(MSc) Childhood Speech, Language & Communication Needs at National University of Ireland, Galway

About

Course Overview

The aim of this MSc in Childhood Speech, Language, and Communication Needs is to provide a critical and conceptually sophisticated understanding of children with SLCN and the contexts of their lives. This programme has been designed to meet the needs of busy practitioners who need to keep up to date with the emerging evidence base when working with children with SLCN in the clinic, classroom, and community. (Note: it is not a professional qualification in speech and language therapy.

Our flexible blended learning approach, combines face-to-face workshops (e.g., two days per module and online learning to support you as a busy practitioner with many competing demands on your time. Course activities and skills training enable you to apply knew knowledge and skills directly in the clinic, classroom, and community.

NOTE: information on the University of Galway Taught Masters Scholarship Scheme is online here.

Modules:

Supporting Children with SLCN

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

Discuss the impact which speech, language and communication needs can have across a range of contexts including individual and societal levels (e.g., ICF, Bronfenbrenner
Discuss the relationship between language and literacy and numeracy in the classroom
Critically appraise the policy context in relation to law/equality, health, and education as it relates to speech, language and communication intervention e.g., Disability Rights perspective, inclusive policies, New Language Curriculum, Early Childhood Curriculum Framework
Discuss the methods which are used to screen for speech and language needs (e.g., those used by teachers, SLTs, and psychologists
Interpret the results of assessments in order to identify strengths and needs
Discuss specific evidence-based intervention strategies to support children with SLCN in the classroom, clinic and community
Critically appraise service delivery options e.g., pull-out, classroom-based intervention, clinic-based intervention, whole-school approach, models of multi-professional working.

Cultural, Linguistic, and Social Diversity in Health and Education

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

Critically appraise a range of theories and cultural beliefs about bilingual language acquisition, childhood, child rearing, health/illness, and disability that will impact on practice
Discuss the impact of parental addiction, neglect, poverty on child speech and language development and well-being
Apply knowledge and understanding to assessment and intervention of culturally, linguistically, and socially diverse families
Critically reflect upon their own cultural competence
Problem solve working with interpreters

Using Evidence in Practice

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Describe the evidence based practice resources available which are relevant for practice in the clinic, classroom and community.
Demonstrate proficiency in turning questions into effective search strategies.
Appraise quantitative and qualitative research literature
Analyse and synthesise information from multiple sources to draw valid inferences about the state of knowledge in a particular field.

Narratives in childhood

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:

Discuss stages of narrative development in childhood
Discuss the characteristics of narrative associated with a range of clinical populations
Compare and contrast a range of elicitation and analysis procedures
Critically appraise a range of elicitation and analysis procedures
Critically evaluate a range of elicitation and analysis procedures
Discuss the available evidence base for narrative-based language interventions
Discuss cultural diversity in narratives and their clinical significance
Discuss the role of narrative in identity construction in childhood

Scholarships Available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Who Teaches this Course

Dr Mary-Pat O'Malley

B.Sc., M.LITT, Ph.D

Senior Lecturer
Discipline Speech & Lang Therapy
¿ras Moyola
University of Galway
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DR RENA LYONS

BSc, MSc, PhD

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Dr Clare Carroll

M.SC, B.SC, PhD

Lecturer Above The Bar
Dept. Speech & Language Therapy
University of Galway
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Dr Stanislava Antonijevic-Elliott

B.S., M.S., Ph.D

Associate Professor
Aras Moyola
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Dr Maura Dowling

MSc,BNs,RNT,RGN,RM Cert Oncology,PhD

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Requirements and Assessment

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Primary degree with at least Second Class Honours or an equivalent qualification.

Career

Are you a health, education, or social care professional? Or someone who is interested in childhood communication impairments?
Do you want to learn how you can engage, support, educate, and help children with SLCN (aged from birth to 18 years) in the clinic, classroom, and community?
Do you want to learn how to facilitate the child with SLCN to participate in these contexts, and realise their full communication potential?

With our interprofessional MSc, you are gaining specialist knowledge of working with children with SLCN. You can then apply this knowledge in your specific professional context and future career.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,940

Application Fee

EUR

(MSc) Childhood Speech, Language & Communication Needs

National University of Ireland, Galway

National University of Ireland, Galway

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines