Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours – BSpchLngThHons
Make a difference to people’s lives
As a speech-language therapist you’ll facilitate independence in individuals. You’ll assess children, young people and adults with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders and work with them to improve their ability to participate in school, work and other daily activities. You may work with children who have speech and/or language disorders, or adults living with a traumatic brain injury or stroke.
You’ll have an impact on people’s quality of life.
Gain practical experience
Massey’s Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours 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.
Be up for the challenge
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.
A BSpchLngThHons 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.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours you will be selected into the qualification based on a selection process that will include:
- a written application
- criminal record check
- interview
- referee checks.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- personal supporting statement
- CV
- confidential school (if still at school) or other tertiary institution report
- verified copies of academic records for study other than at Massey.
See below for details of the selection requirements.
Application closing date
Applications close on 15 January.
English language requirements
To enter the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy you will have achieved an IELTS of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 within the preceding two years if English is not your first language. You must attach a verified copy of your results to your application.
About the selection process
- Applications received after the final application date will be considered but may have to begin study with a subsequent intake.
- The first part of the selection process involves assessment of your written application by Massey academic staff. If the selection committee feel you potentially meet the selection criteria, you will be invited to an interview.
- The interview is the second part of the selection process.
- If after this interview the panel is satisfied that you are a suitable candidate you may be offered a place, depending on available places.
About the documents you need to provide
Personal supporting statement
In standard written English, explain why you chose this programme of study. List any personal characteristics you have that might strengthen your application.
Referee reports
We require two people who can act as referees for you and who are able to provide informed responses on your personal suitability for the programme. A referee should be someone who has known you for one year or more in the capacity of employer, educator, work colleague or person of community standing, ie kaumātua, minister or similar. Your referee should not be a friend, flatmate, relative or someone who has not known you for at least a year. The information your referee supplies is confidential to those involved in the selection process.
A curriculum vitae
Please provide a full employment history, as appropriate for your life situation, please include brief details on recent formal and/or informal experiences and/or involvement in the following areas:
- experience with children/young adults
- community activities
- school activities
- other activities (such as music, drama, art)
- exposure to or experience with children or adults with communication and/or swallowing needs.
- exposure to or experience with individuals who have health or learning difficulties.
- any interactions with or observations of speech-language therapists
- other cultures
- teaching/tutoring/coaching/mentoring
- outdoor education.
Police consent form and report
- a completed NZ Police Request and Consent form, along with two pieces of verified identification (one of which must be photographic) from the list of acceptable forms of identification
- a copy of a police report from every overseas country you have lived in for more 12 months in the last 10 years.
Once you have accepted the offer of a place in the selected entry programme, you will be enrolled for the first year of study as outlined in the Letter of Offer. Once you have been granted entrance and admission to the University your enrolment will be confirmed.
Safety checks and disclosure of criminal convictions
- All applicants are required to undergo a number of safety checks. This includes police vetting (including confirmation of identity) and further checks required under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014, Vulnerable Children Regulations 2015 and the Children’s Action Plan. You will be required to permit the University to ask the New Zealand Police to disclose any information held on the Police record system.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this qualification within the stated time limit, you will normally be able to graduate with a class of Honours.
Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this qualification.
More information
- Read the regulations for this qualification thoroughly
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours
The Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second etc.
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 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 – without Honours. Whether you complete the degree with or without honours, graduates from the programme are eligible for New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association registration.
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.
Distance study
The BSLT(Hons) is taught via distance learning.
Clinical placements
You must show a satisfactory level of performance in clinical practica and achieve the level of competency required for practicing as a speech-language therapist in New Zealand. You will be required to complete work integrated learning experiences within the community. You are responsible for all of the costs associated with being on clinical placements (eg travel, accommodation, required health screening).
Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours
Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.
