit/payment to secure your place.

Who Could Thrive in This Role?

This course suits:

• Graduates in early childhood care and education, teaching, psychology, linguistics, biology or related fields.
• Healthcare or education professionals seeking a fulfilling clinical specialism.
• Practitioners from diverse cultural backgrounds passionate about reducing communication disparities.
• Career changers drawn to evidence‑based practice and direct service impact.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve studied sciences, humanities, or education, or supported people in care settings, this MSc pathway is designed to turn your passion and potential into practical expertise.

If you’re driven by compassion, thrive on meaningful relationships, and relish the challenge of evidence-led innovation, Speech & Language Therapy could be your calling.

Visit our course page here or get in touch today to find out more.