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).
| College | Portobello Institute |
| Course ID | 202236 |
| Course Location | EU |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 1 |
| Course Category | Healthcare, Health Care |
| Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
| Awarding Body | Health Sciences University |
| Awarding Body Details | MSc |
| Course Start Date | 8th February 2027 |
| Course Duration | Two years |
| Course Fee | €16,896.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute. An up-to-date CV outlining academic qualifications and relevant experience is required. A minimum of a 2:2 (Hons) degree in a relevant subject. Examples of relevant subjects include psychology, language, linguistics, biological science, medical science and childhood or education studies. Alternatively, have significant recent relevant work experience (e.g., working as a Speech and Language therapy assistant). Entry is interview based with a 15-minute interview conducted via MS Teams. We will look holistically at each applicant’s undergraduate degree, experience to date, interest in the subject and commitment to completing this programme and working in the space in the future. Applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate ability to communicate in English to the standard required by HCPC. Equivalent to level 8 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no element below 7.5 is required. For the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the minimum scores are 118/120. For the Occupational English Test (OET) the minimum score is 1800 with no elements below 400. If applicants choose to undertake a different test from these three, the alternative test certificate must be accompanied by a statement from the test provider which confirms that the result achieved is comparable to the required IELTS level set for speech and language therapy. |
| Career Path | 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. |
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