Speech-language therapists assess and treat people who have communication disorders, such as problems with sound production and language learning, voice disorders, swallowing disorders and stuttering. You may also treat people who have disorders of speech and language after they have suffered strokes or because they have cerebral palsy. There are also opportunities in non-clinical settings where you can work for corporations and innovate new technologies and/or do sales, training and research. The degree takes four years to complete and is followed by a year of community service. On completion of your community service, you will be allowed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to practise as a speech-language therapist independently.