Module Directory

This module aims to extend students’ clinical and professional knowledge and skills so as to enable them to apply in practice and prepare for their role as speech and language therapists.

There is an emphasis on recognising the importance of sustained critical self-reflection, evaluation and change in order to provide patient-centred, evidence-based practice in line with current developments in research, practice and society. This will be highlighted through this module which considers how to advocate for your patients, learn from them and create change. Students will also develop key skills for entering the workforce, and maintaining professional accreditation.

The aims of this module are:

• To introduce students to the opportunities and challenges in clinical services that may lead to the need for change and how to achieve this, within the context of evidence-based practice.


• To remind students of professional expectations and responsibilities including self-reflective skills and identifying development needs.


• To equip students with fundamental knowledge and skills to enhance employability and prepare for the workplace in a range of contexts.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Identify and explain reasons for and approaches to creating change in clinical practice and service design for the benefit of service users’ quality of life and outcomes.


2. Apply critical reflective skills in evaluating their own strengths and weaknesses in their knowledge and practice.


3. Devise, based on their strengths and weaknesses, appropriate development goals relevant for a range of sectors and contexts.

Complimentary learning or prior knowledge

• This module extends and complements learning from Clinical and Professional Skills 1 and Clinical and Professional Skills 2.


• It will bring in knowledge and skills learnt across the SLT programme, including clinical placement.

Professional body requirements

In order to meet accreditation requirements, students will be required to pass this module.

Syllabus information

Indicative content:

• Patient advocacy and challenging norms


• Audit, evaluation and service improvement


• Involving patients and the public in service design


• Behaviour change theories and approaches


• Newly qualified practitioner expectations and capabilities


• Keeping a record of your professional development


• Writing a business case


• Preparing for practice in a range of settings and contexts (NHS, independent practice and overseas)

Overview:

This module combines the use of interactive lectures and seminars which focus on applying knowledge and skills of core topic areas which underpin the nature and practice of Speech and Language Therapy through problem-based learning and small-group work.

Students are expected to undertake the reading before classes and be prepared to engage in discussion.

For the main teaching days, lectures will be conducted in the mornings, and the afternoon seminars will focus on application of the newly learnt knowledge and skills.

Placement:

This module underpins placement activity throughout the final year.

Self-guided learning:

Much of this module involves the student undertaking independent study using a range of learning resources including the recommended reading, course study notes, library resources and experiences on placement.

Online:

Students are directed to online resources as appropriate, SLT laboratory and professional and government websites. Lecture materials and additional publications are included on the module’s Moodle page.