Bachelor of Science in Speech
and Hearing Sciences (BSc[SPEECH])
Programme Overview
Graduates of this honours degree programme are able to practise as speech therapists in Hong Kong. They are eligible for membership of the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists. The degree is equivalent in content to similar courses in Australia and North America. Graduates are also well qualified for post-graduate studies in this or allied disciplines.
What is a Speech Therapist?
A speech therapist is someone who helps people of all ages suffering from communication disorders. These problems may, for example, be related to brain damage resulting from strokes or accidents, deafness, birth injuries and defects, faulty learning and development, or psychosocial problems. The resulting disorders can affect an individual's ability to learn, understand or use language [spoken or written], speak clearly and fluently [or learn and produce certain sounds correctly]. An individual's ability to use his/her voice may also be affected through disease or misuse of the vocal cords.
One person in five has some form of communication disorder which seriously affects their lives. There is a strong demand for speech therapists in Hong Kong and the region. Both employment and postgraduate educational prospects are good.
Career Prospect
The career prospect is excellent, clinical positions are available in hospitals, special schools, special child care centres and charity organisations. Research positions are also available at local and overseas universities.
Programme Aims and Features
This exciting and intensive four-year full-time programme offers students a solid theoretical background in normal human communication and its disorders as well as in related disciplines such as medicine, psychology, English and Cantonese linguistics and the hearing sciences. In the final year students are required to complete a research dissertation and follow optional studies of specific interest. During the course they are also required to complete over 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum in the Division of Speech & Hearing Sciences' own clinics, and in schools, hospitals and specialist settings throughout Hong Kong.
A strong emphasis is placed on students' ability to integrate theory and clinical practice, and on their development of the necessary interpersonal and basic research skills.
Medium and Methods of Instruction and Assessment
The curriculum employs "Problem-based learning" approach. The medium of classwork is English with a strong emphasis on active participation, problem solving and presentations in small discussion groups. Special skill laboratories are conducted to enhance students' specific skills in assessment and intervention. Assessment is in part progressive and by examination. Clinical competence is assessed progressively and by viva examination. The clinical programme is conducted predominantly in Cantonese. This course therefore offers students an unique bilingual education and training.
Course Outline
Speech and hearing sciences I (48 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology
Cell biology and tissues of the body; body systems; gross anatomy of the thorax; respiratory systems; head and neck; neuroanatomy; growth and form; the physiological and neurophysiological mechanisms involved in the production and perception of speech.
- Language Science
The evolution of language and communication; phonetics; grammatical analysis in English and Cantonese; computer-based language analysis and measurement.
- Behavioural Science
Introduction to cognitive psychology; development across the age-span; psychosocial development; methods of data collection; descriptive statistics.
- Communication Disorders
Causal factors: effects on the development of speech and language in children and adults, the aetiology and diagnosis of hearing impairment in children and adults.
Electives (12 credits)
- English; Chinese; Information technology.
Speech and hearing sciences II (48 credits)
- Language Science
The phonetics and phonology of Cantonese; the acoustics of speech and hearing; normal and non-normal speech and language development.
- Behavioural Science
Cognitive psychology; inferential statistics; research designs; counselling.
- Communication Disorders
Models of speech and language impairment; diagnostic and therapeutic processes; principles of programming and management; oro-facial abnormalities.
Clinical Practicum (6 credits)
Electives (6 credits)
- Humanities and social sciences studies; cultures and value studies.
Speech and hearing sciences III (48 credits)
- Language Science
Description and analysis of conversation, discourse and narrative in normal and non-normal languages; models of normal language comprehension and production and their application to disordered language.
- Behavioural Science
Inferential statistics; standardised and non-standardised assessments in speech and language; criteria for the evaluation of assessment procedures.
- Communication Disorders
Congenital and acquired disorders of speech and language and their neurological bases; differential diagnosis and clinical assessment; motor speech disorders; voice disorders; principles and evaluation of treatment.
Clinical Practicum (12 credits)
Speech and hearing sciences IV (36 credits)
- Communication Disorders
Normal and abnormal communication assessed by dissertation.
- Case Studies
One language and one speech based.
Clinical Practicum (24 credits)
Requirements
No intake for the 4-year curriculum (old curriculum) from 2013
Admissions Schedule
No intake for the 4-year curriculum (old curriculum) from 2013
How to Apply
No intake for the 4-year curriculum (old curriculum) from 2013