From discovering speech and language therapy during her undergraduate degree to starting her first NHS role, Caitlin Hone’s journey has taken her through a wide range of experiences and helped her discover just how varied a career in speech and language therapy can be. Originally from Ireland, Caitlin moved to Edinburgh in 2024 to study MSc Speech and Language Therapy at Queen Margaret University, graduating in 2026.
During her time at QMU, Caitlin gained hands-on experience across a wide range of clinical placements, discovered new areas of interest including complex needs and dysphagia, and got involved in university life as a Peer Assisted Learning leader and student volunteer.
Now preparing to begin her career as a newly qualified community paediatric speech and language therapist within the NHS, Caitlin shares what it’s really like to study at QMU, the opportunities available to students, and her advice for anyone considering a future in speech and language therapy.
What interested you about speech and language therapy?
From a very young age, I had always known that I wanted to work with children and initially imagined a career in primary school teaching. However, during my undergraduate degree in Children's Studies at the University of Galway, I was introduced to speech and language therapy through one of my modules. I was immediately fascinated by the profession and decided to conduct my 12-week placement in a pre-school for children with communication differences. This is where my passion for the career path was truly ignited.
Following the completion of my first degree, I decided to take a year out to save for my Master's and spent the summer working as an autism support worker. This experience allowed me to further develop my skills and deepen my understanding of supporting children with additional needs. This involved creating visual timetables, now/next boards, and activity choice boards to create more opportunities for them to communicate their needs or interests, as well as enhancing predictability in their daily routines.
Why did you decide to study MSc Speech and Language Therapy at QMU?
I chose Queen Margaret University as I really valued that it was a small campus that placed a huge emphasis on fostering a sense of community. One of the things that sets QMU apart is how individually tailored and supportive the learning environment feels. Unlike some larger universities, you never feel as though you are just a number that gets lost in the crowd. With a relatively small cohort of around 25–30 students enrolled in the MSc, you make close friendships, the lecturers get to know you by name, and there is a genuine sense of unwavering support throughout every stage of the course. There is a real sense of camaraderie within the cohort, and everyone is encouraged to support one another. We regularly engaged in class discussions during which students can openly share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a respectful and supportive environment, without fear of judgement.
I also chose QMU as I read about the wide range of support available to students. I had an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) in place for my ADHD, which was also a massive contributor to my positive experience at the university. The disability team is amazing and provide you with reasonable adjustments that are tailored to support your learning. For me this was additional time in exams, taking tests in smaller rooms with less students, a study coach, and extensions on written assignments. The disability team are very responsive and approachable, and I would undoubtedly recommend getting in touch with them for further information on making your experience at university easier, do not be afraid to ask for help!
What do you most enjoy about your course at QMU? What has been the highlight so far?
It is difficult to identify just one favourite aspect of the course, but I particularly enjoyed my clinical placements. They provided me with a diverse range of experiences across community complex-needs paediatrics, head and neck cancer, adults with learning disabilities, and acute paediatrics. These placements broadened my perspective and introduced me to client groups I had not previously considered working with. As a result, they helped me develop interests beyond paediatrics and gave me a greater appreciation of the breadth and diversity of the profession.
How have your lecturers supported your learning?
The lecturers on this course are exceptional, and I genuinely mean that. They are deeply invested in your success as a student and are always approachable, supportive, and responsive to feedback. Their commitment to creating a positive learning environment is evident throughout the course. You also have a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) during your time on the course, which is usually one of the members of the lecturing team. I felt as though I could confide in my PAT at any point to get some advice or support, which was really reassuring.
The lecturers all have a broad range of clinical experience and research knowledge which ensures that the material is up to date, evidence-based, and most of all, applicable to your future practice as a speech and language therapist. It is clear by attending lectures that the team are all extremely passionate about their fields, whether it be adult or paediatric, which trickles into everything that they do. Through lecturers discussing their lived experiences, this helps to attribute practical applications to the theory as we are learning.
What has been the most valuable lesson that you have learned at QMU so far?
It is so tricky to identify just one valuable lesson that I have learned, but I think one that fits into everything that I will do in my future practice is this: there is no hierarchy when it comes to communication. All forms of communication are equally valued, whether it be verbal, gesture, sign, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), facial expression, eye-gaze. There is not one that is more important than the other. This Total Communication approach filters into everything we do and is an extremely important lesson that I have learned.
Have you been a part of any extracurricular programmes during your time as a student at QMU?
During our second year, my classmate and I developed Peer Assisted Learning sessions (PALS) to support first-year MSc students with their Dysphagia and Biological Medical Sciences modules. This involved planning and delivering interactive learning sessions designed to reinforce key concepts in an engaging way. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that helped me develop my communication, organisation, leadership, and teamwork skills, while also strengthening my own understanding of the course content. I also supported a variety of university initiatives including open days, student recruitment activities, and the re-validation of the programme. These contributions led to being awarded with a Dean's Citizenship Award and a Principal's PAL Award, for which I am extremely grateful to have received.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Keep an open mind! Even if you begin the course with a very clear idea regarding the client group you would like to work with, your placement experiences may surprise you. I was initially very nervous about my adult acute placement because it was an area in which I had little prior experience, yet it ultimately became one of my favourites. As part of the professional registration requirements, students must complete a range of both adult and paediatric placements so I would encourage you to embrace each opportunity, step outside of your comfort zone, and make the most of every experience.
Get involved with everything you can! My time at QMU was so special and most of that was due to getting stuck in where I could. I absolutely loved being a PALs leader, giving advice to prospective students, and volunteering at open evenings. Each of these opportunities increased my confidence and strengthened both my personal as well as my clinical skills.
What are your plans after graduation? Tell us about your ambitions and where you see yourself in the future?
I have just accepted my first role within the NHS and am so excited to begin my journey as a newly qualified community paediatric speech and language therapist! In the future, I hope to specialise in paediatric complex needs, particularly AAC and dysphagia. I would also love to spend some time travelling in between!
Any advice for future students?
One piece of advice I would give to prospective students is to gain some relevant experience before applying. Speech and language therapy is an incredibly broad and rewarding profession, encompassing speech, language, communication, voice, eating, drinking, and swallowing. Experiences such as shadowing a speech and language therapist, working as a support worker, or volunteering with local charities can provide valuable insight into the role. Not only will this help you decide whether the profession is right for you, but it will also strengthen your personal statement and application!
Although the course can be demanding and requires balancing placements, assignments, and independent study, it is incredibly rewarding. It equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to support individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties, and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering a career in speech and language therapy.
