UNDERGRADUATE

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Speech pathologists help us make use of arguably our most precious capability— communication. As humans, we are innately social, our lives revolve around connecting with others through eating, drinking, work and play. Speech pathologists help people of all ages to participate in their life and connect with others.

2022
2023

Degree Details

Our Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) equips you to diagnose and treat conditions across the full scope of speech pathology practice; speech and language, swallowing, fluency, voice and multimodal communication. Our courses have an emphasis on inter-professional and culturally responsive practice and the degree facilitates the development of transferrable skills through real-world learning experiences.

In over 800 hours of clinical based training, you’ll have the opportunity to work with children and adults of all ages in public and private health, community, disability, education and aged-care settings. With many of the courses taught by certified practicing speech pathologists, the degree places an emphasis on real-world experience.

You’ll gain high-level knowledge and skills in:

head and neck anatomy and neurophysiology
speech and language development, linguistics and phonetics, motor speech, aphasia, cognition and swallowing
current public health and justice system topics
working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities
evidence-based, person-centred care.

You’ll regularly access our purpose-built training facilities and state-of-the-art simulation suites—among Australasia’s most advanced. In addition, you’ll benefit from collaborative learning with key complementary disciplines: physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

From late third year, you’ll choose one of two streams—research^* or industry—and undertake a major project. Research will hone your skills in developing new knowledge; industry focuses on integrating research into practice.

Career Oppurtunities

Career Readiness

Qualified speech pathologists have a wide range of career options in metropolitan and rural settings. They work in public and private hospitals, schools, community health care centres, aged care, rehabilitation centres, paediatrics, private practice, education and research.

Please see the inherent requirements for speech pathology programs for further information.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Students will be introduced to clinical placement in the third year of study and will be required to complete 800+ hours of clinical placement in a range of metropolitan and rural settings throughout the program.

Professional Accreditation

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) is undertaking the Qualifying Accreditation process in accordance with the accreditation procedures of the national professional body, Speech Pathology Australia.

Potential careers

Speech Therapist

Entry Requirement

Australian Year 12	SACE Stage 2 English PLUS one of the following subjects: - SACE Stage 2 Biology or, - SACE Stage 2 Chemistry or, - SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods, or equivalent. MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.

English Language Requirements

Australian Year 12

Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject

English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide

IELTS

Overall 7

Reading 7

Listening 7

Speaking 7

Writing 7

TOEFL

Overall 94

Reading 24

Listening 24

Speaking 23

Writing 27

Pearson

Overall 65

Reading 65

Listening 65

Speaking 65

Writing 65

C1 Advanced

Overall 185

Reading 185

Listening 185

Speaking 185

Writing 185

Credit for Previous Study or Work

Degree Structure Details

Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) requires four years of full-time study, with no option for part-time study.
In the first year of study you will be introduced to anatomy, physiology, public health and health research courses, with a focus on Speech Pathology principles.
From the second year onwards, study is specific to the profession and will focus on establishing knowledge relating to typical communication development, linguistics, general psychology and advanced anatomical structures of the head and neck, while being introduced to the importance of client-centred care.

The final two years of the program include the analysis of words, impact of swallowing difficulties, cultural diversity, consideration of clients who speak a language other than English, and the role of a speech pathologist. You will learn how to diagnose and treat speech and language problems, including stuttering, voice and swallowing difficulties caused by developmental delays or brain injuries.
Clinical placement courses within the third and fourth year of the program provide you with an opportunity to apply learning in professional practice settings, under the supervision of qualified and registered clinical professionals.
From late third year, you’ll choose one of two streams—research* or industry— and undertake a major project. Research will hone your skills in developing new knowledge; industry focuses on integrating research into practice.

* Eligibility for entry to the Research Stream will be determined by a student’s cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) for the courses which comprise the first and second years of the program, and the availability of a suitable research project and supervisor within the School. Students with a cumulative GPA of 5 or greater will be notified of their eligibility for entry to the “Research Stream” at the commencement of the third year of the program. Eligible students who wish to undertake the Research Stream will be required to contact the School of Allied Health Science and Practice Honours Coordinator to discuss their area of interest and project the availability of a suitable research project and supervisor.

Assessment

Assessment in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) consists of formative and summative work including but not limited to; essays, case studies, tests, oral presentations, practical assignments, tutorial participation, structured clinical assessments and written examinations. Both face-to-face and online methodologies will be used.

How To Apply

UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

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