PL3SLC4: Speech Language and Communication 4 (Across the Lifespan)

Module code: PL3SLC4

Module provider: Clinical Language Sciences; Sch of Psych and CLS

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Mrs Afshan O'Sullivan , email: a.j.osullivan@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE PL2SLC2 OR TAKE PL2SLCD2 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE PL3SLC3 AND TAKE PL3CLN3 (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the evidence base needed to assess, diagnose and manage disorders of eating drinking and swallowing and voice, in adults. Disorders of head and neck and communication, speech and language in adult with learning disabilities are also covered. The module heavily draws knowledge from related disciplines such as linguistics, psychology, neurology, medicine. Students will learn to apply and critically evaluate the evidence-base to assess, diagnose and manage adults with speech, language and communication difficulties. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Synthesise knowledge of phonetics, linguistics, psychology, medical sciences to explain, assess eating drinking and swallowing, voice, head and neck and communication, speech and language in adults with acquired or developmental diagnoses. 
2. Critically evaluate and demonstrate an inclusive and holistic understanding in solving clinical problems relating to assessment, differential diagnosis and management by applying the relevant evidence-base. 
3. Recognise the characteristics and consequences of barriers to inclusion and the impact of culture equality and diversity approach to assessment, differential diagnosis and management including ethical considerations, for adults living with complex conditions, as a result of, acquired or developmental diagnoses. 

Module content

The evidence-base relevant to assessment, differential diagnosis and management of eating drinking and swallowing and voice, in adults. Disorders of head and neck and communication, speech and language in adult with learning disabilities will be covered. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

• Lectures, including interactive sections, group discussions and demonstrations, where appropriate  
• Recommended reading from additional textbooks and research articles 

Study hours

At least 38 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.