Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours BSLP(Hons)

at University of Canterbury

• The BSLP(Hons) is a highly regarded, professional degree accredited by the Te Kāhui Kaiwhakatikatika Reo Kōrero o Aotearoa | New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA).

• You have the opportunity to work with people of all ages at clinics on campus, nationally, and overseas.

• Fieldwork accounts up to 50% of your coursework depending on year of study.
   

  The Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours requires a total of 480 points:

• At least 405 points of compulsory and fieldwork courses

• 15 points from a prescribed list of courses

• 75 points of courses in Science or from other degrees.

• The degree takes 4 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 8 years.
   

  Compulsory courses

  Year 1
   

• SPSC161 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Mechanism

• STAT101 Statistics 1
   

• One course chosen from these options

• You will also need to complete another five 100-level courses from any degree at UC. The following courses are highly recommended:
   

• EDUC102 Child and Adolescent Development

• SPSC113 Introduction to Communication Disorders

• SPSC114 The Science of Human Communication

• LING101 The English Language

• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition

• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
   

• Year 2

  In the First Professional Year (second year of study), you will take courses in speech and language development and disorders, evidence-based practice, clinical linguistics, and audiology. You will also be introduced to the observation and assessment of individuals with communication difficulties and the distinguishing characteristics of the major types of communication disorders. 25% of the coursework includes clinical practice.

   

• SPSC222 Language Disorders in Children

• SPSC223 Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics

• SPSC232 Speech Sound Disorders

• SPSC262 Neuroscience of Swallowing and Communication

• SPSC263 Evaluating Research for Clinical Practice

• SPSC281 Observation and Clinical Practice 1

• SPSC282 Clinical Practice 2

• HEAR243 Introduction to Audiologic Assessment and Management
   

• Year 3

  In the Second Professional Year (third year of study), you will continue studying different types of communication disorders, predominantly those of neurogenic origin, conduct applied research in clinical settings, and gain practical experience with clients. You will get to work with practising therapists, and complete coursework in education and medical settings. 30% of the coursework includes clinical practice.

   

• SPSC320 Spoken and Written Language Disorders in Education

• SPSC363 Motor Speech Disorders

• SPSC365 Dysphagia and Related Disorders – Diagnosis

• SPSC366 Dysphagia and Related Disorders – Management

• SPSC367 Voice Science and Disorders

• SPSC369 Aphasia and Related Disorders

• SPSC381 Applied Research and Clinical Practice 3

• SPSC382 Clinical Practice 4
   

• Year 4

  In the Third Professional Year (fourth year of study), more time is spent on research and taking responsibility for the assessment of clients and the planning, management, and evaluation of therapy programmes. 50% of the coursework includes clinical practice.

   

• SPSC421 Advanced Topics in Speech-language Pathology

• SPSC451 Fluency Disorders

• SPSC461 Complex Communication Disorders

• SPSC468 Professional Studies 2

• SPSC482 Clinical Practice 5

• SPSC484 Clinical Practice 6

• Plus one of either:

• SPSC490 Research Project

• SPSC491 Capstone Project

The Intermediate Year (first year) is open to anyone, however a background in science from secondary school is recommended.
 

Entry into the Professional Years

The first year is followed by the Professional Years. Entry into the Professional Years is limited and is based on completion of the Intermediate Year, academic merit (normally a B or better Grade Point Average), and fluency in English. Relevant work experience may also be considered.
 

Applications for entry for the First Professional Year close on 1 October of the preceding year, although late enrolments will be considered if places are still available. Application forms are required and intending applicants should contact the BSLP(Hons) Programme Coordinator at least a month before the closing date.
 

If you are unsuccessful in gaining a place in the First Professional Year, your completed courses can usually be credited to a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Health Sciences, or Bachelor of Arts.
 

English language requirements for undergraduate qualifications
 

If you want to study towards a Bachelor Degree (excluding teaching degrees), Certificate of Proficiency, Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, or Graduate Certificate or Diploma you must have one of the following:
 

Tuition Fees for Overseas Students per year:
NZD$39,175

• We have a speech and language pathology clinic on campus and the opportunity to go on placement to speech-language therapy clinics at hospitals, schools, and other facilities nationwide and overseas.

• You will learn skills to help with client assessment, and the planning, management, and evaluation of therapy programmes.

• Graduates are working with children who have autism or language delays, helping stroke patients relearn speech, developing new communication devices and tests, building their own private practices, and more.