Didn't get into to MSc Speech Therapy

Hi guys,
found out today I didn't get into the MSc for speech and language therapy at BCU. I'm a bit gutted but I guess it's not entirely unexpected as a lot of people don't get in the first time round (or so I've heard). Just wondering if anyone is in the same position and what they're thinking of doing next? Or for anyone who applied twice, how was the application process the second time round?
Thanks.

Hi guys,
found out today I didn't get into the MSc for speech and language therapy at BCU. I'm a bit gutted but I guess it's not entirely unexpected as a lot of people don't get in the first time round (or so I've heard). Just wondering if anyone is in the same position and what they're thinking of doing next? Or for anyone who applied twice, how was the application process the second time round?
Thanks.

As long as you study MSc for speech and language therapy at universities with the same accreditation that BCU had (health and care professional council, royal college of speech and language therapists), it would not matter which uni you went to. Unless there is specific reason (e.g location) that meant you only want to go to BCU. BCU is the only training provider in the west midlands…

Keele now offers a course in speech and language therapy so this is no longer true.

Sorry to hear that.
Master's courses are notoriously oversubscribed so it may be that you were absolutely fine it was just a competitive year. The fact you got an interview suggests you are ticking the right boxes.
A couple of suggestions. There is no harm in getting in touch with the admissions staff / lecturer(s) who interviewed you to ask for feedback about how you can improve your application next year, especially if you are keen to study at BCU. They would be silly not to give your feedback (if you haven't received any already).
The other suggestions would simply be to gain more experience and broaden your understanding of the profession. Lots of the candidates I interview often really struggle to get formal shadowing / work experience in speech and language therapy directly so there is now time to pursue this again, or get direct experience perhaps in related areas to make yourself more rounded (e.g. if you come from a paediatric background get experience working with adults by volunteering with one of the national charities). I would definitely recommend joining social media and following lecturers / SLTs on Bluesky, Twitter, and Youtube. It will improve your knowledge of the profession in general.
Now that you know what the interview process looks like is there any scope to practice and improve your performance (e.g. how articulately you make your points, using good examples). It is often just practice.
A more left field suggestion would be to consider applying for one of the undergraduate courses during clearing. Yes it might be an extra year or two compared to your original but you could start in September so there is less time wasted. Given that you are effectively going to have to wait for the 2027 cycle you won't be any worse off time wise, and the course is much easier to manage than the master's course.
Good luck.

Hi,
Thank you for your suggestions. Due to my location, BCU is probably the best study option for me as I can live with my partner in Birmingham. At home, I'm on Merseyside so the closest uni to me offering the course in Manchester, which would be over an hour's commute everyday as I don't think student loan will cover my rent. Unfortunately the BCU bachelor's is full for clearing, so I'm trying to look for related jobs at the moment to gain some experience. I'll discuss finances with my parents to see if it could be possible to move closer.
Luckily they did send me individual feedback about the interview, so I'll be able to keep that in mind.
Thanks for your comment

Just wanted to comment as I also got rejected from BCU. Out of the four interviews I had this year, I personally feel like this one was the hardest! BCU was the bottom of my choices but I attended the interview for the experience. I think with this course it’s not the best idea to restrict yourself to one university, as it’s so competitive. I was waitlisted for two other universities and successful for one, which is an hours commute from me on the train. Most of the MSc courses you’re usually only on campus three days a week which is good to keep in mind. A family friend got rejected her first year applying so went and got as much experience as possible volunteering with different charities, and as a SLTA and was successful the following year

Interesting. What was the format of the others and why did you find it harder?
Congratulations on your offer. Hopefully the example of your friend inspires katydoolan!

Just wanted to comment as I also got rejected from BCU. Out of the four interviews I had this year, I personally feel like this one was the hardest! BCU was the bottom of my choices but I attended the interview for the experience. I think with this course it’s not the best idea to restrict yourself to one university, as it’s so competitive. I was waitlisted for two other universities and successful for one, which is an hours commute from me on the train. Most of the MSc courses you’re usually only on campus three days a week which is good to keep in mind. A family friend got rejected her first year applying so went and got as much experience as possible volunteering with different charities, and as a SLTA and was successful the following year