Bachelor of Speech Pathology
Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 4 locations
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- QTAC code
- 115631
- ATAR
- 81.20 for Brisbane
- Fees (first year)*
$10272 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
This is a four year Bachelor of Speech Pathology with an embedded Honours program for eligible students.
The Canberra campus offering of the Bachelor of Speech Pathology is delivered in ACU Terms (rather than Semesters) and in intensive mode. Standard enrolment includes two units of study each term, with four terms across the academic year. Students are required to attend campus up to three times per term (across 2.5 sequential days each time) for face-to-face learning, rather than attending weekly in-person classes.
Overview
Speech pathologists recognise the importance of communication and swallowing as activities that enable people to participate fully in their daily lives. They work with individuals, groups, families, and communities to support the development, rehabilitation and maintenance of effective communication and swallowing skills across the lifespan.
Our speech pathology program will prepare you to assess and diagnose difficulties with speech, language, voice, fluency, multi-modal communication and swallowing, and enable you to provide intervention and support that is person-centred, culturally-sensitive and evidence-based. You’ll recognise the dignity of the human person and your responsibility towards the common good, and have opportunities to put your values, knowledge and skills into action with professional practice and community engagement activities in Australia and overseas.
Work placement
Students in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology undertake a range of professional practice placements to ensure they meet Speech Pathology Australia's graduate entry competency with regard to the management of disorders of communication and swallowing.
As part of your course, you will be placed in a range of organisations to integrate the theory you learn with practical workplace experiences (placements).
You will undertake industry placements each semester, starting in first year. Our integrating practice units are designed to help you contextualise theoretical knowledge through clinical practice.
• Year 1: Observation day.
• Year 2: Two x 12 days (school-based placement and simulation experience) in both Semester 1 and 2.
• Year 3: Approximately 10 days of a simulation experience in Semester 1, 12-15 days placement (with adult clients) in Semester 2.
• Year 4: Approximately 30 days in each semester.
As part of your enrolment, you must complete the Faculty of Health Sciences pre-placement requirements. To ensure you meet these requirements you need to start as soon as possible. Visit ACU’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) website to view your Pre-Placement Requirements checklist.
Professional recognition
The programs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane hold full accreditation with Speech Pathology Australia.
The Canberra program commencing in 2025 is currently being considered for accreditation and an outcome will be known by early- mid 2025.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- early intervention services for children
- schools
- hospitals
- rehabilitation centres
- mental health services
- community health services
- aged care services
- private practice research
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit Points
A student who has successfully completed 220 to 230cp from the Bachelor of Speech Pathology units excluding the Core Curriculum units; and 10 to 20cp from the Core Curriculum units may exit with the following qualification:
- Bachelor of Allied Health
Additional course information
Classes
Class size: In 2021, approximately 25 people were in each Bachelor of Speech Pathology tutorial. In 2021 we welcomed 69 new students to our Brisbane campus, 80 to our Melbourne campus and 71 to our North Sydney campus.
Contact hours: You can expect 10 - 15 hours of face-to-face contact each week for 12 weeks of the semester in first, second, and third year (on a full-time load). Online learning activities are also incorporated into the program. Additionally, you are required to complete professional practice placements.
For example, in second year you will be undertaking placement related activities one day per week for each week of semester and in fourth year you will have 30-32 days of placement each semester.
We understand the need for flexibility when it comes to your studies. We provide pre-recorded / online lectures for you to view in your own time. Lectures provide an opportunity to learn core content which can then be critically explored in tutorials. Tutorials are provided on campus. They allow you to consolidate and apply content from lectures and to develop attributes and skills required for professional practice. This is achieved through activities including group work, case-based discussions and role play.
Sample assessment: Online quizzes, oral presentations, posters, written examinations, written assignments, case studies, skills tests. Sample unit assessment criteria:
SPHY103 Linguistics and Phonetics for Speech Pathology
- Transcription test (Hurdle)
- Quizzes (20%)
allows students an opportunity to consolidate and demonstrate understanding of theoretical knowledge in linguistics.
- Speech and language analysis report (40%)
enables students to demonstrate their application of linguistic knowledge to describe, analyse and explain human speech and language in context
- Examination (40%)
enables students to demonstrate their understanding and application of knowledge and skills in linguistics
Overseas study available
Each year ACU’s Faculty of Health Sciences offers a number of destinations around the world where you can undertake a community engagement unit or clinical placement/professional practice abroad as part of your studies. These activities are facilitated through ACU’s overseas partners. Most of these experiences are offered to students enrolled in their third or final year of study.
You can also choose to study health sciences units at our Rome Campus over the June – July or December – January breaks.
Units on offer include Indigenous Health and Culture, and Justice and Change in a Global World.
To find out more, visit: www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/study-overseas/study-tours-and-short-programs/study-health-sciences-overseas/short-term-international-study-experience
Please note: overseas travel opportunities are subject to public health restrictions in place at the planned time of travel.
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
Australian Capital Territory | Pre-requisites: a study score of at least 133 in English-T (Major) or ESL (Major); and a study score of at least 97 in one of Biology-T, Chemistry-T, or Physics-T. |
New South Wales | English (Standard) (Band 4) or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 4); plus at least one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, (Band 2). |
Queensland | English (Units 3 & 4, C); one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C) |
Victoria | Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any English other than EAL; and a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics . |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
Australian Capital Territory
Pre-requisites: a study score of at least 133 in English-T (Major) or ESL (Major); and a study score of at least 97 in one of Biology-T, Chemistry-T, or Physics-T.
New South Wales
English (Standard) (Band 4) or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 4); plus at least one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, (Band 2).
Queensland
English (Units 3 & 4, C); one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C)
Victoria
Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any English other than EAL; and a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic
Overall score: 8.0. Individual score of 8.0 in all bands.
PTE Academic
79 with a minimum of 79 in all four communicative skills.
TOEFL
Internet based total of 110, with a minimum of 30 in writing, 26 in speaking, 29 in reading and 28 in listening.
C1 Advanced
A minimum of 200 with a minimum of 200 in all tests.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
Honours graduates may be eligible to undertake a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy.
Graduates may be eligible to progress to a postgraduate coursework degree within the Faculty of Health Sciences. ACU offers a number of postgraduate courses suitable for Bachelor of Speech Pathology graduates including:
Postgraduate programs in Rehabilitation
Postgraduate programs in Mental Health
You can find out more on postgraduate programs in Health Sciences here – https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/faculties-directorates-and-staff/faculty-of-health-sciences/postgraduate-study-in-health-sciences
Fees
Course costs
$10272 CSP
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year (excludes Honours course). Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Staff Profile
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Associate Professor Jane McCormack
Head of Speech Pathology, Deputy Head of the School of Allied Health (NSW)
Associate Professor Jane McCormack is Head of Speech Pathology at ACU. She is a certified practicing member of Speech Pathology Australia and has worked in community health clinics, schools, and early intervention settings with children who have speech, language and communication needs. Associate Professor McCormack teaches and researches in paediatric speech and language, the application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF; WHO, 2001) in speech pathology, interprofessional practice and alternative models of speech pathology education and service delivery.
Testimonial
I chose ACU as it is one of the most highly regarded universities for speech pathology, and I really liked the vibe that the campus had when I came for Open Day. I have found both the placements I’ve done so far really beneficial, as they allowed me to see how to apply the skills I learnt in classes in real-life practice. I think the staff at ACU are amazing, especially all of the speech pathology staff, as they have a wide range of industry and life experience. All the staff really try to learn who you are and to make the content course interesting and relevant.