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Studying speech and language therapy at Cardiff Met

Katie
Katie

I am currently halfway through my final year of Speech and Language Therapy. Now, anytime I mention my degree to a new person, the common reactions are:

  • ‘Oh ok’ (promptly not knowing what to say next)
  • ‘Is that to do with elocution?’ (by the way, it’s not)
  • ‘Do you work with stutterers?’ (sometimes, not a large part of the job)

 
This blog is just a bit about my experience of the Speech and Language Therapy programme at Cardiff Met, what I’ve learnt from it and how the experiences have helped my future career.
 
First things first – what exactly is it?
 
I imagine a few of you reading this will never have heard of Speech and Language Therapy before. In a nutshell, Speech and Language Therapy looks at the assessment and treatment of people with both communication and swallowing difficulties. When you graduate from the course, you are able to register and practise as Speech and Language Therapists, a job in demand by the NHS.
 
During my time at Cardiff Met, I have been given the opportunity to go on a range of placements, working with a range of people in different settings. We have had extensive experience working with both children and adults. Over the course, I have worked in hospitals, clinics, schools and colleges, as well as the community, from premature babies to elderly people with dementia. Within this, I often work as part of wider team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, teachers… the list goes on.
 

Katie in cafe

It’s not all hard work – I love a quick break in the cafe on campus!


 
My experience on a stroke ward earlier this year allowed me to work with people who were very unwell in helping to communicate and get their needs across. Whilst on placement here, I was able to help people in a challenging situation to communicate.
 
That’s the great thing about this course. I am able to use what I learn in lectures and apply them to a real life person. I am able to practice in a safe environment, with incredible support from my lecturers and working Speech and Language Therapists.
 
As well as placement which is compulsory for the degree, our lecturers often give us information about relevant work experience to go alongside our studies. During my degree, I have volunteered at a summer camp for children with Down’s syndrome, as well as worked with adults with Parkinson’s disease. These were really rewarding experiences and will also be excellent to talk about in job applications and interviews.
 
Granted, some of the work is challenging, especially emotionally. However, the course has helped shape me into a resilient and hardworking individual ready for the world of work.
 
Read more about Cardiff Met students learning in the workplace.