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 that total 910 hours 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.
Course Learning Outcome
GA1: Intellectual rigour
Effectively integrate, contribute to and apply clinical and research evidence to ensure holistic person-centred speech pathology services
GA2: Creativity
Advocate for, and advance, communication and swallowing outcomes for clients, their carers and community
GA3: Ethical practice
Engage in collaborative, respectful and ethical interprofessional practice to ensure safe and quality speech pathology services
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
Integrate well developed knowledge and skills to effectively and ethically practice speech pathology in accordance with the relevant Australian professional standards and legislation
GA5: Lifelong learning
Apply reflective practice and academic skills to engage in lifelong learning as a speech pathologist
GA6: Communication and social skills
Effectively communicate with a range of stakeholders, including clients, their families, community, and interdisciplinary team members, to ensure optimal communication and swallowing outcomes
GA7: Cultural competence
Demonstrate culturally safe professional practice that is respectful to all people, nationally and globally, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Students complete 910 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 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 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.
Location
Teaching period
UAC code
QTAC code
Coffs Harbour
Term 1
N/A
N/A
Gold Coast
Term 1, Term 5
N/A
N/A
Career Outcomes
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.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your
chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review
the University’s Rules Relating to Awards,
noting any specifics listed below.
achieving an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 8.0 overall and a minimum score of 8.0 in each of the four components; or
Achieving an International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR) score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
An applicant who has completed a Certificate III qualification will not be admitted solely on the basis of this qualification.
Language requirements
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
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:
24 core units (288) credit points); and
1 major (96 credit points).
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.
Course structure
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.
Unit Code
Unit Title
Available
Credit points
Notes
Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award
SPCH1003 - Foundations of Speech Pathology Practice AND SPCH2013 - Intervention for Child Speech and Language
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning .
SPCH1004 - Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 1 OR SPCH2005 - Child Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
SPCH2015 - Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 2
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
SPCH2016 - Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 3
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery OR 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3005113 - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science;
OR
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in SPRT3001 - Professional Preparation;
OR
Students must complete 288 CP in 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology OR 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry;
OR
Students must complete 120 CP in 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
Enrolment information
This unit must be done in the final year except for Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology students who should complete it in Year 3.
SPCH3007 - Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 4 OR REHB3001 - Diagnostic Intake Clinic: Advanced and Interdisciplinary Practice (Internal)
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
288 credit points in 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology;
OR
192 credit points in any other course
Enrolment information
It is recommended that students who need to complete both PBHL2002 Health Promotion and PBHL3001 Health Promotion Project as part of their course, enrol in both units in the same year.
PBHL2002 - Health Promotion OR PBHL1002 - Health Promotion and Wellness
Enrolment information
Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus.
Details will be provided closer to the time.
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
Unit Code
Unit Title
Available
Credit points
Notes
Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award
SPCH1003 - Foundations of Speech Pathology Practice AND SPCH2013 - Intervention for Child Speech and Language
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning .
SPCH1004 - Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 1 OR SPCH2005 - Child Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
SPCH2015 - Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 2
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
SPCH2016 - Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 3
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery OR 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3005113 - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science;
OR
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in SPRT3001 - Professional Preparation;
OR
Students must complete 288 CP in 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology OR 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry;
OR
Students must complete 120 CP in 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
Enrolment information
This unit must be done in the final year except for Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology students who should complete it in Year 3.
SPCH3007 - Work Integrated Learning in Speech Pathology 4 OR REHB3001 - Diagnostic Intake Clinic: Advanced and Interdisciplinary Practice (Internal)
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
288 credit points in 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology;
OR
192 credit points in any other course
Enrolment information
It is recommended that students who need to complete both PBHL2002 Health Promotion and PBHL3001 Health Promotion Project as part of their course, enrol in both units in the same year.
PBHL2002 - Health Promotion OR PBHL1002 - Health Promotion and Wellness
Enrolment information
Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus.
Details will be provided closer to the time.
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
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