| Part one |
|---|
| 172133 Introduction to Language Studies |
| 172234 Phonetics |
| 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science |
| 230110 Tūrangawaewae: Identity & Belonging in Aotearoa NZ |
| 254102 Introduction to Professional and Ethical Practice in Education and Health Contexts |
| 271150 Holistic Approaches to Communication Disorders |
| 214101 Human Bioscience: Normal Body Function |
| 271154 Communication Development in Children |
| Year two |
|---|
| 175206 Memory and Cognition |
| 271253 Early Years Language and Communication Support |
| 271254 Speech Sound Disorders in Children |
| 271255 Assessment Frameworks and Procedures for Speech and Language Therapy Practice |
| 271256 Introduction to Speech-Language Therapy Practice |
| 271257 Language and Communication Support in Educational Contexts |
| 271258 Neurogenic Communication Disorders I |
| 271259 Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Year three |
|---|
| 172233 Language Learning Processes |
| 271390 Fieldwork and Clinical Skills 30 credits |
| 271392 Augmentative and Alternative Communication |
| 271393 Neurogenic Communication Disorders II |
| 271394 Motor Speech Disorders |
| 271397 Adult Dysphagia |
| 271398 Research Methods for Speech and Language Therapy |
| Year four |
|---|
|
271720 Research Report |
| 271786 Advanced SLT Practice in Diverse Contexts |
| 271787 Advanced Paediatric Feeding and Swallowing |
| 271781 Advanced Fluency |
| 271789 Advanced Voice Disorders, Assessment and Treatment |
| 271796 Advanced Clinical Practicum |
| 271798 Advanced Clinical Practicum II |
Courses are each worth 15 credits, unless otherwise indicated
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
480 credits
- Part One courses – 120 credits
- Part Two courses – 120 credits
- Part Three courses – 120 credits
- Part Four courses – 120 credits
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Part One
Course code: 172133 Introduction to Language Studies 15 credits
Introductory skills of analysing language, at the level of discourse, morphology, syntax, semantics and phonology.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172234 Phonetics 15 credits
A study of the sounds of language and an introduction to the acoustic analysis of speech.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 214101 Human Bioscience: Normal Body Function 15 credits
Human body structure and function (anatomy and physiology), including relevant concepts of homeostasis and metabolism and development throughout the lifespan.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230110 Tūrangawaewae: Identity & Belonging in Aotearoa NZ 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254102 Introduction to Professional and Ethical Practice in Education and Health Contexts 15 credits
An introduction to the practice of professionals working with individuals and families who have multicultural backgrounds and diverse needs within education and health settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271150 Holistic Approaches to Communication Disorders 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271154 Communication Development in Children 15 credits
Explores communication development in children including communication milestones and the influence of sociocultural factors related to cultural and linguistic diversity and conversational partners' support.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 175206 Memory and Cognition 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271253 Early Years Language and Communication Support 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271254 Speech Sound Disorders in Children 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271255 Assessment Frameworks and Procedures for Speech-language Therapy Practice 15 credits
This course introduces students to frameworks for planning and analysing assessments and provides supported opportunities to practice assessment procedures.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271256 Introduction to Speech-language Therapy Practice 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271257 Language and Communication Support in Educational Contexts 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271258 Neurogenic Communication Disorders I 15 credits
A theoretical and applied overview of neurological communication disorders, including acquired aphasia and related disorders.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271259 Deaf and Hard of Hearing 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsPart Three
Course code: 172233 Language Learning Processes 15 credits
An introduction to approaches and theories in applied linguistics with particular focus on language learning processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271390 Fieldwork and Clinical Skills 30 credits
This course extends students’ clinical skills with an emphasis on holistic data gathering to inform intervention with particular attention to developing and consolidating intermediate-level clinical competencies, case management and responsiveness to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271392 Augmentative and Alternative Communication 15 credits
A study of augmentative and alternative communication for individuals with complex communication needs.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271393 Neurogenic Communication Disorders II 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271394 Motor Speech Disorders 15 credits
An examination of motor speech disorders/disabilities (mainly dysarthria and apraxia) that result from brain injury. Motor speech disorders, as a communication disability in adults, will be addressed by applying assessment and management principles and practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271397 Adult Dysphagia 15 credits
An examination of the assessment, analysis and interpretation, planning and management of swallowing disabilities (dysphagia) in adults.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271398 Research Methods for Speech and Language Therapy 15 credits
The study and application of research designs, relevant to current theory, research and practice, in speech and language therapy.
View full course detailsPart Four
Course code: 271720 Research Report 30 credits
A research project based on systematic and analytical inquiry in an area related to speech and language therapy.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271781 Advanced Fluency 15 credits
An advanced investigation of fluency disorders that occur during childhood and into adulthood with a focus on characteristics of fluency disorders and developmental and etiological factors. Evidence for assessment and intervention procedures will be critiqued, analysed, and applied to cases.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271786 Advanced Speech and Language Therapy Practice in Diverse Contexts 15 credits
Advanced learning and inquiry related to specific communication needs in diverse contexts. Critical analysis of the evidence for support strategies and reflection on the practice implications related to principles, human rights, cultural diversity, interprofessional and collaborative models of practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271787 Advanced Paediatric Feeding and Swallowing 15 credits
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271789 Advanced Voice Disorders, Assessment and Treatment 15 credits
The advanced study of the management of people with clinical (organic, medical) voice and communication challenges, professional voice users, trans- and gender-diverse populations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271796 Advanced Clinical Practicum I 15 credits
This course promotes critical reflection and practice related to advanced aspects of professional and clinical competency.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271798 Advanced Clinical Practicum II 15 credits
This course advances students’ entry-level clinical skills and critical thinking related to current evidence-based practice. Students will be responsible for assessment and intervention for children and adults with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship
BSLT(Hons) students are eligible to apply for a Ministry of Education speech and language therapy scholarship.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Find more scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
With your Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours, you’ll be able to work as a speech-language therapist. You’ll work with people of all ages who have speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders. Graduates typically find work in areas such as:
- education
- health
- rehabilitation
- private practice.
What our students say
“I ended up with my dream job working with adults who have speech, language or swallowing difficulties mainly as a result of brain injury.”
Related study options
Master of Public Health – MPH
The Master of Public Health has practice and research pathways. The Professional Practice Pathway involves coursework and work-integrated learning opportunities. The Research Pathway involves conducting research under the supervision of experienced public health researchers.
Master of Speech and Language Therapy – MSpchLangTher
Develop your research and clinical expertise and become a specialist in your field of speech and language therapy.
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health – PGDipPH
Get a high-quality, comprehensive education in public health to boost your career while improving the health of New Zealanders.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz