Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours

Our programme combines academic coursework with supervised clinical experience. You’ll work alongside practising speech-language therapists to gain clinical hours in a wide range of settings. These could include: 

  • schools 
  • hospitals 
  • rehabilitation centres 
  • child development services, and 
  • community settings across New Zealand. 

The Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours at Massey requires a commitment to academic and practical excellence. That will make you the best speech-language therapist you can be when you join the workforce. 

 

What are the entry requirements?

You must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

The Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours (BSpchLngThHons) programme is a selected entry programme which means there are several extra requirements you must meet.

Selection into the qualification is based on a selection process that includes, amongst other requirements, a written application, criminal record check, an interview, and referee checks.

 

What is the programme structure?

The Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete all courses in the first part, before moving to the second part, and so on.

The qualification consists of four parts, each constituting 120 credits.
  • If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
  • For progression to Part 4 of Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours, you must have maintained at least a B+ grade average in the Part 3 courses.
  • If you do not meet the progression criteria, or do not wish to study the Part 4 Honours courses, you will be able to enrol in an alternative Part 4. Upon completion, you will graduate with the Bachelor of Speech Language Therapy.
Part 1 details (120 credits)

Course number & title *

Description

172.133 Introduction to Language Studies

Introductory skills of analysing language, at the level of discourse, morphology, syntax, semantics and phonology.

172.234 Phonetics

A study of the sounds of language and an introduction to the acoustic analysis of speech.

175.102 Psychology as a Natural Science

An introduction to methods and findings from the scientific study of psychology and its application to everyday human behaviour. Examination of basic behavioural, perceptual and cognitive processes and how these are influenced by biological mechanisms and cultural context.

214.101 Human Bioscience: Normal Body Function

Human body structure and function (anatomy and physiology), including relevant concepts of homeostasis and metabolism and development throughout the lifespan.

230.110 Tūrangawaewae: Identity & Belonging in Aotearoa NZ

This course examines formations of identity and belonging in relation to concepts of place and turangawaewae (‘standing place’). The multiple factors shaping identity formation, citizenship and public engagement will be explored, and students will develop awareness of and reflect on diverse perspectives regarding identity and citizenship and apply this understanding to analyse issues in contemporary New Zealand society.

254.102 Introduction to Professional and Ethical Practice in Education and Health Contexts

An introduction to the practice of professionals working with individuals and families who have multicultural backgrounds and diverse needs within education and health settings.

271.150 Holistic Approaches to Communication Disorders

This course uses holistic and biopsychosocial frameworks to describe and understand the nature and impact of communication disorders across the lifespan. Environmental and conversational partner strategies are highlighted to promote communication access for children and adults with speech, language, and communication support needs.

271.154 Communication Development in Children

Explores communication development in children including communication milestones and the influence of sociocultural factors related to cultural and linguistic diversity and conversational partners' support.

* All courses are each worth 15 credits.

Part 2 details (120 credits)

Course number & title *

Description

175206 Memory and Cognition

The central goal of the course is to consider how knowledge is represented and processed in the brain. Students will be introduced to the mental processes involved in thinking and knowing, studied within a converging methods framework that includes evidence from experimental psychology, neuroscience, neuropsychology, and cognitive science.

271253 Early Years Language and Communication Support

An exploration of language and communication support needs in infants and young children and the application of evidenced-based early intervention that considers neurodevelopmental, ecological, and sociocultural factors.

271254 Speech Sound Disorders in Children

An examination of speech sound acquisition and the impact of speech sound disorders in children. Assessment and intervention approaches will be evaluated and applied to partnership-oriented and culturally safe practice with children and their families/whānau.

271255 Assessment Frameworks and Procedures for Speech-language Therapy Practice

This course introduces students to frameworks for planning and analysing assessments and provides supported opportunities to practice assessment procedures.

271256 Introduction to Speech-language Therapy Practice

This course supports students to begin to apply their speech-language therapy knowledge and skills to practice in well-supported contexts. The workplace learning is primarily with adults and/or children and their families|whānau.

271257 Language and Communication Support in Educational Contexts

An exploration of language and communication support needs experienced by school-aged children and young people in educational and community contexts. Support for their participation and learning in these contexts is based on evidence, neurodevelopmental, ecological, and sociocultural factors.

271258 Neurogenic Communication Disorders I

A theoretical and applied overview of neurological communication disorders, including acquired aphasia and related disorders.

