Functional Skills Level 2 for Speech and Language Therapy: University Entry Requirements, Apprenticeships and the 13th January UCAS Deadline

Speech and language therapists help children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing. They work with children whose language is delayed, adults learning to talk again after a stroke or brain injury, and people of all ages who cannot swallow safely. The National Careers Service puts the starting salary at around £32,000 a year, rising to around £57,000 with experience, for a typical week of 37 to 40 hours.

If you want to start a speech and language therapy degree in 2027, now is the time to act. The UCAS deadline for most 2027 courses is 6pm (UK time) on Wednesday 13th January 2027, about nine weeks from today. Course pages ask for English and maths at grade 4 (the old grade C) or an equivalent. If you do not have those grades, this guide shows which courses name Functional Skills Level 2, which ones to check first, the funding you can claim, and how to get qualified in time to apply.

What does a speech and language therapist do?

The National Careers Service lists tasks such as:

• ✓ assessing patients to find out exactly where their difficulties lie
• ✓ planning and developing therapy programmes
• ✓ helping patients get their communication back after a brain injury or stroke
• ✓ supporting children and adults with eating or swallowing problems
• ✓ working with children who have language delays or disorders

You could work in schools, nurseries, health centres, NHS or private hospitals, or in clients’ homes. Every speech and language therapist must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and degrees are approved by the HCPC and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

Two main ways to become a speech and language therapist

A speech and language therapy degree

Most people qualify through a three year full time BSc. The National Careers Service says you will usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, alongside your GCSEs. If you already have a relevant degree, you could take a two year fast track postgraduate course instead.

A speech and language therapy degree apprenticeship

The Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship lets you qualify while you work and earn. The National Careers Service says it takes around four years, or less if you already hold a relevant degree. If you already work as a speech and language therapy assistant, ask your manager whether your employer supports apprentices.

Which speech and language therapy courses accept Functional Skills Level 2?

Two course pages we checked this week name Functional Skills clearly.

Leeds Beckett University, BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy

• ✓ English, maths and science: GCSE English Language, Maths and Science at grade 4 or above (grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017), or equivalent.
• ✓ Functional Skills: the course listing states that Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
• ✓ Level 3: grades ABB at A level, or 128 UCAS tariff points, with at least 40 points from listed subjects such as Biology, Psychology, Sociology, English Language or a foreign language.

Birmingham City University, Speech and Language Therapy BSc Apprenticeship

• ✓ English and maths: three GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language. The page states: “Level 2 equivalent qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills) are accepted.”
• ✓ Timing: your Level 2 qualifications must be achieved by the point of enrolment.
• ✓ Level 3: 112 UCAS points (grades BBC) from A levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, such as an Access to HE Diploma in Health or Science.
• ✓ Experience route: if you do not have a typical Level 3 qualification but have worked as a speech and language therapy assistant, teaching assistant or senior health care support worker, you can complete a portfolio of evidence instead. The same GCSE level English and maths are still required.
• ✓ Employment: you must be employed in a suitable and relevant job, and your employer nominates you. You cannot apply to the university directly.

BCU’s 2027 to 2028 apprenticeship page lists a four year programme starting in January 2028. Apprentices apply through their employer, not UCAS, so having your Level 2 certificate ready early puts you in a strong position.

Courses to check before you rely on Functional Skills

Some course pages say “or equivalent” without naming Functional Skills. That is not a no, but you should check before you apply.

• ✓ University of Greenwich, BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy (2027): asks for GCSE Mathematics, English Language and Science at grade 4/C and says “Equivalent qualifications may be considered”, alongside 112 UCAS points.
• ✓ Newman University, BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy (September 2027): asks for GCSE English language and maths at grades 9 to 4 “or equivalent”, with BBC or 112 UCAS points. The course is listed as subject to validation by the HCPC and the RCSLT.

Email each admissions team and ask: “Do you accept Functional Skills Level 2 English and maths in place of GCSE for BSc Speech and Language Therapy?” Our guide to whether universities accept Functional Skills Level 2 goes into more detail, and our guide to Functional Skills Level 2 English or a GCSE equivalency test explains how to choose when a course lists both.

Do not forget the science requirement

Many speech and language therapy degrees ask for GCSE science as well as English and maths. Functional Skills covers English and maths only, so it will not replace a science GCSE. Leeds Beckett lets certain Level 3 science qualifications, such as A levels, BTECs and Access to HE Diplomas, count instead. Ask each university about science when you ask about Functional Skills.

