Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy

The Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Northampton has an exciting opportunity for an HCPC and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists registered professional to work with senior leadership to develop, validate and then lead a brand‑new BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy programme. 

This is a rare opportunity to shape the profession both locally and nationally, influencing how future Speech and Language Therapists are educated and prepared for contemporary practice. You will draw directly on your UK clinical experience to shape a robust, practice‑focused curriculum that supports the development of a future‑ready, employable workforce. 

The University is entering a significant phase of growth within the School of Health, with several new health programmes planned to launch from September 2027. This creates a collaborative and supportive community of course leaders, offering opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and collective innovation. 

This will complement the universities existing provision and as Course Leader, you will work alongside other established and new course leaders across the wider Allied Health Professions, setting the vision, identity and expectations for the programme. Through effective course leadership, a commitment to continuous enhancement, and active engagement with key clinical and practice partners, you will play an important part in strengthening the profile of the profession within the region and beyond. 

You will be joining a forward‑thinking and supportive School, where creativity, professional identity and academic growth are actively encouraged. With a committed leadership team alongside you, you will have both the autonomy and the backing to bring your ideas to life and to shape an outstanding student experience that reflects the values and standards of the profession. 

If you are passionate about Speech and Language Therapy education, excited by course design and leadership, and motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the profession, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy. 

This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed. 

You will be a registered Speech and Language Therapist (HCPC and RCSLT) with experience of working in higher education alongside a sound clinical background. You will be looking for the opportunity to step into a leadership post and shape the design of a new course.  

Your excellent professional identity, clear commitment to education and passion for developing others will make you an ideal candidate for this post.  

You will ideally have experience of working in academia, or at a minimum extensive work with learners in clinical practice. As a current/future leader you will be able to manage multiple tasks such as supporting colleagues, delivering teaching and maintaining a positive student experience. You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape how future health professionals are prepared for contemporary practice and professional registration. 

You will bring a clear and informed vision for how a Speech and Language Therapy course should be designed and delivered to produce confident, compassionate and employable graduates, grounded in real‑world clinical practice and responsive to the evolving needs of health and care services. You will be comfortable working collaboratively, engaging colleagues, practice partners and students, and contributing to a shared academic vision. 

With the support of School and Faculty leadership, and alongside an established community of course leaders, you will play a central part in shaping and developing this new BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy programme. Using your excellent communication skills, organisational ability and professional judgement, you will provide leadership for this exciting innovation and contribute positively to the wider academic and professional community.

Essential: 

• Degree qualification or equivalent in relevant subject area of Speech and Language Therapy 

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. (please provide registration numbers) 

• Professional Recognition as HEA Fellow (D2) or teaching qualification recognised by HESA, or willingness to obtain within an agreed timescale 

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in relevant subject 

• Doctorate in relevant subject, completed or within 12 months of completion 

The School of Health is an innovative and high‑performing centre for Allied Health Profession (AHP) education, recognised for inspirational teaching, excellent professional outcomes, and a consistently excellent student experience.  

We are proud of our exceptional National Student Survey 2025 results, with satisfaction rates of 95% in Paramedic Science, 92% in Podiatry, and 91% in Occupational Therapy, contributing to our ranking as one of the top three providers of Health Professions education in the UK. 

Our portfolio spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and CPD programmes, supporting learners at every stage of their professional journey. We currently offer established courses in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Paramedic Science, and Podiatry, all underpinned by excellent partnerships and a commitment to contemporary, practice‑focused education. 

Looking ahead, the school is undergoing a significant period of growth, with three new undergraduate degrees in development: Dietetics and Nutrition, Speech and Language Therapy, and Operating Department Practice. These additions reflect our ambition to meet future workforce needs and to expand our multi‑professional learning community.  

Our modern campus provides specialist teaching spaces, immersive simulation environments, and authentic clinical facilities, giving students access to high‑quality, applied learning experiences that mirror real‑world healthcare practice.