Students

Curriculum guidance

The RCSLT curriculum guidance is used by education providers when developing pre-registration speech and language therapy courses. The guidance uses the RCSLT core capabilities to provide guidance and support to education providers. The five core capabilities of the speech and language therapy profession provide a focus for learning activities, the development of curricula and shared resources, and the delivery of the outcomes inherent in the vision for the workforce.

By completing a pre-registration course in speech and language therapy, the RCSLT envisages that all future new graduate SLTs will possess not only the distinctive skill set required to transform the lives of individuals with speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties, but also to:

• develop transferable skills to lead change, and
• evaluate, improve and evidence the impact of their contribution

As a graduate SLT, you must be able to recognise and articulate the role that speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties play in and the ways in which SLTs can work for the benefit of individuals, communities and populations in emerging-practice areas.

The pre-registration course should also facilitate the development and attainment of:

• A level of academic and clinical capability on completion of an approved qualification that is fit for professional practice
• The capacity to continue to develop personal and professional skills within the community of speech and language therapy practitioners and the broader community of health, education and social care practitioners.

See the RCSLT curriculum guidance for more information.

Your journey to NQP

The transition from student to newly qualified practitioner (NQP) is one of the most important for all speech and language therapists. NQPs are the future of the profession and bring value and the latest knowledge base to their new team. 

At the RCSLT, we understand how the lead up to achieving an NQP role can be a challenging and uncertain time for many student SLTs across the UK. So, based on feedback and insights from recent student SLTs, we created a graphic outlining some suggested steps to take before, during, and after graduation. Each year, we hear hear from current NQPs and supervisors about their top tips for transitioning to an NQP role during our national student event, see the recording from our National Student Study Day event from December 2023.  

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Title: Your journey to becoming a newly qualified practitioner (NQP)

1. Prep and practice

In your final year, research what jobs are out there. Look at the job descriptions and application questions of roles that interest you. Update your CV and practice completing applications. Try to request mock interviews with your uni careers team or when on placement.

2. Graduation and registration

Some student SLTs apply for roles before they have graduated but there is no pressure to do this. Once graduated, if you start a job straightaway make sure to register with HCPC and apply for RCSLT NQP membership. You won’t be able to work as a qualified SLT until you have your HCPC registration, but you may be able to request to start on band 4 in NHS settings for the interim.

3. Your time to shine

Lots of student SLTs take a well-deserved break after graduation. Once you’re ready to apply, you may need to be flexible on the location or setting of your first role. Think about what an employer is looking for and how to best showcase your skills. You can do it!

4. Enjoy it!

Remember no one expects you to know everything. Enjoy learning in your new role and be confident to ask questions. RCSLT’s online CPD diary will support you track and achieve your NQP goals. You worked really hard to get to this point. We are proud of you!

Find more support for newly qualified speech and language therapists: rcslt.org/NQP

Social media guidance for student SLTs

Social media platforms are brilliant mechanisms to connect with other student SLTs and share your experiences while studying and on placements. We’ve created resources to help you make the most of social media, based on insights from student SLTs and in line with HCPC guidance.

Download the infographic (PNG)

Download the infographic in Welsh (PNG)

Download the full resource (PDF)

Help spread the word about best practice for using social media by sharing our infographic and include #SLT2B.

Many thanks to Sophie Bradshaw (@sophtheslt), newly qualified SLT, for her valuable support in the development of this resource and designing the infographic.

CPD diary and setting goals

Students are encouraged to use the online CPD diary. Although this is not mandatory, it may be a useful reflection tool for your clinical placements.

After you graduate, you will need to use the online CPD diary to complete the newly-qualified practitioner (NQP) framework, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the platform and start recording CPD activities as soon as you can.

As a student you can use the CPD diary to:

• Create your own CPD goals, referring to:
  • RCSLT core capabilities
  • RCSLT curriculum guidance
• Record your CPD activities and reflections

Find out more about using your CPD diary.

Download our list of frequently asked questions about NQP goals and competencies (PDF).

Guidance on disability issues

The speech and language therapy workforce welcomes individuals from all sections of society, to study and join the profession.

Our guidance on the disabled student experience during training covers all aspects of support you can expect to receive while completing as pre-registration speech and language therapy course including reasonable adjustments and the legal responsibilities of HEIs and placement educators.

The RCSLT has published a resource to support SLTs with disabilities in the workplace. It includes advice and information also relevant for students, for example support while on placement.

Volunteer opportunities

If you are looking for voluntary work, you can approach charities involved with different clinical areas. Visit our clinical guidance A to Z to find key contacts and charities under each clinical area.

You could also ask whether your university runs a community volunteer scheme for students.

RCSLT membership and insurance

As a student you can apply for free membership of the RCSLT. We hope you’ll make the most of the benefits that membership offers, including:

• The RCSLT website members’ only pages
• All RCSLT guidance to support you in your studies
• The RCSLT CPD diary, where you can record your learning
• More than 100 professional networks – joining these is a great way to build your CV
• Online access to Bulletin
• Help and support when you need it through our dedicated enquiries service, info@rcslt.org
• Professional insurance

Video interviews with SLTs

Find out what previous students had to say about finding a job and transitioning from student to newly-qualified practitioners.

Giving Voice

Since the Giving Voice campaign began, student SLTs have led the way in showing the vital work that they do.

Visit the Giving Voice section to see the campaign’s achievements and how you can get involved.