Course Overview
This MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration) in Ireland at Portobello Institute is a two-year, full-time postgraduate degree for graduates seeking a career in speech and language therapy. It offers an accredited postgraduate pathway to qualify as a speech and language therapist with professional body registration. Available through in-person learning (weekday focused) or blended learning (weekend focused), with supervised placements, expert clinicians, and direct progression from allied health science degrees.
Due to a high level of interest for this programme, it is now fully booked for Autumn 2026 start dates in September and October. Applications for February 2027 are temporarily closed while we guide our existing candidates through the interview stage. This allows us to give each applicant the necessary time, attention and consideration before progressing. If you would like to be notified when applications reopen, we encourage you to register your interest.
The next start dates for this programme will be in February 2027 – In-person Weekdays Starting on Monday, February 8th and Blended Learning Starting on Saturday, February 13th – with applications expected to open on Tuesday, September 1st 2026. We encourage you to review the entry requirements and prepare the necessary documents like academic transcripts and certificates, your CV and a copy of your ID ahead of the applications opening. If you need any guidance please book a call with our career pathway consultant.
The MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration) at Portobello Institute offers a high-quality, professionally recognised pathway for those seeking to qualify and practise as Speech and Language Therapists in Ireland. This two-year postgraduate programme is designed for graduates from relevant disciplines including psychology, linguistics, language studies, biological or medical sciences, childhood studies, and education, as well as applicants with substantial recent and relevant professional experience, such as Speech and Language Therapy Assistants. The programme also provides a clear progression route for graduates of Portobello’s allied health science degrees, supporting long-term career development within the health professions.
Career Pathways in Speech and Language
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities across public, private, educational, and community-based settings. With a recognised shortage of Speech and Language Therapists in Ireland, graduates can pursue roles that align with their professional interests and preferred working models, including public sector employment, private practice, or establishing independent clinics.
Teaching, Learning & Clinical Training
This pre-registration programme integrates academic learning with structured clinical training to ensure graduates are confident, competent, and practice-ready. Students develop the clinical expertise required to assess, diagnose, and treat communication, language, speech, and swallowing difficulties in babies, children, and adults across diverse clinical contexts.
Learning Approach
The programme adopts a blended and student-centred learning approach, combining academic rigour with applied clinical learning. Flexible delivery options include full-time study and blended learning, with online classes concentrated at weekends and practical workshops delivered on scheduled weekends to support students balancing work, family, and study.
Practical & Placement Experience
A defining strength of the programme is its innovative, phased placement model. Placements are embedded throughout the course and are carefully structured to introduce students gradually to clinical practice within a supportive, closely supervised environment. This ensures the progressive development of clinical confidence, professional judgement, and practical competence.
What You Will Study
Students gain in-depth knowledge across speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders, learning to design and implement evidence-based, person-centred intervention plans. Areas of focus include working with individuals with autism, cleft palate, hearing impairment, fluency disorders, and acquired conditions such as stroke, while emphasising ethical practice and holistic care.
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
The programme places strong emphasis on research literacy and evidence-based practice. Students are equipped to critically evaluate research, apply evidence to clinical decision-making, and engage in reflective practice, ensuring their work meets contemporary professional and clinical standards.
Academic Support and Expert Teaching
Teaching is delivered by an experienced team of practising clinicians and educators who bring real-world insight into the classroom. Students receive personalised academic support through dedicated tutors and structured mentoring, ensuring they are supported academically, professionally, and personally throughout their studies.
Professional Accreditation and Registration
This MSc is a pre-registration programme designed to meet the professional standards required for qualification and practice as a Speech and Language Therapist. It is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as speech & language therapists with HCPC.
Registration in Ireland
Graduates of this HCPC-approved programme can follow an established route to apply for professional registration through the “Qualified Abroad” route with CORU and gain professional registration in Ireland. With limited availability of Speech and Language Therapy programmes nationally, Portobello Institute offers a unique opportunity to qualify in Ireland, eliminating the need to travel abroad while preparing graduates for a highly rewarding and in-demand healthcare profession.
Award
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be awarded an MSc Speech and Language (Pre-registration). This is awarded by Health Sciences University and is aligned to level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
*CATS Credits Displayed. 2 CATS points = 1 ECTS point.
