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Speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapists help people with speaking and communication problems and those with eating and swallowing difficulties.

Potential salary
£32,000 starter to £57,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40. Working pattern: between 8am and 6pm.
Career area
Health and care
Where they might work
You could work at a school, in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre, in a nursery or at a client's home. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
A typical task
observe and test patients to assess specific difficulties
Subjects that may help
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Typical route
You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) .
Interest area used here
Helping and teaching, Health and laboratory science

Career actions

What you might do

  • observe and test patients to assess specific difficulties
  • plan and develop therapy programmes
  • help patients regain communication after brain injuries or a stroke
  • support children and adults with eating or swallowing problems
  • work with children with language delays or disorders

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • knowledge of English language
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
More skills
  • knowledge of psychology
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Routes into this career

University route

  • You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) .
  • If you've got a relevant degree, you could do a 2-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.
  • You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .
  • You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Linguistics

    Related, but not enough on its own. Speech and language therapy is a separate accredited degree.

  • Speech and language therapy

    Direct qualifying route. The qualification should be HCPC-approved.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • You may be able to do a Speech and Language Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
  • The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete.
  • If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to get a master's qualification as part of the apprenticeship.
  • If you are working as a speech and language therapy assistant you might be able to apply to do the degree apprenticeship with your current employer. You would need to meet all their entry requirements for the apprenticeship.
  • The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has more information on this apprenticeship.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
  • With experience, you could specialise in working with:
  • children with special educational needs
  • people who have eating, drinking and swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
  • After further training, you could move into teaching and research. You could also become self-employed and run your own business.

Registration and requirements

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

pass enhanced background checks

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

What you could do next