Speech-Language Pathology

The Bachelor in Speech-Language Pathology is a four-year professional qualification. Speech-language therapists assess and treat children and adults with communication disorders.

Overview

Speech-language therapists assess and treat children and adults with communication disorders. These include disorders of:

  • Articulation 
  • Voice 
  • Fluency 
  • Expressive and receptive language 
  • Feeding and swallowing problems 

They also screen children and adults for hearing difficulties. 

In the four-year Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology degree, you 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. 

Please note that there are additional costs that the student will incur and have to pay for by themselves, if they are accepted. These include travel to and from clinical training sites (such as hospitals and school) as well as preparation of therapy materials for the clients that they will see.

Career Opportunities

  • Community Work and Outreach
  • Educational Settings
  • Government Healthcare Settings
  • Private Practice

Curriculum

First-year
  • Speech and Hearing Science
  • Speech Pathology and Audiology I
  • Psychology I
  • Linguistics: Introduction to the Structure of Language I
  • Linguistics: Language, Mind and Brain I
  • Anatomy and Physiology for Speech, Language and Hearing
Second-year
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Linguistics II
  • Psychology II
  • Speech-Language Pathology II
  • Clinical Practical in Speech-Language and Hearing
Third-year
  • Practical in Speech-Language Pathology III
  • Psychology III
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Research Report
  • Clinical Practical
Fourth-year
  • Practical in Speech-Language Pathology III
  • Psychology III
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Research Report
  • Clinical Practical

Entry Requirements

APS 34+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language  Level 5

Mathematics  Level 4

Wait-listing

Applicants with an entry requirement of at least 30-33 APS points are wait-listed, subject to place availability.

Additional Selection Criteria

Only 35 places are available in the first year of study for the Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology degree.

Applicants are selected on the basis of academic merit (i.e. school leaving results and NBT scores). This aligns with the University’s transformation policy for student selection.

Potential students are encouraged to observe a speech-language pathology professional, preferably in a public hospital setting.

Applicants are required to write the NBT (www.nbt.ac.za) by no later than 14 August 2024.

Click here for the NBT Test Dates. NBT results are valid for three years and Wits only considers the first attempt of the NBT from the most recent year. 

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.