Birmingham Post-Basic Adult Dysphagia for Speech and Language Therapists 2026

What is the course:

The purpose of the course is to provide qualified Speech and Language Therapists with
introductory theory and knowledge to support the achievement of Level C RCSLT Dysphagia Training & Competency Framework. This is a face-to-face theoretical course delivered by specialist clinicians working in acute adult dysphagia care.
Please note attaining Level C is dependent practical skills and knowledge sign off by your line manager and will not be completed by attending this course.

It is not an academic course and does not qualify for points towards a masters degree or
ECTS/ECVET. The course content is regularly updated to keep pace with current dysphagia
evidence base and practice.

Pre course requirements:
• You must be a qualified speech and language therapist.
• You should have some basic knowledge, prior experience, or be working with adults in acute care with dysphagia.
• Please note this course does not cover paediatric or ALD dysphagia. This will be heavily focused on acute dysphagia management.
• There is no pre course reading requirement.
• We are unable to provide supervision or arrange a supervisor for you. You must arrange this yourself.

The course consists of:
• Six days over a three week period held at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
• You will need to be able to attend all sessions in person to join the course.
• You will need to complete the practical competencies and sign off of the RCSLT competency document outside of this course.

The course will cover the following:
• Introduction to dysphagia competencies: logistics and expectations
• Well-being during dysphagia training
• Anatomy, cranial nerves and the normal swallow
• Case history taking and bedside swallow assessments.
• Dysphagia management in a range of specialist adult acute areas including health care for older people, specialist surgery, post extubation, respiratory, progressive neurological, neurotrauma, stroke, mental health, head and neck cancer and oncology.
• Practical implementation of IDDSI.
• MDT roles and responsibilities.
• Instrumental assessments in dysphagia management.
• Cultural, ethical and vulnerability considerations in dysphagia assessment and management.
Additional information:
• Sessions will be delivered in presentation format, with opportunity for role play and practical
activities.
• Presentation handouts will be sent to you prior to the start of the course.
• Lunch is not provided, however there are two restaurants, M&S and Costa Coffee on site
should you need to purchase refreshments and food.
• Visitor parking (charges apply) is available on site but can be limited. There are good bus links and trains to University train station.

April 15th, April16th, April 22nd, April23rd, April29th and April30th 2026 - £250 per person.

We do not accept payment via Purchase order codes or invoices, you need to pay using a card on the link on this
page.

09:00am - 16:00pm

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must attend all 6 dates.

For any course queries, please contact birminghamdysphagiacollaborative@uhb.nhs.uk