Clinical Speech & Language Studies - Dysphagia

Course Overview

This one year part-time course aims to provide qualified Speech and Language Therapists with opportunities to advance their academic knowledge and professional practice skills in all aspects of dysphagia in both adult and paediatric populations. The course provides additional specialist qualifications to already qualified Speech and Language Therapists and does not serve as initial qualification to practise as a Speech and Language Therapist. Those without an existing qualification in Speech and Language Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology should therefore not apply.



Is This Course For Me?

The course provides additional specialist qualifications to already qualified Speech and Language Therapists and does not serve as initial qualification to practice as a Speech and Language Therapist. Those without an existing qualification in Speech and Language Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology should therefore not apply.



Course Structure

The course takes place during six 5-day weeks spread over a 1-year period. All students must attend Trinity College for these teaching weeks. Additional assignments and clinical work must be completed outside of these weeks. This course will only run if a minimum of five applications are received. Classes are timetabled to facilitate clinicians in employment and overseas students.

Course Content

The course comprises core modules on dysphagia theory and application to practice. It also teaches basic research methods, clinical evidence based practice and reflective practice. Students must also complete 80 hours of clinical work. Students who have not completed a qualifying course in dysphagia will have to complete additional preparatory work. Those students who have not completed a qualifying course in dysphagia must undertake a minimum of 40 hours supervised clinical work in dysphagia (with experienced supervisors to be recognised by the Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies at Trinity College Dublin. Students may pre-arrange their own clinical work (e.g. if completing hours in your current workplace), but must ensure that where supervision is required, proposed supervisors have been agreed with the Department. Those who do not have an identified clinical location will be assigned one by the Department.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold at least 2.1 Honours degree in Clinical Speech and Language Studies or an equivalent qualification in Speech and Language Therapy. Those without a qualification in Speech and Language Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology should not apply.



Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, you can learn more at: www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/postgraduates/garda-vetting.php



English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page

Closing Date 1st May 2025

1 year part-time/2 years part-time

Next Intake September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course have gone on to become expert clinicians in their field and to administer clinical practices.