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Speech pathologists assess and treat adults and children exhibiting acquired or congenital disorders of speech, fluency, voice, language, swallowing and multimodal communication.
The Bachelor of Speech Pathology prepares you for entry into professional speech pathology practice.
Topics covered include phonetics and linguistics, audiology and neurology, working alongside and interacting with students from other health disciplines. As well as taking advantage of our state-of-the-art facilities, you will receive hands on experience via clinical placements in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and the Southern Cross University Health Clinics at our Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses.
Career opportunities for speech pathologists continue to grow nationally and internationally, often working with various specialists in diverse settings such as; private practice, not for profit organisations as well as government health and education services.
Speech pathologists assess and treat adults and children exhibiting acquired or congenital disorders of speech, fluency, voice, language, swallowing and multimodal communication.
The Bachelor of Speech Pathology prepares you for entry into professional speech pathology practice.
Topics covered include phonetics and linguistics, audiology and neurology, working alongside and interacting with students from other health disciplines. As well as taking advantage of our state-of-the-art facilities, you will receive hands on experience via clinical placements in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and the Southern Cross University Health Clinics at our Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses.
Career opportunities for speech pathologists continue to grow nationally and internationally, often working with various specialists in diverse settings such as; private practice, not for profit organisations as well as government health and education services.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 2.7 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 4.8 |
| Brazil SSLC | 9.7 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 64 |
| Chile PSU | 6.8, plus 750-800 |
| China Gao Kao | 484 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 97, overall 350-349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 7.3 |
| France FB | 12 |
| German Abitur | 3.2 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 17 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 12.5 external exam |
| India CISCE | 83 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 97 in academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 9.7 |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 |
| Japan USSLC | 4.8 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 314 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 78> |
| Malaysia STPM | 10 (best 3 A levels) |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 91 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 97 |
| Norway GPA | 3.2 |
| Pakistan HSSC | 46 |
| Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams | 96 |
| Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams | 46 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 3.0 pass Eng & Math |
| Peru OCSE | 19.4 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 99 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.9 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 97 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 19 |
| Spain SSSD | 9.7 |
| Spain STBPU | 6 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 6 |
| Sweden SSLC | 14.7 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 63 |
| Taiwan Senior High School Certificate | 98 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 2.6 |
| Turkey HSD | 4.8 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 16.5 |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1560, ACT 25 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 9.7 academic |
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.0 |
| Reading | 8.0 |
| Writing | 8.0 |
| Listening | 8.0 |
| Speaking | 8.0 |
The Bachelor of Speech Pathology enables students to develop high-level communication skills (both written and oral) and to develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical components of speech pathology, with a focus on both general and specialist knowledge and skills. The course shares components with other Southern Cross University degrees such as the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Podiatry and the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies).
Arts and science-based units are included in the course, for example phonetics and linguistics, audiology and neurology for speech pathology. Embedded throughout the course are principals of professionalism, evidence-based practice, cultural safety and responsiveness, person-centred care and holistic practice.
Optional major: Indigenous Health
This optional major can be studied at Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses and offers students the opportunity to build theoretical and practical capabilities in cultural protocols and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Embedded placement opportunities equip graduates with the professional skills required to contribute to the improvement of health and social outcomes in Australian communities.
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1, Term 5 |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 5 |
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 | $29,360 ($3,670 per unit) | 085520F |
| Gold Coast | Term 1 | $29,360 ($3,670 per unit) | 085520F |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:
Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
Progression
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 18 months between study of any two (2) professional experience learning units.
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 18 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular professional experience learning unit.
Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 18 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure clinical currency prior to continuation of the course.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPCH1001 | Introduction to the Speech Pathology Profession | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2011 | Communication Development Across the Lifespan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1006 | Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HBIO1009 | Introductory Anatomy and Physiology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1002 | Phonetics and Linguistics for Speech Pathology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HBIO2008 | Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Head and Neck | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1009 | Introducing Health Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2012 | Assessment of Child Speech and Language | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1003 | Foundations of Speech Pathology Practice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2013 | Intervention for Child Speech and Language | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2002 | Neurology for Speech Pathology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2014 | Assessment of Adult Speech and Language | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT2001 | Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1004 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3004 | Intervention for Adult Speech and Language | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3005 | Speech Pathology Practice 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3006 | Speech Pathology Practice 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PBHL2002 | Health Promotion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3007 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3008 | Advanced Practice in Speech Pathology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH3004 | Transition to Practice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3009 | Critical Reflection in Speech Pathology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3010 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 5 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Majors | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.
Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award | ||||||||||||||||||||||
First Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1001 | Introduction to the Speech Pathology Profession | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2011 | Communication Development Across the Lifespan | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1006 | Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice | Term2,5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HBIO1009 | Introductory Anatomy and Physiology | Term2,5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1002 | Phonetics and Linguistics for Speech Pathology | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HBIO2008 | Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Head and Neck | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG2001 | Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples | Summer Term Term2,4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1009 | Introducing Health Psychology | Term2,4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Second Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2012 | Assessment of Child Speech and Language | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1003 | Foundations of Speech Pathology Practice | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2013 | Intervention for Child Speech and Language | Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education Elective Unit - any Uni-wide elective from the Faculty of Education | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2002 | Neurology for Speech Pathology | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1004 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 1 | Tri Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT2001 | Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | Term1,4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2014 | Assessment of Adult Speech and Language | Term1,4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Third Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2015 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 2 | Dual Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3004 | Intervention for Adult Speech and Language | Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3005 | Speech Pathology Practice 1 | Term4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective - any University-wide Elective | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2016 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 3 | Tri Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1003 | Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport | Term3,5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3006 | Speech Pathology Practice 2 | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective - any University-wide Elective | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fourth Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3007 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 4 | Not currently available | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3008 | Advanced Practice in Speech Pathology | Not currently available | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH3004 | Transition to Practice | Summer Term Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3009 | Critical Reflection in Speech Pathology | Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3010 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 5 | Tri Term2 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PBHL2002 | Health Promotion | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PBHL3001 | Health Promotion Project | Term4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award | ||||||||||||||||||||||
First Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1001 | Introduction to the Speech Pathology Profession | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2011 | Communication Development Across the Lifespan | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1006 | Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice | Term2,5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HBIO1009 | Introductory Anatomy and Physiology | Term2,5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1002 | Phonetics and Linguistics for Speech Pathology | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HBIO2008 | Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Head and Neck | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG2001 | Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples | Summer Term Term2,4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSYC1009 | Introducing Health Psychology | Term2,4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Second Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2012 | Assessment of Child Speech and Language | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1003 | Foundations of Speech Pathology Practice | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2013 | Intervention for Child Speech and Language | Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG2005 | Working with Aboriginal Communities I (Professional Engagement) | Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2002 | Neurology for Speech Pathology | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH1004 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 1 | Tri Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT2001 | Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | Term1,4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2014 | Assessment of Adult Speech and Language | Term1,4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Third Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3004 | Intervention for Adult Speech and Language | Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG1010 | Trauma and Resilience I | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2015 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 2 | Dual Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3005 | Speech Pathology Practice 1 | Term4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH2016 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 3 | Tri Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG3001 -
Caring for Country OR INDG2008 - Racism and Eugenics | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDG2011 | Aboriginal Social Realities | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3006 | Speech Pathology Practice 2 | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fourth Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3007 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 4 | Not currently available | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3008 | Advanced Practice in Speech Pathology | Not currently available | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH3004 | Transition to Practice | Summer Term Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3009 | Critical Reflection in Speech Pathology | Term2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPCH3010 | Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 5 | Tri Term2 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PBHL2002 | Health Promotion | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PBHL3001 | Health Promotion Project | Term4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note 1: | Double-weighted unit |
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Effectively integrate, contribute to and apply clinical and research evidence to ensure holistic person-centred speech pathology services |
Advocate for, and advance, communication and swallowing outcomes for clients, their carers and community |
Engage in collaborative, respectful and ethical interprofessional practice to ensure safe and quality speech pathology services |
Integrate well developed knowledge and skills to effectively and ethically practice speech pathology in accordance with the relevant Australian professional standards and legislation |
Apply reflective practice and academic skills to engage in lifelong learning as a speech pathologist |
Effectively communicate with a range of stakeholders, including clients, their families, community, and interdisciplinary team members, to ensure optimal communication and swallowing outcomes |
Demonstrate culturally safe professional practice that is respectful to all people, nationally and globally, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples |
Assessment methods vary for each unit and include multiple choice questions, quizzes, short answer and essay style examinations, scenario-based case studies and self-reflective journals, oral presentations, written assignments, vivas, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), practical skill testing and fieldwork performance evaluations.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including online workshops, tutorials, as well as other online activities such as podcasts, video linked virtual classes, as well as clinical practical experience. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Speech pathologists work in diverse settings including private practice, school programs, in government agencies or in the health and wellbeing industry. They work independently and also with other health and education specialists in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams.
Students can complete up to 1,000 hours of professional placement in various settings throughout the four years of study. These settings include, but are not limited to, the Southern Cross University Health Clinic on campus, public hospitals, private practice, community health, rehabilitation centres, aged care facilities, schools and regional and remote health locations.
Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Before applying for this course, it is important that you understand what these requirements are.
The Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the Gold Coast campus is fully accredited by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), the national professional and accrediting body. The Coffs Harbour campus offering has qualifying accreditation and the process for full accreditation is underway.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.