The Division of Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) is part of the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Cape Town. We are committed to excellence in teaching, research, clinical practice and community engagement, preparing graduates to improve communication and hearing health across diverse communities.

Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists work with people who have difficulty hearing, speaking and swallowing. The Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders at UCT is committed to excellence in research and in educating future professionals in the field. 

CSD comprises two professional disciplines: 

Speech-Language Pathology  

speech

Audiology 

Communication

Speech-Language Pathology is the profession dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Speech-language pathologists support individuals with speech, language, voice, fluency and feeding or swallowing difficulties, helping them communicate effectively and participate fully in everyday life. The profession also focuses on promoting communication health and preventing disability through evidence-based, person-centred care.

Speech-language pathologists work with individuals, families and communities in a range of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, early childhood programmes, community clinics and private practice. The profession offers diverse clinical, research and academic opportunities, making it an ideal career for those passionate about communication, inclusion and improving quality of life. Proficiency in languages in addition to English is a valuable asset in serving South Africa's diverse communities.

Audiology is the profession dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders across the lifespan. Audiologists provide comprehensive hearing and vestibular care, including hearing assessments, hearing aid selection and fitting, cochlear implant support, vestibular rehabilitation, cerumen management and hearing conservation. They work to improve communication, participation and quality of life while promoting hearing health and preventing hearing loss.

Audiologists work with individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, early childhood programmes, community clinics and private practice. The profession offers diverse clinical, research and academic opportunities, making it an ideal career for those passionate about hearing, communication and person-centred care. Proficiency in languages in addition to English is a valuable asset in meeting the communication needs of South Africa's diverse communities.