Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Speech pathologists are trained to assess and diagnose swallowing and communication difficulties, and to provide intervention and support for individuals who experience them to enable successful participation in life activities, including social interactions, education and employment. The Bachelor of Speech Pathology encompasses theory and practice, preparing students to identify causes of impairments to communication (i.e., speech, literacy, language, voice, fluency), feeding and swallowing and to determine the most effective, wholistic and person-centred approaches to management. This course is designed to expose students to speech pathology practice from the first year of the degree. An embedded honours program is available from third year for high-achieving students.

For study on the Canberra campus please note: Units of study are undertaken in 4 terms (rather than 2 semesters) across the university year, which align with school term dates. Term-based study is designed to provide greater distribution of workload across the year and more flexible study options for those undertaking the program.

Areas of study

Speech pathology.

Career opportunities

Speech pathologists work with people across the life span from babies to adults. They often work as part of an integrated healthcare team in public and private hospitals, acute care and outpatient facilities, schools, community health centres, early childhood clinics, private practice.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology is currently accredited with Speech Pathology Australia on the Brisbane, Melbourne and North Sydney campuses. Accreditation means that all graduates will be eligible to apply for membership of Speech Pathology Australia. The new Canberra campus offering of this course will undergo accreditation with Speech Pathology Australia over the next few years. A successful outcome will enable graduates to be eligible for certified practising membership of Speech Pathology Australia.

Practical experience

Clinical placement is a major component of this degree, starting in first year. In the fourth and final year, students are required to undertake clinical placements under the supervision of a practising speech pathology. Before students begin professional experience for this course, they should review the mandatory state or territory legal and industry policy requirements. An overview of these requirements can be found via the ACU Work Integrated Learning Search tool.

Honours

Offered to students based on academic merit. The honours program is integrated across the third and fourth years of the program. Honours is awarded on the basis of successful completion of coursework and preparation of a paper for publication.

Fees and charges

Visit the ACU website for general information about tuition fees.