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Course snapshot
International snapshot
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Start Date
March
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Duration
4 years full-time
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Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
70
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 8.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BSpPath
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Course code
3007306
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Credit points
384
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Equivalent units
32
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
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CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
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.
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“I love seeing first-hand the work Speech Therapists do, and how immersive the course is at Southern Cross. It’s really confirming for me that this is the career path I’m meant to take.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| 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 | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 | $25,000 ($3,125 per unit) | 085520F |
| Gold Coast | Term 1 | $25,000 ($3,125 per unit) | 085520F |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
Speech pathologists work in diverse settings including private practice, school programs, in government agencies or in the health and wellbeing industry. They work independently and also with other health and education specialists in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams.
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.
Entry requirements
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English proficiency is a requirement for all students. Applicants who do not meet Rule 2 English Language Proficiency Requirements must demonstrate English language proficiency by:
- 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 |
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 2.7 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 4.8 |
| Brazil SSLC | 9.7 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 64 |
| Chile PSU | 6.8, plus 750-800 |
| China Gao Kao | 484 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 97, overall 350-349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 7.3 |
| France FB | 12 |
| German Abitur | 3.2 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 17 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 12.5 external exam |
| India CISCE | 83 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 97 in academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 9.7 |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 |
| Japan USSLC | 4.8 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 314 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 78> |
| Malaysia STPM | 10 (best 3 A levels) |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 91 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 97 |
| Norway GPA | 3.2 |
| Pakistan HSSC | 46 |
| Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams | 96 |
| Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams | 46 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 3.0 pass Eng & Math |
| Peru OCSE | 19.4 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 99 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.9 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 97 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 19 |
| Spain SSSD | 9.7 |
| Spain STBPU | 6 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 6 |
| Sweden SSLC | 14.7 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 63 |
| Taiwan Senior High School Certificate | 98 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 2.6 |
| Turkey HSD | 4.8 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 16.5 |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1560, ACT 25 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 9.7 academic |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:
- 23 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 the Faculty of Health Work Integrated Learning 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 and 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 and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why study Speech Pathology at Southern Cross University
Graduate job-ready
A substantial professional placement builds invaluable on-the-job experience
Hands-on learning
Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums
Graduates in high-demand
84.6% of Southern Cross University graduates are employed full-time four months after completing their course
Good Universities Guide 20205 (Rehabilitation, Undergraduate)Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
How can we help?
Credit Transfer
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Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
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