This unit will develop your understanding of fundamental human sciences underpinning speech and
language therapy practice including: anatomy and physiology, biological and medical sciences,
psychological and social sciences and linguistics. The unit will also explore the application of
psychological, social and cultural factors to speech, language and literacy. You will also explore the
structure and function of the human body and develop knowledge of health, disease, impairment and
dysfunction for speech and language therapy.
This unit will provide you with a foundation for the rest of the MSc Speech and Language Therapy
(pre-registration) course. In the unit you will contextualise health and social care, including the
promotion of good health as well as the management of ill-health. The unit explores ethical
dimensions to care to reinforce and develop respectful, reflective professional practice. You will also
develop an understanding of healthcare and education systems, as well as understanding the ethical,
legal, moral, health and safety constraints governing speech and language therapy practice. Finally,
you will begin to build fundamental skills to underpin speech and language therapy practice including
communication, decision-making, self-awareness and the required academic skills to complete the
course.
This unit will introduce you to key speech, language and swallowing challenges experienced by adult
populations, and the therapeutic approaches to working with such conditions. The unit introduces
core adult disorders including aphasia, dysarthria, dysphagia, voice disorders and head and neck
cancer. Knowledge from previous units in anatomy, physiology and neurology underpin
understanding of the typical and pathological processes of the aero digestive tract and central
nervous system. Attention is paid throughout to the impact of difficulties on the quality of life of the
individual and their family. The nature and neurology of progressive neurological disease is
examined and compared to healthy typical ageing, with particular reference to motor neuron disease,
multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and tumour. The speech, language and swallowing difficulties
arising from these progressive conditions is also examined. This unit builds upon anatomy,
physiology and neurology taught in previous units (e.g., SLT 702). Stroke is explored in the context
of aphasia. Aphasia is examined from a classical, localisation approach and from a linguistic modular
perspective; co-morbidity of apraxia and dysarthria is integrated into the discussion of aphasia.
In this unit you will develop an understanding of the structure of language and be introduced to the
basic principles of speech and language therapy in children. The unit develops linguistic and phonetic
knowledge to ensure a comprehensive understanding of speech production and language structure
and the principles of syntactic analysis. Seeking to apply this knowledge to understand simpler
speech and language pathologies. The unit further develops the students’ experience and
understanding of aspects of more complex speech and language pathology in children. The unit
explores fundamental aspects of practice including assessment, diagnosis, and prognosis,
considering in relation to increasingly complex cases.
In this unit you will build upon your professional practice knowledge and skills developed in other
units on the course to further develop your professional capabilities. The unit will continue to develop
patient-centred approaches to practice whilst also exploring leadership and leadership skills in
healthcare and education contexts. In addition, the unit explores the process of service evaluation
and the development of appropriate business skills, innovation and change.
In this unit you will gain practical work-based experience working with a range of patients, serviceusers and their families on clinical placement. You will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical
knowledge and skills that have been developed while studying other units on this course, applying
them in practical environments and utilising your transferable skills. This practical placement unit is
focused on a specific area of speech and language therapy practice. In the unit you will actively
contribute to the assessment and treatment of service users.
In this unit you will further deepen your knowledge and understanding of the theory, assessment,
differential diagnosis, intervention and management of a range of complex developmental and
acquired communication and swallowing difficulties. The unit will consider complex long-term
conditions and co-morbidities and includes working towards Eating, Drinking and Swallowing
Competencies.
This unit will enable you to develop an understanding of mental health and mental ill-health. In
particular, the unit will enable you to develop an understanding of common mental health challenges
faced and consider some of the specific challenges that are more prevalent in specific populations.
You will also explore key symptoms relating to a range of conditions, and crucially develop an
understanding of specific interventions and referral options whilst also reflecting on the boundaries
of your own professional competence relating to client mental health challenges.
This unit will develop your understanding of the principles and techniques of research methods
typically used in the analysis of research. After exploring the philosophical underpinnings of research
approaches, you will explore research design and data collection strategies through the
contextualization of the ‘research process’. The detailed tools of both qualitative and quantitative
design and data analysis will be explored and applied to the types of data typically collected in health
science-focused research. You will also explore more advanced methodologies and analyses. In
addition, you will develop an understanding of and ethical considerations in conducting research and
be able to identify and describe ethical challenges facing the postgraduate researcher.
