Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours BSLP(Hons)
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Introduction
The Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours is a four-year professional degree with a strong practical focus. Graduates are highly employable as clinicians in schools and hospital settings both in New Zealand and overseas or they can pursue further study through to doctoral level.
Features of the BSLP(Hons) at UC
- Four-year professional degree
- Established professional degree, recognised in Australia and the United Kingdom
- 12 full-time academic staff with PhDs
- Accredited by the New Zealand Speech–Language Therapists' Association
- Excellent resources
- Open entry to Intermediate (first) Year
- Postgraduate opportunities in Speech and Language Sciences, and Audiology
Recommended preparation
Entry to the Intermediate Year of study is open to all students with University Entrance. The recommended preparation for the Intermediate programme is a science background to at least NCEA Level 2 and work experience, including visits to meet people with different speech and language abilities. English and languages, such as te reo Māori, are also useful.
Degree structure
The Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours requires a total of 480 points and may be awarded with honours.
For the full degree requirements see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours (University Regulations website).
Intermediate Year
The first year of the BSLP(Hons) is called the Intermediate Year and comprises a minimum of 120 points (eight 15-point courses or the equivalent). The Intermediate courses may be taken in one full-time year of study or accumulated over more than one year. Entry to the Intermediate Year is open to all students with entry to the University.
It is also possible to take the Intermediate Year at other universities. If you are intending to do this you are strongly advised to seek approval of your course of study from UC's College of Science Student Advisor. If you have studied courses equivalent to any of the Intermediate courses you should also contact the Student Advisor as you may be granted exemption from courses in the Intermediate Year.
BSLP(Hons) Intermediate courses
Compulsory course*
- CMDS 161 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
Strongly recommended courses*
Other recommended courses*
- BIOL 116 Human Biology
- EDUC 102 Child and Adolescent Development and Health
- HLTH 101 Introduction to Health Studies
- MAOR 107 Aotearoa: Introduction to New Zealand Treaty Society
- MAOR 108 Aotearoa: Introduction to New Zealand Treaty Society
- PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
- PSYC 106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
- SCIM 101 Science, Māori and Indigenous Knowledge
*The University periodically reviews its offerings. Please refer to the College of Science website for the latest information on these programmes.
The professional years
The one-year Intermediate programme is followed by three full-time years of specialised professional education – the professional years.
Entry to the First Professional Year is limited and is based on academic merit (normally a B+ or better grade average), fluency in English and suitability for training as a speech–language therapist. Relevant work experience with individuals who have communication disorders may also be considered when entry decisions are made.
Applications for entry to the First Professional Year for 2013 close on 1 November 2012.
If a student is unsuccessful in gaining a place in the First Professional Year, courses passed can usually be credited to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
As entry to the professional years is limited, it is recommended that students choose courses that meet 100-level requirements for a potential major in a BSc or BA degree.
In the First Professional Year (second year) students take courses in speech and language development, neuroscience and audiology. They are also introduced to the observation and assessment of individuals with communication disorders and the distinguishing characteristics of the major types of disorders. There is the opportunity for practical experience with a range of clients.
In the Second Professional Year (third year) students continue studying different types of communication disorders and gaining practical experience with clients. They work with practising therapists and complete coursework in a hospital setting.
In the Third Professional Year (fourth year) further courses are taken in the areas of speech, language and swallowing disorders. Research coursework is also included. More time is spent taking responsibility for the assessment of clients and the planning, management and evaluation of therapy programmes.
Fieldwork
Work in the field is introduced from the second year of study. This fieldwork accounts for about 10% of the year's work in the second year, 20% in the third and 50% in the final year. Students have the opportunity to undertake work with people of all ages at clinics in Christchurch and throughout New Zealand.
Further study
Postgraduate options include:
- Master of Audiology MAud
- Master of Science (Speech and Language Sciences)MSc
- Doctor of Philosophy PhD.
Career opportunities
The speech–language therapy profession offers a range of career opportunities. Graduates are highly employable as clinicians both in New Zealand and overseas.
You can work with people or computers, in a research laboratory, a private clinic or a government agency. You can work with language-delayed children in a school setting or with elderly stroke patients in a large hospital or nursing home. You can be an entrepreneur, developing and marketing new communication devices and tests, or building your own private practice. You can teach at a university, conduct research in a scientific laboratory or be an administrator.
Perhaps best of all, you can combine several of these to establish a challenging and satisfying career which improves the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders.
Contact
For more information email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone in NZ 0800 VARSITY (827 748).
For assistance with planning your programme of study contact a College of Science Student Advisor (advancing students) or the Liaison Office (new students) or visit the Liaison Office’s course planning page (new students).