The Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences of the Faculty of Education offers a four-year honours degree of Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
The BSc(Sp&HearSc) curriculum includes study in medical science, behavioural science, language sciences, audiology and communication disorders. A problem-based learning curriculum was introduced in 1998. It includes extensive practical experience and supervision of a range of patients of all ages.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
In addition to satisfying the University entrance requirements, candidates for admission shall satisfy the following requirements:
| (1) | Grade E or above in Biology/Human Biology in HKCEE or in Biology/Zoology in HKALE; and |
| (2) | Grade E or above in HKCEE Chinese Language or AS Chinese Language and Culture. |
Selection for admission is based upon academic merit and in some cases interview performance. In addition, candidates must be able to communicate effectively and fluently in both Cantonese and English.
PROGRAMME AIMS AND FEATURES
The BSc(Sp&HearSc) degree curriculum extends over four academic years.
Practical experience forms a significant part of the curriculum. Specialist clinical teaching is provided by University staff in clinical teaching facilities and is undertaken during the academic year with some blocks of experience in local speech therapy clinics and in school settings. The practical component provides experience in the assessment and treatment of the range of speech and language disorders found in children and adults.
The first year of the course involves the study of anatomy and physiology, phonetics, and general linguistics, and includes courses in psychology and disorders of communication.
The second and third year curriculum involves linguistics, phonetics, psychology, audiology, otorhinolaryngology, neurology and disorders of communication. In the fourth year, specialised seminars are offered and students will undertake an independent research project.
Students are required to undertake some periods of clinical observation and practice in schools and clinics during the semester and inter-semester periods and for block periods during the summer vacations.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Graduates may apply for membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in London.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Speech therapists in Hong Kong are currently employed by the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, the Special Education Unit in the Education Bureau, special schools, and educational centres under the Social Welfare Department. Therapists are also employed by voluntary organisations and in private practice. There is a high demand for the services of graduate speech therapists to meet the needs of Hong Kong's population. Graduates have also been offered jobs as speech therapists in Macau, Singapore and elsewhere.
EXAMINATIONS/ASSESSMENTS
Examinations consist of written papers, oral examinations, practical work and a dissertation. Students are also subject to continuous assessment.
CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
| Faculty of Education Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences | |
| Tel: | 2859-0599 |
| Website: | http://www.hku.hk/speech/ |
For further details of the BSc(Sp&HearSc) programme, please contact:
| Dr L.K.H. So | |
| Email: | lydiaso@hkucc.hku.hk |