The compulsory courses in your first year (Intermediate Year) cover introductory anatomy, physiology, and statistics. The advancing years (Professional Years) involve advanced assessment, planning, and evaluation of therapy programmes for a variety of communication disorders, put into practice through clinical fieldwork working with a range of clients.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Compulsory courses
Year 1
- CMDS 161 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Mechanism
- STAT 101 Statistics 1
And one of the following:
- HLTH 106 Ngā Take, te Whero: Māori Health Issues and Opportunities
- TREO 110 Te Ngao Tū: Conversational Māori for Absolute Beginners
- TREO 111 Te Ngao Pae 1: Introductory Reo 1
- MAOR 165 He Tīmatanga: Engaging with Māori
- MAOR 172 Science, Māori and Indigenous Knowledge or SCIM 101 Science, Māori and Indigenous Knowledge
Students also need to complete another five 100-level courses from any degree at UC. The following courses are highly recommended:
- EDUC 102 Child and Adolescent Development
- CMDS 113 Introduction to Communication Disorders
- CMDS 114 The Science of Human Communication
- LING 101 The English Language
- PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
- PSYC 106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
Year 2
In the First Professional Year (second year of study), students take courses in speech and language development and disorders, evidence-based practice, clinical linguistics, and audiology. They are also introduced to the observation and assessment of individuals with communication difficulties and the distinguishing characteristics of the major types of communication disorders. 25% of the coursework includes clinical practice.
- CMDS 222 Language Disorders in Children
- CMDS 223 Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics
- CMDS 232 Speech Sound Disorders
- CMDS 243 Introduction to Audiologic Assessment and Management
- CMDS 262 Neuroscience of Swallowing and Communication
- CMDS 263 Evaluating Research for Clinical Practice
- CMDS 281 Observation and Clinical Practice 1
- CMDS 282 Clinical Practice 2
Year 3
In the Second Professional Year (third year of study), students continue studying different types of communication disorders, predominantly those of neurogenic origin, conduct applied research in clinical settings, and gain practical experience with clients. They work with practising therapists, and complete coursework in education and medical settings. 30% of the coursework includes clinical practice.
- CMDS 320 Spoken and Written Language Disorders in Education
- CMDS 363 Motor Speech Disorders
- CMDS 365 Dysphagia and Related Disorders – Diagnosis
- CMDS 366 Dysphagia and Related Disorders – Management
- CMDS 367 Voice Science and Disorders
- CMDS 369 Aphasia and Related Disorders
- CMDS 381 Applied Research and Clinical Practice 3
- CMDS 382 Clinical Practice 4
Year 4
In the Third Professional Year (fourth year of study), more time is spent on research and taking responsibility for the assessment of clients and the planning, management, and evaluation of therapy programmes. 50% of the coursework includes clinical practice.
- CMDS 420 Professional Studies 1
- CMDS 451 Fluency Disorders
- CMDS 461 Complex Communication Disorders
- CMDS 468 Professional Studies 2
- CMDS 482 Clinical Practice 5
- CMDS 484 Clinical Practice 6
Plus one of either:
- CMDS 490 Research Project
- CMDS 491 Capstone Project
Further study
Postgraduate options include:
- Master of Audiology
- Master of Science in Speech and Language Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Speech and Language Sciences
Other students with any undergraduate degree can choose to study our Master of Speech and Language Pathology to become qualified as a speech-language pathologist/therapist.