M.Sc. Dysphagia Management

• Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
• Model: multiple models
• Language: English
• ECTS: 120
• Info: accredited
• Duration: 4 semesters/2 years
• Location: Heidelberg

The Master’s Programme in Dysphagia Management at SRH University provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education covering the entire spectrum of dysphagia care. You gain expertise in basics, assessment and diagnostics, and explore therapeutic interventions across different patient populations, from paediatrics to geriatrics. A strong emphasis is placed on evidence-based decision-making, balancing external research, clinical expertise, and patient-centred care. 

Advanced modules focus on technology-driven dysphagia therapy, integrating AI, VR, and digital health solutions. Research methods, including statistical analysis and study design, prepare you for independent scientific work. Through internships and case studies, you gain hands-on experience and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. The programme culminates in a master’s thesis and colloquium, ensuring you are equipped for dysphagia management, leadership, and academic research.

Due to its structure with three on-site study blocks per semester in Heidelberg and additional regular weekly study days online, the programme is highly compatible with professional commitments and well-suited for students who live further away.

After graduating, you are equipped for diverse career paths in clinical practice, research, healthcare innovation, and leadership. 

Possible fields of work include:

• Hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private practices, applying advanced assessment and therapy techniques
• Research and academia, contributing to scientific advancements in dysphagia care
• Healthcare technology (innovations in AI and digital therapy solutions)
• Leadership roles in healthcare institutions, policy development, and patient care management, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based dysphagia treatment 

Additionally, you can pursue international career opportunities in interdisciplinary healthcare teams, shaping the future of swallowing therapy and patient care worldwide.

Our Master’s Programme in Dysphagia Management provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum covering the full spectrum of dysphagia care. You gain expertise in normal and impaired swallowing, assessment and therapy of swallowing function. One focus is placed on evidence-based decision-making, integrating external research, clinical expertise, and patient-centred care. 

The programme also explores technology-driven dysphagia therapy, including AI and digital health solutions. Research modules cover statistical analysis, study design, and scientific writing to prepare you for your master’s thesis. Additional topics include leadership, skills and risk management. 

The FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and Tracheostomy (TK) certification basic courses are integrated into the programme; students with existing certifications can have them recognized. You apply your knowledge in national or international internships, gaining practical experience in clinical or research settings. The programme culminates in a master’s thesis and colloquium, equipping graduates for careers in clinical practice, academia, and healthcare innovation.

In addition to technical and methodological skills, social and personal skills are crucial today. SRH University 's innovative, successful and award-winning CORE principle promotes independent and active learning so that you can apply your knowledge directly in practice - for a clear competitive advantage.

Due to the structure of the study program, which includes one weekly online study day and only three on-campus weeks per semester in Heidelberg, it is possible to work to a limited extent.

1st Semester

1. Normal and Impaired Swallowing – 6 ECTS
2. Screening & Clinical Assessment – 6 ECTS
3. Principles of Dysphagia Therapy and Treatment Planning – 6 ECTS
4. Instrumental Assessment – 6 ECTS
5. Research Methods I – 6 ECTS

2nd Semester

1. Risk Management and Prevention in Dysphagia Care – 6 ECTS
2. Respiration and Swallowing System – 6 ECTS
3. Nutrition in Dysphagic Patients – 6 ECTS
4. Dysphagia Across Lifespan – 6 ECTS
5. Research Methods II: Statistical Analysis – 6 ECTS

3rd Semester

1. Evidence-Based Clinical and Ethical Decision Making – 6 ECTS
2. Dysphagia Management Pathways – 6 ECTS
3. Project Management / Leadership – 6 ECTS
4. Patient Management Project (Clinical Case or Implementation) – 6 ECTS
5. Interprofessional Communication, Conflict-Solving and Self-Leadership – 6 ECTS

4th Semester

1. Advanced Technologies in Dysphagia Management – 6 ECTS
2. Master's Thesis + Colloquium – 24 ECTS

Your studies are structured in the online live model, combining fixed online study days with compact on-campus phases. Each semester, you will attend three on-campus blocks in Heidelberg. The remaining weekly study days take place live online – meaning you are in the virtual seminar room, experiencing the content in real time and actively engaging with lecturers and fellow students. Thanks to this structure, the programme can be easily combined with professional commitments and is also suitable for students who live further away.

In addition to technical and methodological skills, social and personal skills are crucial today. SRH University 's innovative, successful and award-winning CORE principle promotes independent and active learning so that you can apply your knowledge directly in practice - for a clear competitive advantage.

To apply for the Master's degree programme in Dysphagia Management, you need

• A completed undergraduate degree (minimum 180 ECTS) or an equivalent academic qualification in one of the following subject areas: Speech and Language Therapy / Speech Therapy / Clinical Linguistics or Speech and Language Pathology (SLP). (Applicants from related or other health-related academic fields (e.g. Medicine, Physiotherapy, Nursing Sciences) may be admitted on a case-by-case basis, provided they can demonstrate – as part of an individual selection procedure – that they possess professional qualifications in dysphagia care comparable to those acquired in Speech and Language Therapy.)
• Proof of basic knowledge in the field of dysphagia*
• Proof of English language skills*

National and international professional regulations define the scope of practical activities and delegation rights based on the applicant’s primary professional qualification. This program does not confer a new professional license but is designed to extend and deepen existing competencies.

English language requirements:

Accepted English Proficiency Certificates (valid within 2 years), with at least the indicated score:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 87 points
• TOEIC Listening/Reading 785, Speaking 160, Writing 150
• Duolingo Certificate: 110 points
• Cambridge CAE or CPE (grade A, B, or C)
• Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A): 59 points
• Linguaskill: 176 - 184 (CES) - all four skills required