Course Overview

About This Course

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. Please note: This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully. "My experience at Southern Cross has been really good. There has been a vast array of opportunities for me. I've seen the whole spectrum of what I'm capable of doing." Vincent Manze Clinical Exercise Physiology student Default --> "I love seeing first-hand the work Speech Pathologists do, and how immersive the course is at Southern Cross University. It's really confirming for me that this is the career path I'm meant to take." Bronte Wall Bachelor of Speech Pathology student Understanding the Southern Cross Model 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. Learn more Learning outcomes and graduate attributes 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 Placements, work experience and study hours Students complete 910 hours of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) 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. WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course: Placement Locations : While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment , as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel. Travel and Costs : You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Fit-to-Practice Requirements : Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification and National Police Certificate checks. More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty of Health WIL page . Specialisations, majors and minors 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. Availability Availability and fees Location Teaching period Coffs Harbour Term 1 Gold Coast Term 1, Term 5 Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS Coffs Harbour Term 1 $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 085520F Gold Coast Term 1 $26,000 ($3,250 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.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Ground floor and Level 1-3, 60 Phillip St, SYDNEY, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

ATAR: 70
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 IELTS score of 8.0 overall and a minimum score of 8.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking); or achieving an 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
Inherent Requirements apply to this course
Work Integrated Learning pre-requisites must be met prior to attending placements, including immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification, and National Police Certificate checks
Students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising 23 core units (288 credit points) and 1 major (96 credit points)
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 18 months between study of any two work integrated 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 work integrated learning unit

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career Outcomes Potential occupations 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. Professional accreditation Southern Cross University's Bachelor of Speech Pathology is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) , the national accrediting body for the profession. Gold Coast campus: holds full accreditation until 31 December 2026. Coffs Harbour campus: holds accreditation (provisional) status until 31 December 2026. Speech Pathology Australia accreditation is granted for a defined accreditation cycle and is reviewed regularly to ensure programs continue to meet the required professional standards. The current accreditation period for both campuses concludes on 31 December 2026. Southern Cross University is currently undertaking the reaccreditation process for both the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campus offerings as part of the next accreditation cycle.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

SPA (Speech Pathology Australia)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many clinical placement hours are required and where will placements take place?

Students complete 910 hours of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) 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.

Is the Bachelor of Speech Pathology accredited by Speech Pathology Australia?

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.

What are the English language requirements for this course?

Applicants must achieve an IELTS Overall Score of 8.0, with a minimum score of 8.0 in each of the four components: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Alternatively, applicants may achieve an ISLPR score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Will I need to travel for my placements?

While SCU considers your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends, and you are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses.

Are there any optional majors available within the Bachelor of Speech Pathology?

Yes, there is an optional major in Indigenous Health, which can be studied at the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses. This major offers students the opportunity to build theoretical and practical capabilities in cultural protocols and Indigenous ways of knowing and being, with embedded placement opportunities that equip graduates with professional skills to contribute to the improvement of health and social outcomes in Australian communities.

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!

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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