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Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours

Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours

  • ID:UC640014
  • Level:4-Year Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
  • Intake:

Fees (NZD)

Estimated Total/program:
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60
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Admission Requirements

Entry requirements

  • The Intermediate Year (first year) is open to all students, however a background in science is recommended.
  • It is possible to take five of the Intermediate Year courses at other universities. Please note that no other university offers the equivalent of CMDS 161 Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Mechanism and CMDS 162 Neuroscience of Swallowing & Communication.
  • If you intend to do this you should seek approval of your course of study from UC's College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao Student Advisor in advance.
  • 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. Application forms are required and intending applicants should contact the BSLP(Hons) Programme Coordinator at least a month before the closing date. Late enrolments will be considered if places are still available.
  • 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 requirements

  • IELTS: Academic with an average score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • TOEFL iBT: Total minimum score of 80, with at least 19 in reading, writing and listening 
  • TOEFL PBT: With a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5
  • CCEL EAP: Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade
  • CAE or CPE: minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic): PTE with an overall score of 50 and no PTE communicative skills score below 42
  • NZCEL:  Level 4 - Academic endorsement

Course Information

Over the four years of this degree, students gain the knowledge and skills to assist a wide variety of people with communication and swallowing disorders.

The Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours (BSLP(Hons)) is a highly regarded, professional degree with a strong practical focus. UC students are able to utilise excellent on-site resources including clinics and research facilities.

  • Qualification recognised in Australia and the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.
  • Accredited by the New Zealand Speech–language Therapists' Association.
  • Highly employable graduates.
  • Fieldwork accounts for 25–50%, depending on year of study.
  • Students have the opport -+unity to undertake work with people of all ages at clinics on campus, nationally and overseas.

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Year 1

  • SPSC 161 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Mechanism
  • STAT 101 Statistics 1

And one of the following:

  • HLTH 106 Te Whero: Māori Health Issues and Opportunities
  • TREO 110 Te Ngao Tū: Conversational Māori for Absolute Beginners
  • TREO 111 Te Ngao Pae 1: Introductory Reo 1
  • MAOR 165 He Tīmatanga: Engaging with Māori
  • MAOR 172 Science, Māori and Indigenous Knowledge or SCIM 101 Science, Māori and Indigenous Knowledge

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

  • EDUC 102 Child and Adolescent Development
  • SPSC 113 Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • SPSC 114 The Science of Human Communication
  • LING 101 The English Language
  • PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
  • PSYC 106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental

Year 2

In the First Professional Year (second year of study), students take courses in speech and language development and disorders, evidence-based practice, clinical linguistics, and audiology. They are also 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.

  • SPSC 222 Language Disorders in Children
  • SPSC 223 Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics
  • SPSC 232 Speech Sound Disorders
  • SPSC 262 Neuroscience of Swallowing and Communication
  • SPSC 263 Evaluating Research for Clinical Practice
  • SPSC 281 Observation and Clinical Practice 1
  • SPSC 282 Clinical Practice 2
  • HEAR 243 Introduction to Audiologic Assessment and Management

Year 3

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

  • SPSC 320 Spoken and Written Language Disorders in Education
  • SPSC 363 Motor Speech Disorders
  • SPSC 365 Dysphagia and Related Disorders – Diagnosis
  • SPSC 366 Dysphagia and Related Disorders – Management
  • SPSC 367 Voice Science and Disorders
  • SPSC 369 Aphasia and Related Disorders
  • SPSC 381 Applied Research and Clinical Practice 3
  • SPSC 382 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.

  • SPSC 421 Advanced Topics in Speech-language Pathology
  • SPSC 451 Fluency Disorders
  • SPSC 461 Complex Communication Disorders
  • SPSC 468 Professional Studies 2
  • SPSC 482 Clinical Practice 5
  • SPSC 484 Clinical Practice 6

Plus one of either:

  • SPSC 490 Research Project
  • SPSC 491 Capstone Project
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Pre Courses

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Pathway Courses

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Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

Our graduates are in demand and highly employable both in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. They go on to work in hospitals, schools, and private clinics. Some of our graduates now have their own private practices, while others are working in research labs, and designing and developing new speech–language technologies.

The BSLP(Hons) is recognised in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.

Ability to settle

Overseas Student Health Cover

Insurance/year: 700 NZD/per year

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