Bachelor of Speech Pathology
Course code Y02
Provides students with the skills necessary to assess, plan and treat people with communication and swallowing disorders in a range of different contexts.
The course is closely aligned with areas such as speech science, psychology, audiology, education, linguistics and allied healthcare.
Students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher after the third year of study may be invited to complete an Honours program within the fourth year. Those students will transfer to the Bachelor of Speech Pathology Honours for the fourth and final year.
Entry requirements
80 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Course code
Y02
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $8,900
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| JO | ML | BU | OL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | ||||
| Part-time |
See Course Details for further information.
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Course code
Y02
CRICOS code
070836J
Fees
International onshore - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $35,300
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| JO | ML | BU | OL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | ||||
| Part-time |
See Course Details for further information.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
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All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Diploma or equivalent;
- Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
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International students are required to provide an English language test approved by ECU with a score equivalent to an IELTS Academic overall minimum score of 7.5 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.
Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.
Course Details
Choose student typeSemester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SPE1100 | Evidence-Based Practice in Speech Pathology | 15 |
| PSY1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 15 |
| SPE1102 | Language Across the Lifespan | 15 |
| MHS1101 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAT1114 | Introductory Statistics | 15 |
| SPE1101 | Professional Standards and Competencies | 15 |
| SPE1103 | Language Models and Analytical Frameworks | 15 |
| MHS1102 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| HST2122 | Health Research Methodology | 15 |
| SPE2104 | Analysis of Sensorimotor Systems | 15 |
| SPE2210 | Impact of Communication and Swallowing Disorders | 15 |
| PSY1115 | Psychology of Motivation and Emotion | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SPE2103 | Analysis of Speech and Language | 15 |
| SPE2205 | Speech Pathology Assessment: Standard Tests | 15 |
| IAS3110 | Indigenous Australians, Cultural Competence and Speech Pathology | 15 |
| SPE2106 | Treatment Principles | 15 |
Note: SPE2103 should be completed concurrently with SPE2205. If the units are undertaken in different semesters, SPE2103 should be completed before enrolling into SPE2205.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SPE3128 | Neurogenic Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders | 15 |
| SPE3106 | Management of Speech and Language Disorders | 15 |
| SPE3107 | Clinical Practicum 1 | 15 |
| SPE3112 | Language Difference: Implications for Clinical Practice | 15 |
Note: SPE3128 and SPE3106 should be completed concurrently with SPE3107. If units are undertaken in different semesters, SPE3128 and/or SPE3106 should be completed before enrolling into SPE3107.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SPE3105 | Management of Sensorimotor Disorders | 15 |
| SPE3125 | Assessment and Management of Swallowing Disorders | 15 |
| SPE3108 | Clinical Practicum 2 | 15 |
| SPE3110 | Professional Issues in Speech Pathology | 15 |
Y02|5
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Semester timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
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Students are required to complete substantial clinical practicums designed to provide the required range of clinical experience. Fieldwork placements commence in the first year and throughout the course, and provide students with valuable learning experiences in a range of settings.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
To be eligible to undertake clinical practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete pre-practicum preparation on commencement of the course and carry out amendments in subsequent semesters, as appropriate. For more information, see course details on our website.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge and theory to a range of speech pathology contexts.
- Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including developing capabilities in delivering culturally secure services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and self-awareness for own learning.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions in complex speech pathology contexts.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex communication and swallowing conditions.
- Use digital technologies to access and evaluate information and to enhance speech pathology practice.
- Work collaboratively to initiate social, sustainable and ethical practices to achieve positive client outcomes.
Professional Recognition
Accredited by: Speech Pathology Australia (SPA)
Graduates of this course will be eligible for Practicing Membership with Speech Pathology Australia.
Fees and Scholarships
Choose student typeAUD $8,900 *
* Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee
The 'Estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the amount you’ll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
AUD $35,300 *
* International onshore - estimated 1st year indicative fee
The 'Estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the amount you’ll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Possible future job titles
Speech Pathologist
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology Honours
Students who have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher across the first three years of their Bachelor course may be invited to enrol in the Honours program. Students will need to transfer into the Honours course prior to commencing.
Quick guide to uni-speak
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ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
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CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
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A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
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Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
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If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
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If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
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Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
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A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
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We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points – that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
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These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
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An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
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