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The Bachelor of Health Science offers students the choice of pursuing a major in either speech pathology or podiatry. The course aims to educate students to become knowledgeable, skilled, empathetic, ethical and innovative professionals who are able to provide effective assessment and intervention for people of different ages, who exhibit health disorders.
It enables students to develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical components of podiatry or speech pathology, with a focus on both general and specialist knowledge and skills. The course shares components with existing SCU degrees such as the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Clinical Sciences and Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.
The course is taught by dedicated professionals, both academic and clinical, with a wide range of work experience.
Depending on the major chosen, this course prepares graduates for entry into either professional podiatry practice or professional speech pathology practice (subject to course accreditation).
Podiatrists can work individually or as part of a team, in a wide range of settings, and with clients of all ages. The majority of podiatry employment is in private practice, but podiatrists have the opportunity to work in community health settings, hospitals, and with specialised health teams such as diabetic care, to provide health promotion and education, to undertake research, and to work with children, athletes and older people. With further education and training, podiatrists can apply for membership of the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons to practice as a podiatric surgeon.
Speech Pathologists usually work in community settings, including private practice, community health centres, nursing homes, the client’s own home, and in hospitals. They might work with interdisciplinary teams in acute or rehabilitation hospitals, in school classroom-based speech pathology intervention, training educators and parents to implement specialist programs, or with other specialists to assess and treat speech and language disorders.
Southern Cross University is seeking accreditation for this course from the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council (ANZPAC) and from Speech Pathology Australia (the national professional and accrediting body).
Subject to the above accreditation, graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science with the Podiatry major will be able to seek national registration as podiatry practitioners with the Podiatry Board of Australia.
Students will complete approximately 1000 hours of professional placement in various settings throughout the four years of study.
Students select one of the following majors:
Podiatry is a branch of health care devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower leg. Within the field of podiatry, practitioners can focus on many different specialty areas, including surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, paediatrics, orthopaedics and primary care. This major prepares graduates for entry into professional podiatry practice.
Speech Pathology prepares students for entry into professional speech pathology practice. Speech pathologists assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults exhibiting acquired or congenital disorders of speech, fluency, voice, language and swallowing.
To qualify for the Bachelor of Health Science a total of 384 credit points (usually 32 units) must be completed.
Please note that some majors and units may not be available at each location. Unit availabilities are published for each study period and vary from year to year.
For course rules and a full list of units, please refer to the Specific Award Rules below.
| Locations | Note: Session 2 intake is not available for International Students | |
| Distance Education | Unavailable | |
| Lismore | Unavailable | |
| Coffs Harbour | Unavailable | |
| Gold Coast Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga |
Session 1 Session 2* * Session to is not available to international students. |
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| Course Duration | 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time 4.5 years minimum for students commencing Session 2 |
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| Fees and Charges | • Domestic fees • Additional fee information |
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| School | School of Health & Human Sciences | |
| Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries | scu.edu.au/enquiries | |
| Further Information | 1800 626 481 |
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| Total Units: | Award Abbreviation: | 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP: |
| 32 | BHlthSc | Majoring in Speech Pathology: 79/12 Majoring in Podiatry: 72/14 |
| UAC Course Code | QTAC Course Code | CRICOS Course Code |
| Majoring in Speech Pathology Gold Coast: 335169 Majoring in Podiatry Gold Coast: 335160 |
Majoring in Speech Pathology Gold Coast: 059061 Majoring in Podiatry Gold Coast: 059161 |
N/A |
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, simulations, clinical practice, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit. Students will be expected to undertake clinical placements external to the University campuses.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.
The Academic Skills Development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.
Assessment methods vary for each unit and may include multiple choice and essay style examinations, scenario-based case studies, tutorial workshop presentations, written assignments and practical skills testing.
SCU provides students with contemporary well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Modern audio-visual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
Students undertaking the Podiatry major have access to state-of-the art facilities, teaching areas and teaching and learning resources including simulation equipment, clinical learning spaces within on-campus clinics, anatomy and physiology laboratories and motor control laboratories.
Students undertaking the Speech Pathology major have access to modern laboratories, enabling quality learning experiences for anatomy, physiology and neurology. They use a language laboratory equipped with innovative software for recording and analysing voice and speech and undertake clinical practicums in on-campus clinics that provide services for the community, as well as an environment that allows for learning in simulated conditions.
Session 2 Applications
It is not too late to apply to study on campus or by distance education in Session 2. Applications for all undergraduate study for Session 2 are closed via UAC and QTAC, but applications can be made direct to the University using the Apply Online for Session 2 button. Session 2 applications close on June 21.
On-campus Undergraduate applications
To apply to study an undergraduate degree at a SCU campus, apply online through the NSW Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). For more information please visit either the UAC or QTAC websites: www.uac.edu.au or www.qtac.edu.au. A late fee applies for UAC and QTAC applications received after the 30th of September.
Recognition of Previous Study
Advanced standing may be granted to a student for tertiary studies successfully completed within the last ten years at this university or at another approved post secondary institution including TAFE, private providers or other universities.
We recommend that you apply for advance standing at the same time as you apply for admission into this course, because the amount and type of credit awarded will determine your study plan.
For more details and how to apply please visit the Advanced Standing website.
Associate Degree of Allied Health
Bachelor of Clinical Sciences
Bachelor of Exercise Science and Nutrition
Bachelor of Midwifery
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Bachelor of Trauma and Healing
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
4.1 Qualification for Admission* Double-weighted unit.