Funding for speech and language therapy students

In England, speech and language therapy is one of the allied health courses covered by the NHS Learning Support Fund, run by the NHS Business Services Authority. If you meet the eligibility rules, you could receive:

• ✓ a Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year, which does not need to be paid back
• ✓ Parental Support of £2,000 per academic year if you have parental responsibility for a child under 15 (or under 17 with special educational needs)
• ✓ help with travel and accommodation costs for clinical placements, within set limits

Speech and language therapy is not on the list for the extra £1,000 Specialist Subject Payment. Check the government’s NHS Learning Support Fund guidance for full eligibility before you apply.

Why the Ofqual regulated part matters

Not every online “Level 2” certificate is a regulated qualification. When a university or employer asks for a Level 2 qualification “or equivalent”, it means a qualification like Functional Skills Level 2, not a short course certificate.

At Functify Learning, your Functional Skills Level 2 English and maths qualifications are awarded by Highfield and regulated by Ofqual, and we are a Highfield Approved Centre. Functify is part of Geek School Tutoring, which has taught more than 1,000 students since 2013.

How long does it take to get Functional Skills Level 2?

That depends on where you are starting from.

• ✓ You feel confident: book the exam. With Functify Learning your exam is booked within 5 days and your certificate usually arrives within 10 days of your result.
• ✓ You are rusty: a 5 Day Revision Course from £19.99 gets you exam ready in about a week.
• ✓ You have been out of education for years or failed before: a live 10 Week Course from £197 per subject, in a small group of no more than 10 learners, with a mock exam included.

Not sure which group you are in? Take our free Functional Skills pass quiz at quiz.functifylearning.co.uk. It tells you whether to book now or revise first.

Your nine week plan to the UCAS deadline

Here is a realistic timeline from Thursday 12th November:

1. This week: shortlist your universities, note exactly what each asks for in English, maths and science, and take the free pass quiz. Email any admissions team that does not name Functional Skills.
2. By the end of November: start a 5 Day Revision Course, or book a £35 mock exam per subject to find any gaps.
3. Early December: book your exam and sit it online from home, with technical setup support beforehand.
4. Mid to late December: receive your certificate, finish your personal statement and add your qualification to your UCAS application.
5. By 6pm on Wednesday 13th January 2027: submit your UCAS application.

How much will it cost?

At Functify Learning:

• ✓ English Level 2 exam: £160
• ✓ Maths Level 2 exam: £160
• ✓ English and maths together: £250, instead of £320 booked separately
• ✓ Mock exam: £35 per subject
• ✓ Klarna available at checkout on orders of more than £35

For a full breakdown, read our guide to how much a Functional Skills Level 2 exam costs in 2026. If you are weighing up other therapy careers, see Functional Skills Level 2 for occupational therapy or Functional Skills Level 2 for physiotherapy.

Functional Skills Level 2 for speech and language therapy: frequently asked questions

Can I become a speech and language therapist with Functional Skills instead of GCSEs?

On some courses, yes. Leeds Beckett University’s BSc accepts Functional Skills Level 2 in place of GCSEs, and Birmingham City University’s degree apprenticeship accepts Level 2 equivalents such as Functional Skills. You will still need Level 3 qualifications or, on the BCU apprenticeship, a portfolio based on relevant work experience.

Do all speech and language therapy degrees accept Functional Skills Level 2?

No. Some pages, such as Greenwich and Newman, say “or equivalent” without naming Functional Skills. Email admissions and get the answer in writing before you apply.

Will Functional Skills replace my GCSE science?

No. Functional Skills covers English and maths only. Some universities, such as Leeds Beckett, let certain Level 3 science qualifications meet the science requirement instead.

When is the UCAS deadline for 2027 courses?

UCAS says applications for most 2027 undergraduate courses should arrive by 6pm (UK time) on Wednesday 13th January 2027.

Is there funding for speech and language therapy students?

Yes. In England, eligible students can claim the NHS Learning Support Fund Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year, plus £2,000 Parental Support if eligible, and help with placement travel costs.

Can I sit Functional Skills Level 2 online from home?

Yes. You sit the exam online from home, and we help you set up your laptop, camera and connection beforehand.

Get your Level 2 sorted before the UCAS deadline

Book your English or maths exam today, sit it from home around work or childcare, and have your certificate ready for your speech and language therapy application. Not sure where to start? Message us on WhatsApp and we will point you in the right direction.