Where To Study Speech Therapy

Speech therapy (also known as Speech-Language Pathology) is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders, performed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), which are often referred to as speech therapists.

Techniques in speech therapy are used to improve communication; these techniques include articulation therapy, language intervention activities, and others depending on the type of speech or language disorder.

Speech therapy may be needed for speech disorders that develop in childhood or speech impairments in adults caused by an injury or illness, such as a stroke or brain injury.

Here are a few institutions offering Speech Therapy courses:

The University of the Witswatersrand (Wits):

In the four-year Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology degree offered by Wits, students will major in Speech and Language Pathology and Psychology. Other courses include a language course, such as isiZulu, Linguistics, Anatomy, and Neurology.

Practical courses are held at the University’s Speech and Hearing Clinic and at speech and hearing clinics at hospitals, schools, and care facilities, within the broader urban and rural context.

University of Pretoria (UP):

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Pretoria offers prospective students training for a professional qualification in audiology or speech-language therapy.

The purpose of this four-year degree is to provide qualifying students with in-depth knowledge of the normal speech- and language processes.

This knowledge is in the context of human communication, the causes and symptomatology of abnormal speech and language, and the scientific basis of intervention of a person with a speech and/or language disorder or those at risk of developing such pathology.

The qualification includes applied competence such as practical skills to improve or enhance speech and language abilities of those adversely affected by a communication disability or those at risk of developing such a disability.

Postgraduate research-based degrees are also offered by the department, under the guidance of experienced academic staff.

University of Cape Town (UCT):

The University of Cape Town offers a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology after completing a four-year study period. Students obtain knowledge in the medical, scientific, social, and psychological aspects of speech, language, and hearing.

On the successful completion of the four-year programme, students register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as either Speech Therapists or Audiologists. New graduates must complete a year of community service prior to registration as independent practitioners.

Stellenbosch University:

The purpose of the degree programme offered by the Department of Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy at Stellenbosch University is to educate and train students to perform the following professional functions in the field of speech-language and hearing therapy:

1. Prevention
2. Identification
3. Assessment and Treatment of communication disorders
4. Counseling of people with communication disorders and their partners
5. Consultation in the field of communication disorders
6. Research into communication disorders
7. Education and Training of related professionals

Students should be able to perform the above functions in at least two languages, as well as sign language.