Speech and Language Therapy – Applied Clinical Neuroscience

Speech and Language Therapy – Applied Clinical Neuroscience

Course Type:
Master’s Programme

Programme Introduction

The Master’s in Speech Therapy_Applied Clinical Neuroscience is a fully distance-learning programme, designed to allow students to balance professional life with advanced and specialised training. Throughout the master’s degree, students learn how to assess, plan and intervene in disorders associated with neurological conditions, based on the most recent scientific evidence, developing advanced clinical reasoning and specialised skills in the field of Speech Therapy.

The programme is oriented towards real-life situations and prepares students to improve people’s functionality, participation and quality of life in diverse social contexts, applying best practices and integrating digital technologies into clinical practice. At the same time, it promotes critical reflection on professional performance, both individually and within teams, grounded in collaborative practice and bioethical principles.

The master’s degree also enables students to develop skills valued in the labour market, including ethical decision-making, adaptability to diverse clinical contexts, and engagement in research and development activities, thereby contributing to the scientific advancement of Speech Therapy. Unique in Portugal for its 100% distance-learning format, the programme facilitates access to high-quality education without geographical barriers, preparing students to respond to the growing needs of the population and to build a solid professional career in Speech Therapy.

Programme Coordinator

(updating)

School

Language

Portuguese

Type

Distance Learning

Length

3 semesters

Vacancies

General and International Contingent: 20

Notice

Edital 2026 (PT Doc-Ret)

DGES certification

Objectives

Programme

At the end of the study cycle, the student is expected to be able to:

  • Integrate in-depth knowledge based on the latest evidence on neurodevelopmental and neuroacquired disorders, applying clinical reflexive reasoning to develop specialised skills;
  • Associate advanced clinical reasoning with the speech and language therapist’s work in order to enhance the person’s functionality and participation;
  • To implement the evidence for the pursuit of excellent practice in the clinical, educational and social contexts of the Person;
  • Critically reflect on individual and team professional performance based on the assumptions of collaborative work and bioethical principles;
  • Create research and development activities, contributing to the evolution of the scientific field of Speech and Language Therapy;
  • Combining technological advances with excellence in speech therapist practice.

Careers Options

Programme
  • Speech and Language Therapist in specialised clinical settings: hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation units and primary healthcare centres;
  • Speech and Language Therapist in educational settings: schools, school clusters, special education institutions and educational support services;
  • Speech and Language Therapist in social and community settings: non-profit social care institutions (IPSS), care homes, community centres, associations and non-governmental organisations;
  • Specialist in neurorehabilitation and applied technologies;
  • Researcher in Speech and Language Therapy and Clinical Neuroscience.
1st Year
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
1S 5 24 h

Module 1: The influence of genetics on developing and rehabilitating skills.
Module 2: Applications of Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation in Speech Therapy: Neurological Systems Interface and Speech Therapy.
Module 3: Neurofunctional intervention and therapeutic approaches in disorders related to the performance of the Speech Therapist.
Module 4: Artificial Intelligence, robotics and augmented virtual reality: applications in rehabilitation.

1S 6 30 h

Module 1: Fundamentals of Research in Speech Therapy
Exploration of the difference between basic and applied research, emphasising research in clinical practice.
Critical analysis of research questions.

Module 2: Literature Review and State of the Art
Discuss the importance of systematic review, including methods for identifying and selecting relevant publications.
Critical analysis of current research trends.
Study of argumentative structures to support positions in research.

Module 3: Research Planning
Definition of research objectives and hypotheses, selection of methods and methodological procedures.
Delimitation of the research problem and data collection techniques.

Module 4: Data Analysis
Data analysis methods, including statistical tools and software.
Discuss ethical considerations in research and the importance of integrity in result analysis.

1S 5 24 h

Module 1: Introduction to Neuroethics and Speech Therapy
Fundamentals of neuroethics and its importance in clinical practice;
Common ethical dilemmas in the context of Speech and Language Therapy and the implications of neuroscience-based clinical decisions.

Module 2: Consensus and Clinical Decision in Speech and Language Therapy
Patient autonomy and responsible and ethical therapeutic decision-making;
Informed consent practices;
Clinical decisions based on ethical principles;

Module 3: Emerging Technologies in Speech and Language Therapy and their ethical challenges
Ethical implications of the use of new technologies: benefits and risks;
New technologies in therapeutic interventions;
Ethical use of assistive devices.

Module 4: Case Studies and Ethical Discussions
The resolution of ethical problems based on a critical approach based on ethical principles and neuroscience;
Innovative ethical solutions to complex issues related to therapeutic practice.

1S 5 24 h

Module 1: Cognition and Behavior
Attention, Memory, Orientation, Emotions, Sleep, Learning, Motivation and Mental Health

Module 2: Fundamentals of Neurolinguistics and Neuropsychology
Neuronal structures and functions associated with cognitive and linguistic processing
Neurodevelopment, congenital pathologies and acquired pathologies

Module 3: Neuropsychological Assessment Methods
Assessment tools and instruments
Interpretation of results

1S 5 24 h

Module 1: Neurophysiology of Communication and Swallowing
Neuroanatomical structures associated with communication, language and speech;
Neuronal connections and physiology involved in communication.
Neurophysiological control of swallowing (e.g., voluntary and involuntary control, swallowing packets).

Module 2: Neurophysiological Assessment
Methods for assessing neurophysiological function in communication and swallowing.
Imaging and Recording Techniques.

Module 3: Neurological Changes and Their Effects
Impact of neurological conditions related to communication and swallowing on the person’s quality of life and population.
Role of neuroplasticity in the recovery of communication and swallowing functions.
Rehabilitation practices and neuromuscular stimulation.

1S 4 20 h

The optional elective curricular units must be selected from among the curricular units offered across all ESSLei degree programmes and made available for this purpose, under the guidance of the higher education institution.

2S 5 24 h

Module 1. Fundamentals and Research Project Planning
Definition of objectives and research questions applicable to speech therapy
Planning of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies: pros and cons.
Procedures for submission to ethics committees.

Module 2. Data Analysis and Methodological Coherence
Relationship between theoretical foundation, hypotheses, and data analysis.
Verification of validity and reliability of measurement instruments.

Module 3. Preliminary Report of the Investigation
Structuring of a preliminary data collection report.
Critical reflection on the research process.

2S 10 48 h

Module 1: Clinical Case Presentation Templates
Case Presentation Formats
Case Discussion and Debate

Module 2: Clinical Case Studies: Collaborative Evaluation
Critical analysis of evaluation plans;
Interdisciplinary integration in the holistic assessment of the person.
Analysis and discussion of the results of the evaluation of complex clinical cases;
Justification of diagnoses valuing the person’s profile.

Module 3: Advanced Technologies and Assessment Approaches
Telepractice in evaluation;
Scientific evidence and data-driven practices.

Module 4: Critical Reflection and Professional Practice
Ethical challenges in evaluation;
Reflection on clinical practice emphasising case studies and interactive feedback.

2S 10 48 h

Module 1: Intervention in a multidisciplinary team
Shared decision-making: person, family and team.
Conflict management and ethical negotiations in clinical settings.
Strategies for adapting interventions to contextual and cultural needs.

Module 2: Analysis of Complex Clinical Cases
Structuring and stages of intervention analysis in clinical cases.
Integration of information from different sources: clinical, social and contextual.
Practical cases: analysis and reformulation of clinical decisions.

2S 5 24

The optional elective curricular units must be selected from among the curricular units offered across all ESSLei degree programmes and made available for this purpose, under the guidance of the higher education institution.

2nd Year
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
1S 30

Dissertation

Module 1. Dissertation Writing
Structure of the dissertation (introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusions).
Formatting and scientific citation standards.

Module 2. Presentation and Analysis of Results
Techniques for presenting results (tables, graphs, texts).
Interpretation of data in context.

Module 3. Discussion and Conclusions
Structure of the discussion: implications of the results, limitations and recommendations.
Importance of the conclusions in the research.

Module 4. Preparation for public exams
Preparation of presentation for the dissertation defence.
Oratory and question management techniques.

Module 5. Scientific Dissemination
Publication processes in scientific journals and conferences.
Preparation of posters and oral presentations for scientific events.

Project Work

Module 1. Project Development
Project management and structuring practices
Progress monitoring and risk management.

Module 2. Presentation and Analysis of Results
Techniques for presenting results (infographics, tables, texts).
Interpretation of data in context.

Module 3. Discussion and Conclusions
Structure of the discussion: implications of the results, limitations and recommendations.
Importance of the conclusions in the project.

Module 4. Preparation for public exams
Preparation of the presentation for the defence of the project.
Oratory and question management techniques.

Module 5. Scientific Dissemination
Publication processes in scientific journals, conferences or congresses.
Generate a tangible or functional product (prototypes, operating models, tools or applications, training or training programs)


Entry Requirements

  1. Holders of a degree awarded by a national higher education institution in the field of Therapy and Rehabilitation – Speech and Language Therapy;
  2. Holders of a foreign higher academic degree, or legal equivalent, awarded following a 1st cycle studies by the principles of the
    Bologna Process by a State adhering to this process, in the area referred to in point 1;
  3. Holders of a foreign higher academic degree and/or academic, scientific or professional curriculum in the area referred to in point 1, recognised by ESSLei’s Technical-Scientific Council as attesting to their ability to complete the cycle of studies;
  4. Students who are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree in the field of study required for entry to the programme and
    who declare this fact in their application.

More information in International Students / Master´s Applications

Accreditation

State: Accredited
N. years of accreditation: 3
Publication date: 19/15/2025
A3ES Accreditation

More Information

Scientific area of study: CNAEF 726-7 – Therapy and Rehabilitation – Speech and Language Therapy

For further information or clarification, please contact studywithus@ipleiria.pt

Online Application

Use the button bellow to start your application.

Application Fee

60€

Enrolment Fee

General contingent: 50€
International student contingent: 100€

Tuition Fee

General contingent: 1140€
International student contingent: 3000€