COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc in Speech and Language Therapy at the University of Galway is designed to produce competent, reflective, and independent clinicians equipped to meet the diverse needs of people with communication and swallowing difficulties. The program follows a spiral curriculum, revisiting key themes across four years to reinforce learning, promote professional growth, and develop clinical competency. Its structure is built around three integrated strands. The Developing Clinician strand focuses on building clinical skills, professional identity, and reflective practice. The Human Sciences strand provides foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and related disciplines, ensuring students understand the biological and cognitive underpinnings of communication and swallowing. The Communication and Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (EDS) Sciences strand explores the scientific principles of disorders and interventions across the lifespan. In Year 1, students establish foundational knowledge and professional skills, applying theory through tutor-guided case work in simulated and clinical environments. Year 2 builds on this foundation, extending knowledge and emphasizing practical clinical application, person-centred care, and management of straightforward cases. Year 3 develops the ability to handle complex cases, introduces specialist service provision, and encourages greater autonomy in clinical placements and case discussions. In the final year, students consolidate learning, integrating knowledge, clinical skills, and reflective practice while refining personal and professional competencies to prepare for independent practice. Across the program, students engage in hands-on placements, simulation exercises, and research-based learning, ensuring they are confident in evidence-based practice. By the end of the four-year course, graduates emerge as compassionate, competent, and career-ready speech and language therapists capable of contributing effectively to healthcare and educational settings, supporting individuals across the lifespan with communication and swallowing needs.