Speech Therapy

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Speech Therapy designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required to become qualified speech therapists. This innovative programme integrates interdisciplinary learning, combining theoretical foundations in communication sciences, audiology, linguistics, and psychology with practical clinical training delivered in real-world settings. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including speech and language development, disorders across different age groups, voice therapy, fluency disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication strategies. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, ensuring that students are prepared to implement current research findings into clinical interventions effectively.

Students engage in various field placements and internships in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and community health facilities, providing invaluable hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced clinicians. This exposure enables students to develop critical assessment and intervention skills, as well as professionalism and ethical awareness vital for their future careers. The programme also fosters research literacy, encouraging students to participate in scientific investigations that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in speech-language pathology.

Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue registration as speech therapists with relevant professional bodies in Hong Kong and internationally, opening doors to diverse employment opportunities in healthcare, education, and community services. The programme also offers pathways for postgraduate studies, positioning alumni for further academic and clinical development. Emphasizing innovation, client-centered care, and lifelong learning, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Speech Therapy at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University prepares students to make meaningful contributions to improving communication abilities and quality of life for individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders.

Master of Speech Therapy is a full-time professional entry-level programme based on a structured credit-earning model.  The programme consists of a total of 90 credits to be covered in 5 semesters and 2 summer terms, spanning across 2 and a half years.  The credits are divided into 21 credits of foundation subjects, 42 credits of professional subjects and 27 credits of clinical education subjects. The programme comprises 6 main subject categories, reflecting its multi-disciplinary nature: Medical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Linguistics and Language Sciences, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Communication Disorders and Audiology, Research Project, and Clinical Education.

Media of Instruction:
English (supplemented by Cantonese and Mandarin for Cantonese-speaking and Mandarin-speaking clients in the clinical placements)

Core Areas of Study

Foundation Subjects

• ​Foundations in Biomedical Sciences I
• Foundations in Biomedical Sciences II
• Foundations in Behavioural and Social Sciences I
• Foundations in Behavioural and Social Sciences II
• Foundations in Linguistics and Language Sciences I
• Foundations in Linguistics and Language Sciences II
• Foundations in Linguistics and Language Sciences III
• Foundations in Linguistics and Language Sciences IV

Professional Subjects

• ​Introduction to Communication Disorders and Audiology
• Introduction to Speech Therapy and Audiology
• Paediatric Communication Disorders: Assessment and Treatment I
• Paediatric Communication Disorders: Assessment and Treatment II
• Adult Communication Disorders: Assessment and Treatment I
• Adult Communication Disorders: Assessment and Treatment II
• Other Communication Disorders: Assessment and Treatment I
• Other Communication Disorders and Swallowing Disorders: Assessment and Treatment II
• Research Project I
• Research Project II

Clinical Education Subjects

• ​Clinical Practicum I
• Clinical Practicum II
• Clinical Practicum III
• Clinical Practicum IV
• Clinical Practicum V
• Clinical Practicum VI
• Clinical Practicum VII
• Case Conference
• Professional Ethics and Issues

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Applicants should satisfy one of the following requirements in English proficiency:
  • The Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) English Language Grade D or above;
  • The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) Level 5 or above;
  • TOEFL (600 paper version, 100 Internet version, or above); or
  • IELTS 7.0 or above
• ​Applicants should possess Chinese language proficiency at a level equivalent to The Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) Chinese Language Grade D or above; or the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) Level 4 or above.
• Applicants should be able to communicate verbally in both Cantonese and English effectively, and proficiency in Mandarin (Putonghua) is preferred.
• Those who have a Bachelor's degree in linguistics, psychology, speech and language sciences, or health-related disciplines are preferred.
• Personal Statement
• Transcript 
• CV is optional
• Employer's Recommendation is optional

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers various financing options to support students enrolled in the Speech Therapy programme. These options are designed to help students manage tuition fees and living expenses throughout their studies. Full-time students can apply for government-funded scholarships and grants, such as the Hong Kong Government Scholarships and the Student Finance Office (SFO) Financial Assistance Scheme. These schemes provide subsidies based on merit and financial need, which can significantly reduce the financial burden on students. Additionally, the university offers its own scholarship programmes for high-achieving students, which are awarded annually and are open to both local and international students.

Students may also consider student loans available through the Hong Kong government, which offer low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms. The University’s Financial Aid Office provides guidance and support in applying for these loans and scholarships, helping students navigate the application process and understand the eligibility criteria. Part-time work opportunities are available on campus and through local partnerships, enabling students to earn income while gaining relevant work experience in their field. The university collaborates with industry partners to facilitate internships and practicum placements, some of which may include stipends or modest allowances to assist students financially.

International students can explore external funding sources such as scholarships from their home countries or international organizations dedicated to supporting students in health and social sciences. The university also provides specific financial planning services to assist students in budgeting and managing their expenses during their academic journey. International students are advised to check with their respective embassies or consulates for available educational grants and scholarship programs to further ease the financial challenges associated with studying abroad.

Overall, the university’s comprehensive financial aid schemes, scholarship opportunities, government-supported loans, part-time employment options, and external funding resources are structured to support students pursuing a Speech Therapy degree. These measures aim to ensure access to high-quality education and reduce financial barriers, enabling students to focus on their academic and professional development in the field of speech-language pathology.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Speech Therapy, aimed at training students to become qualified speech therapists capable of assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders. The programme provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional practice in healthcare and education settings. The coursework covers areas such as linguistics, anatomy and physiology related to speech and language, assessment methods, intervention strategies, and contemporary research in speech therapy. Students also gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical placements, which are integral to their academic training, allowing them to develop essential skills in patient interaction, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice. The programme emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cultural sensitivity, enabling graduates to work effectively with diverse populations, including children with developmental delays, adults recovering from acquired brain injuries, and individuals with speech and language impairments. The faculty comprises experienced clinicians and researchers dedicated to advancing the field of speech therapy through innovative teaching and research initiatives. After completing the programme, graduates are eligible to register with the Hong Kong Institute of Speech Therapists and pursue professional accreditation locally and internationally. The programme also encourages lifelong learning, offering opportunities for postgraduate studies and specialization in areas such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication, swallowing disorders, and voice therapy. Overall, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Speech Therapy at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University aims to produce competent, compassionate, and innovative speech-language practitioners committed to improving communication health across the community.