Module Directory

This module will revise and build upon anatomy, physiology and neurology from year 1 of the degree and introduce students to observation, investigation and intervention techniques alongside the professional reasoning skills required to underpin practical management of dysphagia. Aspects of the work will be practical, for example role playing of oro-motor and assessment techniques.

The aim of this module is:

• To develop understanding of observation, identification and management of eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

On successful completion of this module, the learner will have worked towards completion of the Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (EDS) pre-registration competancies (with a view to full completion in Year 3 of the programme).

On successful completion of this module, the learner should have knowledge of:

• Neuroanatomy and neurology involved in oropharyngeal function.


• The influence of EDS on health and general wellbeing.


• Normal EDS anatomy, and physiology of the upper gastro-intestinal tract over the life span.


• Factors causing or associated with EDS difficulties and the progress of conditions.


• Basic principles underlying health and safety policies and procedures, and application to professional working and to service users at risk of EDS difficulties.


• The role and scope of practice of the SLT working in the area of EDS.


• The roles and scope of practice of MDT members working in the area of EDS.


• Appropriate terminology in EDS and impairment, assessment, and management.


• A range of evidence-based rehabilitation and compensatory techniques.


• The need and routes for appropriate referral to other MDT members.


• Appropriate review timelines across different scenarios.


• Indicators for appropriate instrumental assessment.


• Ethical, legal, cultural and service influences on decision-making.

This module is delivered in the spring term. In addition to some traditional lectures where tutors will share information you will be expected to work in small groups and independently to truly understand the content at a deep level. This will help enable you to experience the professional reasoning required to identify acquired speech language and communication difficulties and prepare to meet RCSLT practical competencies in the practice placement environment.

Taking a developmental approach to the programme, this speech and language therapy module will build upon understanding of anatomy, physiology and neurology from year one of the programme and provide opportunities for interactive learning supported by key lectures. Small group work and practical tasks will form the basis of the exploratory learning nature of this module. The emphasis will be to develop understanding of the range of eating drinking and swallowing difficulties which are experienced across the lifespan, whilst also developing the skills and professional reasoning ability to identify individuals' difficulties.