This unit will provide you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth and independent empirical
study in a topic of interest related to speech and language therapy practice. The dissertation can be
based on a research project or explore a practice improvement or practice innovation initiative. You
will be expected to demonstrate originality in the development and application of knowledge and
research skills. A research proposal will initially be produced that will outline the chosen focus for the
research, the research question and the specific method/methodology to be adopted. No data
collection will be permitted without ethics approval, which forms part of the proposal submission.
Completion of the research dissertation will demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the
research process and data collection, an ability to deal with complex issues creatively and
systematically and the ability to communicate information in a clear and appropriate fashion.
In this unit you will gain practical work-based experience working with a range of patients, serviceusers and their families on clinical placement. You will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical
knowledge and skills that have been developed while studying other units on this course, applying
them in practical environments and utilising your transferable skills. This practical placement unit is
focused on a specific area of speech and language therapy practice. In the unit you will actively
contribute to the assessment and treatment of service users.
Dr Stella Choy
Dr Stella Choy is the Programme Lead and Senior Lecturer for the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute. Alongside her academic teaching role, she runs a private speech and language therapy practice in Dublin and brings more than 20 years of professional experience to the master’s programme.
Industry Experience & Career Outcomes
- 20+ years’ experience in speech and language therapy, play therapy, counselling, and higher education
- Worked across clinical, educational, and academic settings in Ireland and internationally
- Specialist expertise in autism, selective mutism, multilingualism, and complex communication needs
- Combines leadership, teaching, and clinical practice to prepare future healthcare professionals
- Current Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Play Therapist, and Psychological Counsellor in private practice
Stella’s Pathway in Speech and Language Therapy
What began as inspiration from a single career talk has shaped Stella’s career in speech and language therapy (SLT), taking her from student to clinician, researcher, private practitioner, academic lecturer, and MSc Programme Lead.
She reflects: “A graduate’s career talk sparked my interest in speech and language therapy. Hearing firsthand about the impact SLTs can have on people’s lives inspired me to pursue the profession, and it remains one of the best decisions I have ever made.
“Today, I still genuinely enjoy the privilege of helping people communicate and participate more fully in their lives.”
Stella undertook her speech and language therapy training at the University of Hong Kong, where she describes the BSc and MSc degrees as highly competitive and academically rigorous. She later completed a PhD in Education from Trinity College Dublin.
While Stella’s own education has helped shape her as a practitioner, it has also influenced how she thinks about teaching and programme design, deepening her interest in how programmes can better support diverse learners.
Teaching & Supporting Students
As Programme Lead for the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute, Stella is passionate about creating a learning environment that is inclusive and accessible from the very beginning.
“Drawing on my experience completing a PhD in Education at Trinity College Dublin, I strive to ensure that students from different backgrounds and life stages can thrive – whether they are mature learners, balancing family responsibilities, or returning to education after time away,” she explains.
“No matter where your starting point is, I have one goal: to enhance your learning. My role is to create opportunities for every student to succeed.”
Backed by more than 20 years of SLT experience, Stella’s teaching style is practical, hands-on, and discussion-led. She encourages students to reflect on their learning as they progress.
“I guide students throughout their learning journey with a clear module structure and content that integrates both theory and practical skills,” she says. “After every lecture, I ask them to summarise one takeaway point they have learned.”
Career Opportunities in Speech and Language Therapy
For those considering speech and language therapy, the career opportunities are varied and deeply meaningful. Graduates of the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) can qualify with professional body registration as speech and language therapists and practise in Ireland across healthcare, education, community, disability, and specialist support services.
As Stella explains: “Speech and language therapy can take you into many different settings, from hospitals and community services to schools, early intervention, and private practice. It is a profession with real variety, allowing graduates to build a career around their interests.”
Advice for Students
Stella recognises that becoming an SLT is an incredibly rewarding journey, and the MSc programme is designed to guide students while encouraging them to challenge themselves and grow.
“At the beginning, many students find it challenging to cover so many topics without an SLT background,” she points out. “A growth mindset will help you succeed.”
Using Universal Design for Learning principles, Stella provides different ways for students to engage with programme content and supports them throughout their studies.
Her advice is to stay focused, engage fully with the learning process, and put time into developing strong communication, research, and academic writing skills, which are essential for success on the MSc programme and in professional SLT practice.
Why Portobello
Above all, Stella values the close-knit learning environment at Portobello Institute, where students benefit from both expert teaching and individual attention.
