York St John announces its first MSc in Speech and Language Therapy

York St John University is proud to announce the launch of its first Master of Science (MSc) degree in Speech and Language Therapy. 
 
Launched during the 80th anniversary year of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), the new Pre-Registration MSc course meets a growing demand across the country for more professionals trained in this specialised and essential profession. 
 
The course, which starts in September 2025, is accredited by the RCSLT and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This means that, on completion of the course, students will be eligible to register with the HCPC to use the protected title of Speech and Language Therapist, and to advance the foundations of their career in scientific, linguistic and psychological knowledge. 
 
Over the course, students will be able to establish a significant role in the management of speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties, and develop skills in leadership and coaching, research and analysis. 
 
Shona Corker, Programme Lead for Speech and Language Therapy at York St John University, said that demand for the course was so strong that the first application was received within 3 minutes of it being opened. 
 
“Being a speech and language therapist is an interesting, challenging but incredibly rewarding career,” said Shona. 
 
“Students will be able to support people of all ages at very poignant moments in their life, from birth to end of life care. This might mean supporting a baby to be able to feed safely, a child with additional needs, someone who has had a brain injury, or people with mental health needs.  
 
“One of the key features of our course is that we are committed to being at the forefront of speech and language therapy in practice. Through our various professional and clinical roles, we are really in-tune with what the most current and important issues in speech and language therapy are.  
 
“This means that students will graduate with the most contemporary knowledge and skills required for the profession.” 
 
During the course, students will also have access to York St John’s state-of-the-art clinical facilities, including simulation hospital wards and clinical consultation suites, providing opportunities to practice clinical application of their knowledge and build confidence in their skills before applying them in their career. 
 
Students will also benefit from expertise within the academic team, who are expanding the repertoire of research in Speech and Language Therapy through their interests in speech sound disorders, autism and conditions related to childhood cancer. The University is also well positioned to advance the academic and research skills of clinical colleagues in partnership with the Science and Health MRes and the Institute for Health and Care Improvement.  
 
This is bolstered by the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in numerous placements with multiple NHS and independent organisations. 
 
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to work in a diverse range of clinical settings including stroke units, neonatal wards, education settings, community clinics, mental health and the justice system. 
 
Shona said that the new course also benefited hugely from the full support of the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Karen Bryan OBE, who is herself a Speech and Language Therapist. 
 
“Having a vice chancellor with a background as a Speech and Language Therapist not only enables understanding of the profession at a senior level, but it also shows that Speech and Language Therapists can flourish to high esteem in society and reflect the professional traits required, such as compassion and empathy, into leadership and innovation,” said Shona.  
 
Professor Karen Bryan OBE, whose own speech and language therapy research interests are in communication difficulties in young offenders and in forensic populations, said: 
 
“I am delighted to see Speech and Language Therapy added to our expanding Allied Health portfolio at York St John.  
 
“This development reflects our commitment to addressing the changing needs of society. With an estimated 1.9 million school-aged children struggling to talk and understand words, it is vital that we nurture a strong pipeline of skilled, compassionate professionals ready to meet growing demands for support.” 
 
Judith Broll, Director of Professional Development with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists said: “We are delighted that York St John University is launching its first Master of Science (MSc) degree in speech and language therapy this autumn.  
 
“As a speech and language therapist myself, I know just how rewarding a career it can be, supporting people throughout their lives to communicate, eat, drink and swallow. 

“With the increasing demand for speech and language therapy support in the UK, we look forward to welcoming this year’s cohort of students and can’t wait to watch them grow in understanding and knowledge to become the next generation of fabulous speech and language therapists.” 
 
The 2-year programme is open to anyone with a 2:1 degree in a related subject. Find out more about studying Speech and Language Therapy on our York St John Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration) MSc web page. 
 
Shona also discusses the course in more detail on our YouTube channel. 
 
You can read more about Professor Karen Bryan OBE’s own speech and language therapy research on our staff profile web page.