Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours program at Massey University equips students with the skills and knowledge to become speech-language therapists. The four-year program includes a strong focus on clinical practice, with extensive supervised placements in various settings. Graduates are eligible for registration with the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association and can pursue diverse career paths in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and other settings.

Program Outline

Outline:

Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours (BSpchLngThHons)

is a 4-year program at Massey University with the option for part-time study. It equips students with the skills and knowledge to become speech-language therapists, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including children, adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Part One (Year One):

• Courses (15 credits each):
• Introduction to Language Studies
• Phonetics
• Psychology as a Natural Science
• Human Bioscience: Normal Body Function
• Tūrangawaewae: Identity & Belonging in Aotearoa NZ
• Introduction to Professional and Ethical Practice in Education and Health Contexts
• Holistic Approaches to Communication Disorders
• Communication Development in Children
• Focus: Introduces fundamental concepts in linguistics, psychology, physiology, ethics, and communication development, preparing students for further study.

Part Two (Year Two):

• Courses (15 credits each):
• Memory and Cognition
• Early Years Language and Communication Support
• Speech Sound Disorders in Children
• Introduction to Speech-language Therapy Practice
• Language and Communication Support in Educational Contexts
• Neurogenic Communication Disorders I
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Focus: Builds on the foundation with courses on specific areas like speech sound disorders, assessment methods, and working with diverse populations, including individuals with hearing impairments and neurogenic communication disorders.

Part Three (Year Three):

• Courses (15 credits each):
• Language Learning Processes
• Fieldwork and Clinical Skills (30 credits)
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Neurogenic Communication Disorders II
• Motor Speech Disorders
• Adult Dysphagia
• Research Methods for Speech and Language Therapy
• Focus: Introduces research methodologies, delves into specific communication disorders like motor speech disorders and dysphagia, and provides hands-on clinical experience through fieldwork.

Part Four (Year Four - Honours):

• Courses (15 credits each):
• Research Report (30 credits)
• Advanced Speech and Language Therapy Practice in Diverse Contexts
• Advanced Paediatric Feeding and Swallowing
• Advanced Fluency
• Advanced Voice Disorders, Assessment and Treatment
• Advanced Clinical Practicum I
• Advanced Clinical Practicum II
• Focus: Students specialize in areas of interest, conduct independent research, and engage in advanced clinical practice, preparing for professional roles as speech-language therapists.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Formal examinations: These assess students' understanding of theoretical concepts.
• Assignments and projects: Students apply their knowledge to complete projects and assignments, demonstrating their skills and critical thinking.
• Presentations: Students present their findings or theoretical understandings in spoken and written format.
• Clinical placements: Students' clinical skills and competencies are assessed through observations, case studies, and supervisor feedback.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: The program uses diverse methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, and online resources.
• Faculty: The faculty comprises experienced speech-language therapists and researchers with expertise in various areas of communication and swallowing disorders.
• Unique approaches:
• The program emphasizes a strong focus on clinical practice, with extensive supervised placements in various settings.
• Students receive individual guidance through academic and clinical supervisors.
• The program integrates cultural perspectives and promotes inclusivity for diverse learners.

Careers:

Graduates can pursue diverse career paths as speech-language therapists in various settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Rehabilitation centers
• Private practices
• Community health organizations
Career opportunities may include:
• Speech-language therapist
• Communication specialist
• Clinician
• Researcher

Other:

• The program offers the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of interest.
• Graduates are eligible for registration with the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association.