Allied Health

Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    4 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Transform lives through the power of communication

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.

Talented speech pathologists are already highly sought-after, and demand is growing fast.

What will you study during a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)?

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.

Where could a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) take you?

You’ll graduate eligible to pursue a wide range of career opportunities. You could help children with disabilities or developmental delays connect with their peers by overcoming social communication challenges. You might help a person who has had a stroke regain their ability to eat and communicate, or support a patient in end of life care. Perhaps you’ll enable adults with acquired or traumatic brain injuries to communicate with others, or you may work as part of a therapeutic team working towards achieving the person’s goal of gaining employment.

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.

*Entry into the research stream will be based on academic merit.

Note: This degree is only available in blended mode and on-campus attendance is required.  If you are a continuing student in the degree and are unable to attend campus, please contact your program coordinator for program advice.

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code354261
    2022 CSP ATAR90
    2022 CSP IB34
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR95
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    Rural Background Entry Pathway Rural Background Entry (RBE) pathway applicants are required to sign and submit a statutory declaration as the only acceptable proof of rural background. You may upload the form as part of your SATAC application or submit a hard copy within five working days of submitting your SATAC application to Level 6, 431 King William Street, APSB. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who participate in its programs, and makes particular effort to encourage Indigenous students to participate in health education. This degree has allocated a number of places just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. Please contact the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Student Support Officer via email at info@apsb.edu.eu to discuss your interest in applying. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander application process 1. You should contact the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Student Support Officer to discuss your interest in applying - info@apsb.edu.eu 2. Submit a South Australian Tertiary Admission Centre (SATAC) application online. 3. Submit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Declaration Form. You may upload the form as part of your SATAC application or submit a hard copy within five working days of submitting your SATAC application to Level 6, 431 King William Street, APSB


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer71.95
    Median ATAR to receive an offer87.7
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.85
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer90
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer90.9
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.85
    Minimum eligibility score70
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    1443.8%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyn/aN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1856.2%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All students32100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS0101680
    IntakeFebruary
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 8Reading 8Listening 8Speaking 8Writing 8





    TOEFLOverall 112Reading 28Listening 28Speaking 30Writing 26





    PearsonOverall 82Reading 82Listening 82Speaking 82Writing 82





    C1 AdvancedOverall 200Reading 200Listening 200Speaking 200Writing 200





    Additional English Tests accepted

    Applicants must achieve the required minimum scores in one of the English Language Tests listed as per the Minimum English Language Requirements and tests must be dated within 1 year of commencement.

    Pre-enrolment English Program (PEP) cannot be used for entry as the respective English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests must be achieved on entry to the program.
    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)90
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma34
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma85%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation85%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma90%
    China – Gaokao80%
    Germany – Abitur2.30
    GCE A Levels13
    Hong Kong – HKDSE22
    India – ISC & CBSE85%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations95%
    Indonesia – SMA3Not accepted
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationA-
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate83%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi3.33
    Malaysia – UEC9
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma355
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels13
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma85%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary EducationNot accepted
    USA – SAT1280
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)12
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School9.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program83%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program412
    ANU College Foundation Studies87%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY82%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)83%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.80
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program5.50
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)7.60
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)70%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score83%
    Tertiary QualificationsA GPA of 5.0 or equivalent
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    1443.8%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyn/aN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1856.2%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All students32100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $8,720

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

    Incidental fees
    There will be additional costs, over and above tuition fees for all Honours Degree of Bachelor of Speech Pathology students, these include (but are not limited to) textbooks, equipment, required immunisations, clearance renewals, first aid certificates, student amenities fees etc. For further information visit: APSB.edu.au/student/finance/other-fees/


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $40,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

    Incidental fees
    There will be additional costs, over and above tuition fees for all Honours Degree of Bachelor of Speech Pathology students, these include (but are not limited to) textbooks, equipment, required immunisations, clearance renewals, first aid certificates, student amenities fees etc. For further information visit: APSB.edu.au/student/finance/other-fees/


Careers

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 APSB 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


Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) requires four years of full-time study or students can choose to study part time over a longer period.

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.

Example Study Plan

Level I
S1HLTH SC 1400 

Biosciences for Human Health A
HLTH SC 1401 

Communication in Professional Practice
HLTH SC 1404 

Evidence Based Practice in Allied Health 1
SPEECH 1000 

Introduction to Speech Pathology Practice
S2HLTH SC 1403 

Biosciences for Human Health B
HLTH SC 1402 

Foundations of Health and Wellbeing
HLTH SC 1405 

Psychological Foundations for Allied Health
SPEECH 1001 

Linguistics for Speech Pathology A
Level II
S1

HLTH SC 2400 

Evidence Based Practice in Allied Health 2

SPEECH 2000 

Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan

SPEECH 2001 

Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Swallowing

SPEECH 2006 

Linguistics for Speech Pathology B

S2

SPEECH 2003 

Speech Production and Aural Rehabilitation

SPEECH 2004 

Clinical Reasoning in Professional Settings

SPEECH 2005 

Speech Pathology Clinical Skills and Practice

ELECTIVE COURSE

Level III – Industry Honours Stream
S1

SPEECH 3000 

Speech Pathology Assessment and Management A (6 units)


SPEECH 3001 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice A

SPEECH 3002 

Preparing for Speech Pathology Practice

S2

SPEECH 3003 

Speech Pathology Assessment and Management B (6 units)


SPEECH 3004 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice B

SPEECH 3005 

Speech Pathology Industry Project A

Level IV – Industry Honours Stream
S1

SPEECH 4000 

Speech Pathology Assessment and Management C

SPEECH 4001 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice C

SPEECH 4002 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice D

SPEECH 4003 

Transition to Professional Practice

S2

SPEECH 4004 

Speech Pathology Industry Project B (6 units)


SPEECH 4005 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice E

SPEECH 4006 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice F

Level III – Research Honours Stream
S1

SPEECH 3000 

Speech Pathology Assessment and Management A (6 units)


SPEECH 3001 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice A

SPEECH 3002 

Preparing for Speech Pathology Practice

S2

SPEECH 3003 

Speech Pathology Assessment and Management B (6 units)


SPEECH 3004 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice B

HLTH SC 4400 

Allied Health Research Project Planning

Level IV – Research Honours Stream
S1

SPEECH 4000 

Speech Pathology Assessment and Management C

SPEECH 4001 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice C

SPEECH 4002 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice D

SPEECH 4005 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice E

S2

HLTH SC 4401 

Allied Health Honours Research Project (9 units)

SPEECH 4006 

Speech Pathology Clinical Practice F

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.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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