“The majority of our lecturers are practising speech and language therapists,” she says. “They bring current clinical expertise, real-world insight, and a deep commitment to the profession.”
Stella adds: “SLTs are known for being highly organised, reflective, and responsible professionals, and I thoroughly enjoy working alongside such a dedicated team.
“Together, we are committed to preparing the next generation of speech and language therapists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make a difference.”
Explore Speech and Language Therapy at Portobello Institute
Can you see yourself in a rewarding career as a speech and language therapist? Discover how Programme Lead Stella Choy and the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) programme help you progress into the profession.
Course starting 21st September 2026
A provisional course schedule for the full-time delivery method is available here. This is subject to change.
This MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) utilises a mix of learning environments including online lectures, practical work experience, problem-based learning, common and complex case studies.
You are required to attend all elements of the course and will require a minimum of 80% attendance across all modules.
Formal teaching methods will vary depending on the relevant learning outcomes of specific units, but will include the following activity types: Lectures (Scheduled) Seminars (Scheduled) Tutorials (Scheduled) Project Supervision (Scheduled) Practical Classes and Workshops (Scheduled) Guided Independent Study (Independent).
Option A: – Autumn ’26 Intake
Semester 1 – 21st September 2026 – 22nd January 2027
Semester 2 – 25th January 2027 – 7th May 2027
Semester 3 – 10th May 2027 – 21st August 2027
These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of the programme.
Option B: – Spring ’27 Intake
Semester 1 – 8th February ’27 – 28th May ’27
Semester 2 – 1st June ’27 – 10th September ’27
Semester 3 – 13th September ’27 – 17th December ’27
These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of the programme.
Course starting 21st September 2026
A provisional course schedule for the Blended-learning delivery method is available here. This is subject to change.
This MSc Speech and Language Therapy can be delivered by blended learning, with one-to-one tutorial support and webinars. Each module commences with an induction webinar to meet your lead lecturer. You will be able to log-in and attend or watch lectures through our online portal.
You are normally expected to attend all elements of the course and will require a minimum of 80% attendance across all modules.
This course is delivered over two years with three academic semesters per year. Blended learning utilises a mix of learning environments while concentrating online classes to weekends supporting you to work while you study.
Option B: – Autumn ’26 Intake
Semester 1 – 21st September 2026 – 22nd January 2027
Semester 2 – 25th January 2027 – 7th May 2027
Semester 3 – 10th May 2027 – 21st August 2027
These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar
Classes over 2 evenings per week – from 6.30-9.30pm (mix of online & in-person). 8-10 Saturdays in Semester 1 and 2, and every second Saturday in Semester 3.
Option B: – Spring ’27 Intake
Semester 1 – 6th February ’27 – 28th May ’27
Semester 2 – 1st June ’27 – 10th September ’27
Semester 3 – 13th September ’27 – 17th December ’27
These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of the programme.
Clinical Placements
Clinical placements are a central and defining element of the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration), designed to ensure graduates are confident, competent, and fully prepared for professional practice. Placements are carefully structured and closely supervised, enabling students to integrate academic learning with real-world clinical experience while developing professional judgement, reflective practice, and client-centred skills. This progressive placement model builds capability over time, supporting students as their knowledge and clinical confidence grow.
Key features of the clinical placement model include:
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Mandatory practice placement modules embedded throughout the programme to translate theory into applied clinical skills
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A phased, developmental structure that introduces clinical practice gradually and safely
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Year 1 pre-clinical placement of one day per week during Semester 1, allowing students to build confidence in a highly supported environment
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Increased clinical exposure in Semester 2 and Semester 3, delivered as either two days per week over six weeks or one day per week over twelve weeks, depending on placement structure
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Close supervision and guidance to ensure high standards of learning, professional conduct, and client safety
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Experience across a range of practice settings, supporting skill development, professional networking, and career insight
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Strong alignment with professional standards, ensuring graduates are practice-ready and meet pre-registration requirements
This structured, step-by-step approach ensures students develop clinical competence in a considered and supportive way, laying a strong foundation for advanced placements in Year 2.
Garda Vetting
Before starting clinical placements, students on this programme must complete up-to-date Garda Vetting, which is conducted through Portobello Institute.
Carried out by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána, Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for anyone undertaking work or activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
Vetting checks whether an individual has a criminal record or any relevant information that may need to be considered before they begin placement.
Learn about the Garda Vetting process at Portobello Institute here.
