Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Purpose

• The purpose of this qualification is to provide South Africa with skilled Speech-Language Pathologists, to ensure effective, efficient and accessible speech-language pathology services in the public and private sectors, e.g., in hospitals, special schools and private practice.
• The service delivery will include assessment and treatment of Speech Sound System Disorders, Voice Disorders, Cleft Palate and other Cranio-facial Disorders, Fluency Disorders, Developmental Language Disorders, Language Learning/Disability, Neurologically Acquired Speech and Language Disorders in children and adults as well as individuals with specific disorders e.g., cerebral palsy, autism and mental handicap.
• The first purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Communication Pathology that provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.
• The second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in Communication Pathology in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity is widened.
• The third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with a cadre of specialists in all domains of Communication Pathology, who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress of this science to act as professionals in their chosen field of expertise.

In addition to the above, each specialisation has its own further purpose

1.Bachelor of Communication Pathology (Audiology)

• The purpose of this specialisation is to provide qualifiers with in depth knowledge of normal hearing processes against the framework of human communication (in oral, written or manual format), the causes and symptomatology of abnormal hearing and the scientific basis of intervention with a person/persons with a hearing disorder or those at risk to develop such a pathology.
• This intervention can occur in a one to one situation, through group therapy, as part of a multidisciplinary team or by means of community based intervention.
• The qualification includes applied competence such as practical skills to improve or enhance aural and/or communication abilities in those adversely affected with a hearing disability or those at risk to develop such a disability.
• The qualification furthermore complies with international academic requirements.

2.Bachelor of Communication Pathology (Speech-Language Pathology)

• The purpose of this specialisation is to provide qualifiers with in depth knowledge of normal speech and language processes against the framework of human communication (in oral, written or manual format), the causes and symptomatology of abnormal speech and language and the scientific basis of intervention with a person/persons with speech and/or language disorder or those at risk to develop such a pathology.
• This intervention can occur in a one to one situation, through group therapy, as part of a multidisciplinary team or by means of community based intervention.
• The qualification includes applied competence such as practical skills to improve or enhance speech and language abilities in those adversely affected with a hearing disability or those at risk to develop such a disability.
• The qualification furthermore complies with international academic requirements.

3.Bachelor of Communication Pathology (Speech-Language Pathology Audiology)

• The purpose of this specialisation is to provide qualifiers with in depth knowledge of normal human communication (hearing, speech and language in oral, written or manual format), the causes and symptomatology of abnormal communication and the scientific basis of intervention with a person/persons with communication disorder or those at risk to develop such a pathology.
• This intervention can occur in a one to one situation, through group therapy, as part of a multidisciplinary team or by means of community based intervention.
• The qualification includes applied competence such as practical skills to improve or enhance communication abilities in those adversely affected with a hearing disability or those at risk to develop such a disability.

Recognition of Prior Learning

• Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.
• Senior Certificate, Level 4 with matriculation exemption.
• National Certificate Vocational, Level 4 in a relative field granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

N/A

On completion of this degree qualification, the graduates will be able to

1. Display a sound knowledge of normal and pathological communication.
2. To plan and realize intervention with the client with a communication disorder or who is at risk for the development of such a disorder.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of basic computer skills and will have mastered basic critical and creative thinking skills.
4. Show that knowledge and skills are supplemented with in depth guidance in approaches and methods for analysis, theories and models for application, management and development, growth, ethical and strategy in approaching the work.
5. Demonstrate sound knowledge of normal human communication and the pathology related to this.
6. Plan and execute prevention, identification, assessment, and therapeutic programmes with the person/persons with a communication disorder in all contexts of his/her daily functioning.
7. Function within the ethical context as indicated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

The assessment criteria involve, at a minimum, that the student should

• Be able to analyse case studies, plan and execute prevention programmes in communication pathology, treat uncomplicated speech disorders, and be able to execute the basic audiometric test battery.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all types of communication disorders, assess clients with a communication disorder, analyse and critically evaluate information pertaining to communication disorders, integrate core knowledge with fundamental knowledge and apply this integrated knowledge by planning and performing intervention in individual, group and community contexts.
• Consult and cooperate with the family of those with a communication disorder, communities and other professionals.
• Be able to plan, execute and write up a research project in the field of communication pathology.
• The standards and levels of achievement required for "pegging" the qualification at Level 8 are met.

Integrated Assessment

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Work-place assessments through practical application.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.

Other

• The modalities for integrated assessment permit the learner to demonstrate applied competence and use a wide range of formative and summative methods set according to specific guidelines for developing particular assessment tasks and allowing assessors to develop formative and summative methods related to credentialing purposes appropriate to contextual and situational readings of candidates presenting themselves for the recognition of learning achievements.
• In addition to the above, modalities such as continuous assessment with feedback to students through class tests, group discussions, tasks, writing of reports on clients, oral tests in groups and individually, observation by tutor of all forms of clinical practicum and scheduled feedback both orally and in writing. Peer assessment is incorporated where possible.