Course Overview

About This Course

If you are passionate about communicating, and have an interest in helping people across the lifespan, this might be a career for you. Speech pathologists provide diagnostic assessment and management of disorders of communication and swallowing for people of all ages, from babies to older populations. Speech pathologists support people through direct therapy interventions, education, consultancy, advocacy, or a combination of these approaches. One of the best things about studying Speech Pathology at ECU is starting your practical experience in your first year. And with our smaller student cohort and greater personal attention you'll receive from our experienced lecturers, it's the best way to start your new career.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Joondalup Campus, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Indicative ATAR: 80
Academic Admission requirements (Band 4): 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
- Undergraduate Certificate
- Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test
- University Preparation Course
- Indigenous University Orientation Course
English Language requirements (Band 5) for international students:
- IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.5 (with no individual band score less than 7.0)
- Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 72 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
- English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date
- TOEFL iBT is not accepted from 26/07/23
Recognised countries for English language purposes: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or the United States of America
Minimum English standard requirements may also be satisfied with one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent
- Skills for 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
- 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
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols required prior to clinical practice

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Speech pathologists provide diagnostic assessment and management of disorders of communication and swallowing for people of all ages, from babies to older populations. Speech pathologists support people through direct therapy interventions, education, consultancy, advocacy, or a combination of these approaches.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

SPA (Speech Pathology Australia)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units30 units

SPE1100

Evidence-Based Practice in Speech Pathology

PSY1101

Introduction to Psychology

SPE1102

Language Across the Lifespan

MHS1101

Anatomy and Physiology 1

MAT1114

Introductory Statistics

SPE1101

Professional Standards and Competencies

SPE1103

Language Models and Analytical Frameworks

MHS1102

Anatomy and Physiology 2

HST2122

Health Research Methodology

SPE2104

Analysis of Sensorimotor Systems

SPE2210

Impact of Communication and Swallowing Disorders

PSY1115

Psychology of Motivation and Emotion

SPE2103

Analysis of Speech and Language

SPE2205

Speech Pathology Assessment: Standard Tests

IAS3110

Cultural Responsiveness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

SPE2106

Treatment Principles

SPE3128

Neurogenic Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders

SPE3106

Management of Speech and Language Disorders

SPE3107

Clinical Practicum 1

SPE3112

Language Difference: Implications for Clinical Practice

SPE3105

Management of Sensorimotor Disorders

SPE3125

Assessment and Management of Swallowing Disorders

SPE3108

Clinical Practicum 2

SPE3110

Professional Issues in Speech Pathology

SPE4244

Disability and Communication

SPE4110

Clinical Practicum 3

SPE4155

Evidence Based Decision Making in Speech Pathology

SPE4200

Innovation and Speech Pathology

SPE4111

Clinical Practicum 4

SPE4109

Professional Skills in Speech Pathology: Workplace Preparation

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bachelor of Speech Pathology accredited by a professional body?

Yes, the Bachelor of Speech Pathology at ECU is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), which is the professional recognition body for speech pathologists in Australia.

When do students start gaining practical clinical experience in the course?

Students start their practical experience in their first year. Fieldwork placements commence in the first year and continue throughout the course, providing students with valuable learning experiences in a range of settings.

What are the English language requirements for international students applying to this course?

International students must provide an approved English language test result equivalent to: IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.5 (with no individual band score less than 7.0), or PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 72 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills. Tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date, and TOEFL iBT is not accepted from 26/07/23.

What are the estimated fees for this course?

For domestic students, the estimated first year indicative fee is AUD $12,500 (Commonwealth supported place). For international students, the estimated first year indicative fee is AUD $43,900.

Are there any clearance or health requirements before starting clinical placements?

Yes, 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. Due to the practical nature of the Speech Pathology profession and protection of the public, there are inherent requirements applicable to this course that may impact upon the success of some potential students.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $70,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $85,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Speech PathologistPaediatric Speech PathologistHospital Speech Pathologist (Acute Care)Community Health Speech PathologistSchool-Based Speech Pathologist

Key Skills

Clinical assessment and diagnosis of speech, language, and swallowing disordersEvidence-based intervention planning and therapy deliveryDysphagia (swallowing) assessment and managementAugmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device use and prescriptionPhonological and phonetic analysis

Full Course Overview

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