This section is for current speech and language therapy students.
Find out more about the support and resources, guidance on disability issues and information on how to get involved with the RCSLT.
Or go back to the RCSLT student hub.
Resources for students
Student members are able to access all member resources. You might find the following resources particularly useful:
- Speech and Language Therapy: your career as a health professional – downloadable guide (PDF)
- Learning resources
- Joint statement on supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in speech and language therapy degrees
- Student placement case studies – discover first hand stories of the benefit of student placements for students and employers (Members only – log in to access)
- Research
- Journals – access peer reviewed journals and research
- Clinical guidance A to Z – Gives detailed guidance on specific clinical areas of expertise
- Delivering quality services A to Z
- Meeting the HCPC standards
- Goal setting guidance
- Jobs board
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.
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:
- 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.
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.
The 2009 RCSLT guidelines on disability issues for students (PDF) are available for general reference, but please note the legal references are out of date and do not reflect legislation such as the Equality Act 2010.
Updated guidance is being worked on in Autumn 2023. Find out more about options to feedback on the new draft guidance.
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.
Videos from Student Study Day event 2022
Why policy and public affairs matter to you
Presented by Derek Munn, director of policy and public affairs at the RCSLT
Life after graduation
Produced by Tom Griffin, professional enquiries manager at the RCSLT
Northern Ireland update
Presented by Ruth Sedgewick, head of Northern Ireland office at the RCSLT
Wales update
Presented by Pippa Cotterill, head of Wales office at the RCSLT
Scotland update
Presented by Glenn Carter, head of Scotland office at the RCSLT
Related content
Read Bulletin online
As a student member you have online access to Bulletin magazine
About to graduate?
Read our information for newly-qualified practitioners
Your CPD diary
Create goals and record your CPD activities