Programme description
Speech therapists work with various forms of communication disorders associated with language, voice and/or speech disorders. Speech therapists also work with dysphagia following various forms of brain injury. Speech therapists are in great demand.
The speech therapy programme is organised as a seminar-based full-time study programme that requires active participation from the candidates in interaction with other participants and subject teachers, including between the seminars. Webinars and online lectures may be offered between the seminars. Participation in the seminars is compulsory and they are held at the Bodø campus.
The programme is aimed at kindergarten teachers, teachers, special needs teachers and others who wish to work in the field of speech therapy.
Career opportunities
Supervised professional training is integrated into the three speech therapy courses in the first year of study (SPD5009, SPD5010 and SPD5011). Travel should be expected in connection with supervised professional training, and there may be expenses in this context. The university provides grants to cover expenses for supervised professional training in accordance with current regulations.
Supervised professional training should preferably be carried out with a speech therapist who has completed a Master’s degree. Extensive experience as a speech therapist can compensate for the lack of a Master’s degree. The placement supervisor must have a minimum of three years’ experience of working as a speech therapist in order to accept students.
Each placement supervisor can host a maximum of two students at the same time.
Parts of the supervised professional training can be organised internally on campus. Applications may be made to engage in supervised professional training abroad.
This program is only in Norwegian.
Bachelor's degree that qualifies for admission:
- Psychology
- Pedagogy
- Special needs education
- Linguistics
- Kindergarten teacher education
For all applicants, the average grade for a bachelor's degree represents admission criteria.
Applicants with primary and lower secondary teacher education from the framework plan for 2010 who have completed their third year of study can apply for admission, and applicants with primary and lower secondary teacher education from the framework plan for 2017 can apply for a transfer after completing their fourth year of study – provided that 60 credits of pedagogy and pupil knowledge have been awarded.
- For primary and lower secondary teachers, grades in pedagogy and pupil knowledge represent admission criteria.
General teachers, subject teachers and preschool teachers who have at least 30 credits in special needs education as part of their education or as further education can be admitted.
- For general teachers, subject teachers and preschool teachers, grades in pedagogy and special pedagogy represent admission criteria.
Applicants from a different educational background who possess at least 30 credits in special needs education are assessed individually with an emphasis on special needs education and practical-pedagogical skills.
Applicable to all the above is that the average grade for the admission criteria must be C or higher.
Applicants who have completed upper secondary education from countries outside the Nordic region must also document that they fulfil the requirements for general study competence as stated in the GSU list, as well as the requirements for proficiency in Norwegian as set out in Section 2-2 of the Regulations relating to admission to higher education.
When awarding a place on the programme, as a basis for ranking, emphasis is placed on
- Average grades
A certificate or good conduct from the police (childcare certificate of conduct) is required for the programme.
On successful completion of the programme should have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
The candidate will have:
- in-depth knowledge of theory and methods in language sciences
- advanced knowledge of aphasia, dysphasia and other cognitive difficulties caused by brain damage
- in-depth knowledge of specific language difficulties, voice difficulties and speech flow difficulties including stuttering and cluttered speech
- good understanding of the theory of science and research methods
Skills
The candidate will be able to:
- analyze existing theories and methods associated with different subjects concerning speech therapy and work independently on relevant practical and theoretical problems
- apply relevant tools for surveying and counseling in their work as speech therapists
- analyze and critically relate to different sources of information and apply these in relevant academic argumentation
- complete and conduct an independent, defined research project within the field of Language Sciences and/or subjects in speech therapy under supervision and in line with existing ethical norms
General skills
The candidate will be able to
- analyze relevant academic, professional and research based ethical challenges
- apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas to be able to complete advanced tasks and projects
- communicate detailed independent work and handle relevant professional terms
- communicate with specialists and the general public about challenges, analyzes and conclusions concerning the field of speech therapy
- contribute in innovation processes in the field of speech and language therapy
The learning outcomes for the different courses are indicated in more detail in the syllabus.