271259 Deaf and Hard of Hearing

An exploration of the auditory system and functions, how these may be disrupted, and the lived experience of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course has a focus on assessment and support services, and strategies for facilitating communication across the lifespan.

* All courses are each worth 15 credits.

Part 3 details (120 credits)

Course number & title *

Description

172233 Language Learning Processes

An introduction to approaches and theories in applied linguistics with particular focus on language learning processes.

271392 Augmentative and Alternative Communication

A study of augmentative and alternative communication for individuals with complex communication needs.

271393 Neurogenic Communication Disorders II

An examination of neurological cognitive communication disorders as a result of acquired brain injury including right hemisphere disorders (RHD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia.

271394 Motor Speech Disorders

An examination of motor speech disorders, such as dysarthria and apraxia that result from cortical injury, and the principles and practices of the assessment and management of motor speech disorders will be addressed.

271395 Fluency Disorders

This course examines fluency disorders that occur during childhood and into adulthood. Characteristics of fluency disorders, including related developmental and etiological factors, assessment and treatment methodologies, and relevant research, will be addressed.

271396 Field Work and Clinical Skills II

An extension of Fieldwork and Clinical Skills I focusing on more advanced issues related to fieldwork or clinical practice, including data collection for workplace and clinical/fieldwork with particular attention to developing and consolidating speech and language therapy clinical competencies, and tangata whenua case management.

271397 Adult Dysphagia

An examination of the assessment, analysis and interpretation, planning and management of swallowing disorders (dysphagia) in adults.

271398 Research Methods for Speech and Language Therapy

The study and application of research designs, relevant to current theory, research and practice, in speech and language therapy.

* All courses are each worth 15 credits.

Part 4 details (120 credits)

Course number & title *

Description

271720 Research Report (30 credits)

A research project based on systematic and analytical consideration of theory, research methods, practice and culture in speech therapy.

271786 Advances in SLT and Diverse Clinical Populations

An advanced analysis and evaluation of communication disorders associated with diverse clinical populations, for example, cleft palate, down syndrome or autism spectrum disorders. Approaches to practice for complex cases is considered with a focus on interdisciplinary practice, embedded interventions, and communication partner engagement.

271787 Advanced Paediatric Dysphagia and Feeding Disorders

The advanced study of neuro-anatomical and physiological principles of feeding and swallowing skills from a developmental perspective. Investigate specific developmental disorders and conditions that contribute or cause paediatric dysphagia and/or feeding disorders.

271788 Advances in Aural Rehabilitation

This course examines aural rehabilitation for children and adults with hearing disorders. Emphasis is given to advances in evidence-based practice relating to assessment and intervention associated with hearing disorders.

271789 Advanced Voice Disorders, Assessment and Treatment

The advanced study of the assessment, analysis and interpretation, planning and implementation of evidence-based interventions for voice disorders in adults and children.

271796 Advanced Clinical Practicum 1

Develop entry-level competency in clinical skills related to current evidence-based practice across a range of complex communication and swallowing disorders in children or adults.

271798 Advanced Clinical Practicum II

This course addresses advanced aspects of speech and language therapy Entry-level clinical practice and the theoretical frameworks that underpin assessment and intervention.

* All courses are each worth 15 credits, unless indicated otherwise.

 

 

How long does it take to complete this programme?

The Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours programme takes four years full time study.

A part-time option is available for this programme with the requirement of completion in a maximum of 8 years. Consult with the programme team to ensure your part-time plan meets the programme progression needs.

 

Where is this programme available?

You can study at our Albany (Auckland) campus or at distance/online. 

You will need to attend compulsory contact workshops on the Auckland Campus (Albany). These are usually at the start of the first and second semester (early February and mid-July) for all years of study. There are usually two contact days per semester.

  

How do you apply?

Applications close on February 3, 2024 – we interview for selections starting up to a year in advance before the application closing date. We let you know the outcome of your selection interview a few days later – so you may be one of a small group of people to secure a seat!  

All documentation needs to be provided prior to the closing date for applications.

There is only one intake at the start of each year, but applications are open throughout the year for future intakes.

To enrol:

  1. Login into the student portal and apply for admission to the programme and endorsement
  2. Select your courses (as above) for the qualification

 

A Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours is a good fit if you:

  • want a rewarding professional career
  • are interested in understanding communication and its support needs
  • enjoy science and language subjects.