BSc Speech Communication

Information for current students

Interested in how we use language to communicate? Want to help people who have communication problems? Looking for a rewarding career in education, therapy or research? Don't want to commit yourself to a specific vocation now? This page gives you an overview of the 3-year BSc programme in Speech Communication.

This information should be read in addition to the information published in the UCL Undergraduate prospectus and in the Departmental Undergraduate Prospectus.

What is the degree about?

The BSc Speech Communication degree is a three-year programme in language, speech and hearing which opens doors to a wide range of professions. The course is non-clinical and concerned mainly with the normal use and development of speech communication. There is plenty of opportunity for the programme to be tailored to student requirements.

What types of students would be interested in the BSc Speech Communication?

You would be interested in language and in the way communication works, you see yourself as interested in human behaviour and want to work in an area which helps people communicate.

What what I learn?

The Speech Communication programme gives you an education in Linguistics, Phonetics, Psychology, Speech Production and Hearing. You can specialise with courses in Foreign Languages, in Teaching of Languages, in Computing or Management.

What subjects are included in the BSc Speech Communication?

The core components include: Phonetics & Linguistics, Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, Acoustics, Hearing, Statistics, Speech Production & Perception, Language Development. Optional components could include: computing, neuroscience, cognitive science, management, foreign languages. There is a full list of courses on our Intranet pages.

What would I do with the degree?

A Speech Communication degree is an excellent foundation for a variety of careers allied to medicine or education. A Speech Communication degree eases your entry into postgraduate courses leading to professional qualifications in Speech Therapy, Audiology or Special Needs (see the text box below). A Speech Communication degree would be a good preparation for the career of Hearing Therapist who work in the rehabilitation of the hearing impaired. It also is a good basis for Teaching of English as a Foreign Language, as well as for other teaching positions. The technology of speech is also developing fast, and there is an increasing need in the Computing area for people who can help humans and machines to communicate. With a background in communication, graduates could also go straight into management training positions within medical and educational employment areas.

Speech Therapists: work with adults or children with communication problems related to their use of language. Speech therapists in the UK are licensed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Licences are awarded after regulated education programmes which are normally 4-year undergraduate or 2-year postgraduate. A Speech Communication degree would ease entry into a postgraduate programme

Audiological Scientists: work in multidisciplinary teams and have responsibilities in the identification, diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing and balance disorders. A professional qualification as an Audiological Scientist requires a one-year postgraduate course and clinical experience. A Speech Communication degree is ideal preparation for entry into this profession.

Special Needs Teachers: work with young persons with educational, behavioural or communication problems. A professional qualification as a teacher is required and then special training is then usually performed in service. A Speech Communication degree is suitable preparation for a postgraduate certificate in education.

How do I apply to the BSc Speech Communication?

Application is always through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

What should I put on my UCAS form?
The UCAS code for BSc Speech Communication is B621. This is for the three-year non-clinical course. If you want the four-year clinical course leading to a licence to practise as a speech therapist you want the programme B620 BSc Speech Sciences.

What is the difference between this degree and the BSc Speech Sciences?

The BSc Speech Communication is a 3-year non-clinical degree, leading to an ordinary BSc honours degree; whereas the BSc Speech Sciences (in the Human Communication Science department) is a 4-year clinical degree leading to both a BSc honours degree and a licence to practise speech therapy from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. If you want to go straight into Speech Therapy you should choose BSc Speech Sciences. If you are not sure which sub-field of Speech Communication you wish to work in, you should choose BSc Speech Communication and choose an appropriate postgraduate course during your third year. The first year programme is also the same for both degrees.

What are the entrance requirements for BSc Speech Communication?

Our normal offers expect at least three 'A' levels at grade C or above. We like to see that students have an interest in a language area and in a science area. This could be both areas at 'A' level, or one at 'A' level and one with a good grade at GCSE. 'A' levels in Psychology, English Language or Human Biology are particularly welcome, although none are essential. We also welcome applications from mature students and those with atypical qualifications.

How can I find out more?

Download the complete Phonetics & Linguistics Undergraduate Prospectus (PDF).

If you are an international student, you should explore UCL's international pages.

For further information please email us with your contact details at or write to us at the following address:

BA Admissions
Department of Phonetics & Linguistics, UCL
Gower Street
London WC1E 6 BT
UK