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Speech and Language Therapist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) work with people of all ages who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing. Clients may include children with speech or language delays, adults recovering from stroke, or individuals with conditions such as autism or cleft palate. SLTs assess clients, plan and deliver therapy sessions, and work closely with teachers, doctors, and family members to support each person's needs. The role can be based in NHS hospitals, schools, community health centres, or private practice. SLTs need strong communication skills, patience, and empathy, as well as a recognised degree in speech and language therapy and registration with the HCPC.

Speech and Language Therapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Speech and language therapists in the NHS typically start on Band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scale, with salaries starting at around £28,407 per year.

Experienced Salary

With experience, salaries can rise to Band 6 (£35,392 to £42,618) and senior roles (Band 7) can earn up to £50,056 per year.

Number of Registered Professionals

There are approximately 19,000 speech and language therapists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist

Works specifically with children to help them overcome speech, language, and communication difficulties, often within schools or healthcare settings.

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Adult Neurological Speech and Language Therapist

Specialises in helping adults who have speech and language problems due to neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, or Parkinson's disease.

Speech and Language Therapist for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Focuses on supporting individuals with autism to develop effective communication skills, often working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Achieve Academic Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A Levels

Study subjects such as English, Biology, and Psychology at GCSE and A Level to build a strong foundation.

Good grades in science and English are particularly valued. Some universities may also accept equivalent qualifications such as BTECs in health and social care. Volunteering with children or adults who have communication needs can also strengthen your application.

Earn a Relevant Degree

Apply for and complete a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved degree in Speech and Language Therapy.

Most undergraduate courses last three or four years. Entry is competitive, so gaining work experience and researching different universities is important. If you already have a degree, you can apply for a two-year postgraduate course in Speech and Language Therapy.

Gain Practical Experience

Complete Placements During Your Degree

Participate in clinical placements as part of your degree course to gain hands-on experience.

Placements typically take place in a variety of settings, such as NHS hospitals, schools, and community clinics. You will work alongside qualified therapists, learning about different client groups and developing practical skills.

Seek Additional Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer with organisations supporting people with communication needs to broaden your experience.

Charities, schools, and care homes often welcome volunteers. This experience helps you develop empathy, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the profession, making you a stronger candidate for jobs after graduation.

Become a Registered Professional

Register with the HCPC

Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to legally practise as a Speech and Language Therapist in the UK.

Once you have completed your approved degree, you must register with the HCPC. Registration ensures you meet professional standards and can work in NHS and private settings.

Apply for SLT Jobs

Search and apply for Speech and Language Therapist roles in health, education, or private sectors.

Job opportunities can be found in the NHS, schools, private practices, and voluntary organisations. Tailor your applications to highlight your clinical experience and commitment to supporting people with communication needs.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Speech and Language Therapist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

The career title directly matches the original job, as both involve assessing and treating speech, language, and communication disorders. The qualifications and professional expertise are aligned, making it the closest match.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

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.

Entry requirements

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

More Information

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for degree courses and apprenticeships.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a speech and language therapist from:

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