Graduates of the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration) at Portobello Institute are well positioned to enter a profession with strong demand across Ireland.
The programme is aligned with CORU requirements and prepares you to work across a range of healthcare, education, and community settings, supporting individuals with communication and swallowing needs.
Speech and Language Therapy Career Opportunities
This programme prepares you for roles across healthcare, education, and specialist support services.
Typical career pathways include:
- Speech and Language Therapist within the HSE, working in hospitals, primary care, disability services, and community settings
- Private Practice Therapist, either in employed roles or independent practice
- Therapist in educational and early intervention settings, supporting children with additional needs
- Specialist roles in areas such as autism, acquired brain injury, stroke, voice, fluency, and feeding or swallowing disorders
- Multidisciplinary team roles, working alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, educators, and medical professionals
These roles involve assessing and supporting communication and swallowing needs, delivering intervention programmes, and working with individuals across the lifespan.
Employers Recruiting Our Graduates
Graduates work across a range of healthcare and education settings, including:
- HSE and public health services
- Private clinics and independent practices
- Schools and early intervention services
- Disability and specialist support organisations
These employers value professionals who can deliver evidence-based therapy and support communication development.
Why Speech and Language Therapy Graduates Are in Demand
There is ongoing demand for qualified speech and language therapists across Ireland, particularly within public health and community services.
Employers require professionals who can support communication, participation, and quality of life for individuals across a range of needs.
What You Will Develop
Through this programme, you will develop:
- Clinical skills in speech, language, communication, and swallowing assessment
- Knowledge of a range of communication disorders and intervention approaches
- Experience working with children and adults across different settings
- Skills in multidisciplinary collaboration
- Evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making
This prepares you to work as a speech and language therapist across healthcare, education, and community environments.
Career Flexibility
Graduates may choose to work across a range of settings and employment models, including:
- Public sector roles
- Private practice
- Multidisciplinary teams
- Part-time, contract, or locum roles
This flexibility allows you to shape your career based on your interests, experience, and long-term goals.
Professional Recognition and Registration
Graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration, allowing them to practise as speech and language therapists within relevant regulatory frameworks.
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1Applications are submitted directly to Portobello Institute via this page. Interviews are held throughout 2026, once capacity has been reached, places on the next intake will be offered.
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2Complete the online application form.
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3An interview will be conducted via MS Teams to verify suitability for this programme.
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4Confirmation of the interview outcome will be given within 7 – 10 working days. To confirm acceptance of offer, successful applicants will be required to formally accept their offer and pay the required deposit – there will be a 14 day time allowance to complete this part of the process.
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5Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received. We are unable to hold places open for applicants unable to complete the final stage of the process.
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6Please only apply to one delivery mode - either blended learning or in-person weekdays - you will have the opportunity to change before the course starts if needed.
*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.
Course: €16,896
*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.
Course: €16,896
*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€5,706.03), followed by 4 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €395.
- €2,896.24 due in month 1
- €2,896.24 due in month 2
- €2,896.24 due in month 3
- €2,896.24 due in month 4
Option 2
40% deposit payment (€6,758.40) due on application of your course. Final balance (€10,137.60) due before the course start date.
Option 3
30% deposit payment (€5,307.30), followed by 10 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €795.
- €1,238.37 due in month 1
- €1,238.37 due in month 2
- €1,238.37 due in month 3
- €1,238.37 due in month 4
- €1,238.37 due in month 5
- €1,238.37 due in month 6
- €1,238.37 due in month 7
- €1,238.37 due in month 8
- €1,238.37 due in month 9
- €1,238.37 due in month 10
*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€5,706.03), followed by 4 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €395.
- €2,896.24 due in month 1
- €2,896.24 due in month 2
- €2,896.24 due in month 3
- €2,896.24 due in month 4
Option 2
40% deposit payment (€6,758.40) due on application of your course. Final balance (€10,137.60) due before the course start date.
Option 3
30% deposit payment (€5,307.30), followed by 10 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €795.
- €1,238.37 due in month 1
- €1,238.37 due in month 2
- €1,238.37 due in month 3
- €1,238.37 due in month 4
- €1,238.37 due in month 5
- €1,238.37 due in month 6
- €1,238.37 due in month 7
- €1,238.37 due in month 8
- €1,238.37 due in month 9
- €1,238.37 due in month 10
