As a future TCD BSc Clinical Speech and Language Studies graduate, we strive to secure a range of learning experiences for you across your four placement modules. At a minimum, we aim to secure placements for you in a disability setting, a paediatric setting and a hospital setting throughout your studies.  As a CORU-accredited course, it is essential that we do our upmost to provide you with a vast array of learning opportunities.

Please note that as a healthcare programme, you may be placed in any setting across the country. You will be expected to travel beyond the Greater Dublin Area to your placement site at least once across your four modules. If you require financial assistance, please seek support from your College Tutor or Financial Assistance - Trinity Access Programmes, Trinity Teaching & Learning - Trinity College Dublin.

We understand how important planning is, so we aim to confirm your placement details at least 4–6 weeks before it begins. Securing placement sites can be difficult, which means that sometimes allocations will not be finalised until closer to the start date. Rest assured, we’ll always give you as much notice as possible—and we’ll let you know immediately if any unexpected changes arise.

The timing of your placement depends on your year of study. Please see below for a full breakdown of placement timings across your years of study (note- there is no placement in first year). 

• 2nd Year (PE1) – Weekly Placement
• Days: Mondays (10 weeks)
• Dates 2025-2026: Between 12/1/26 and 13/4/26
• Induction: Scheduled between student and Practice Educator before the start date (note- student must initiate contact)
• 3rd Year (PE2) – Weekly Placement
• Days: Thursdays (10–12 weeks)
• Dates 2025-2026: Between 18/9/25 and 4/12/25
• Induction: Scheduled between student and Practice Educator before the start date (note- student must initiate contact)
• 3rd Year (PE3) – Block Placement
• Structure: 30 days over a 6‑week block (4 clinic days + 1 research day per week)
• Dates 2025-2026: Between 11/5/26 and 26/6/26
• Induction: Scheduled between student and Practice Educator before the start date (note- student must initiate contact)
• 4th Year (PE4) – Block Placement
• Structure: 40 days over an 8‑week block (4 clinic days + 1 research day per week)
• Dates 2025-2026: Between 26/1/26 - 3/4/26
• Induction: Scheduled between student and Practice Educator before the start date (note- student must initiate contact)

Please note that attendance at placement is mandatory. If you cannot attend placement due to an emergency or illness, please contact your Practice Educator and the PEC (clinicalspeech_PEC@tcd.ie) as soon as possible before you are due to start on placement that day. Any missed days must be recouped.

Placement runs throughout reading week each year.

You cannot choose your placement. Placements are allocated by the Department to meet insurance requirements, balance limited site availability, and ensure each student gains the varied clinical experiences they need at every stage of their training.

Build Your Practical Skills

• Attend your Practice Education workshops and use department resources to practice assessments and interventions on peers—placement is all about hands‑on learning.

Know the Clinical Competencies, Performance Indicators and Assessments Involved

• Familiarise yourself with the relevant competency form, performance indicators, and assessment/PDL requirements for your placement year. 
  • PDL Checklist all years 2025-2026
  • Novice Clinician 2nd years National Student Competency Evaluation Form
  • Transition level 3rd years Professional Conduct & Clinical Competency Evaluation
  • Entry Level 4th year Professional Conduct & Clinical Competency Evaluation Form
  • Practice Education Assessments & Examinations 2025 2026
• It is your responsibility to know what assessment is involved in your Practice Education module. Be proactive in reminding your Practice Educator of any mock/real exam dates to get in the diary early!

Understand Your Caseload

• At induction, ask about the client profile you’ll work with and request key texts, assessment tools, and intervention guides from your Practice Educator

Be Self‑Directed and Prepared

• Take charge of your learning—set clear goals, seek regular feedback, and proactively explore resources so you hit the ground running on day one.
• Know how to get to your placement site! Do a trial run of public transport to make sure you are comfortable and will arrive on day one in good time

Maintain a Professional, Hygienic Appearance from Day One

• Bare Below the Elbow: No long sleeves. Avoid wristwatches or bracelets to ensure effective hand and forearm washing.
• No Artificial Nails or Nail Polish: Natural nails only, kept short (≤ 1 cm) to prevent harboring pathogens.
• Hair Securely Tied Back: Long hair must be up or back to avoid contact with patients and equipment.
• Minimal Jewellery: Only small, flat stud earrings; no rings (except a plain wedding band), bracelets, bangles, or dangling necklaces.
• Clean, Short-Sleeved Attire: Wear your TCD CSLS uniform. Washing daily as needed.

Cultivate Reflective Practice

• After each session and between placements, reflect on what you’ve learned: What went well? What challenges arose?
• Use these insights to shape your learning goals and action plans for your next placement, ensuring continuous growth and readiness for new experiences

If you require supports on placement, please do not hesitate to contact the Disability Office asap before placement commencement- see further information here: Disability - Trinity disAbility Service | Trinity College Dublin.

1. Placement Learning Educational Needs Summary (PLENS)

• The Disability Office will work with you to create a PLENS, detailing any reasonable adjustments or supports you require during placement.
• You’re in control: review and update your PLENS at any time to reflect changing needs.

1. Information Sharing
• Your PLENS will be securely shared with your Practice Educator before each placement, so they can prepare any necessary adjustments.
2. Ongoing Review
• If your needs change during placement, simply notify the Disability Office—they’ll help amend your PLENS and communicate updates to the Practice Education Coordinators. 
3. Confidentiality & Advocacy
• All information is handled confidentially. The Disability Office can also advise on broader supports, from counselling to assistive technology.

Next Steps

• Email: disability@tcd.ie
• Phone: 01 896 3117
• In Person: Drop by the Disability Office in the Arts Building.

Don’t wait—reach out early so we can ensure your placement is a positive, accessible learning experience.

All information regarding health screening may be found here Health Screening - Current Students - Trinity College Dublin. You must retain copies of your vaccination certificates.

You must be garda vetted to gain entry to the course and this remains valid for the entirety of the course duration. It is your responsibility to make a disclosure, where indicated, should your status change over the course of your studies. It is your responsibility to keep a record of your garda vetting certificate- college will not hold a copy for you. More information is available here Garda Vetting - Academic Registry - Trinity College Dublin