Applied Human Communication Disorders

This multidisciplinary programme is aimed at professionals already working in child or adult services in health, education or social care in the UK and overseas who have an interest in developing research expertise and who have a motivation to carry out research in their workplace or a linked setting.

Students will gain knowledge and skills in applied research related to the client groups with whom they work. Key topic areas include qualitative and quantitative methods related to communication disorders research, and planning, implementing and managing research. Students undertaking the MRes will conduct a supervised research project in their area of professional interest.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

Both the MRes and the PG Cert include three compulsory (core) modules (45 credits) and one optional module (15 credits). The MRes also includes a research project (120 credits).

On the Postgraduate Certificate students take four modules (60 credits). This can be full-time over 15 weeks or flexible study over a period of up to two years.

Core modules

• Research Evidence and Design I
• Research Evidence and Design II
• Research in Practice

Optional module

• Students may choose any 15-credit module from Language Sciences or from the Institute of Health Informatics.

Dissertation/report

MRes students undertake a research project in the area of human communication disorders, which culminates in a dissertation of 8-10,000 words, a research impact plan and poster presentation.

Teaching and learning

The programme takes a strong experiential learning approach through the demonstration, exploration and application of new skills. The programme also utilises significant online learning resources which allow learning outside normal classroom hours. These are combined with lectures, and small-group working. Assessment is through written reports, presentations, and the research dissertation.

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and a recognised professional qualification (e.g. audiology, clinical science, medicine, occupational therapy, psychology, speech and language therapy, teaching); or a recognised professional qualification and a minimum of two years relevant work experience; or a minimum of an upper-second class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification on an equivalent standard in any other relevant science, medical or allied health professions related discipline.