Bachelor of Speech Pathology (4763)

  • Approved Abbreviation: BSpeechPath
  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 4763
  • AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 0100189

This program applies to students who commenced in 2022 or later.

Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.

For Commencment Year 2020 and 2021 - please refer to 4763.2 Bachelor of Speech Pathology

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology is a four-year full-time degree. Speech pathologists apply their knowledge and skills in areas such as speech, voice, language and swallowing in children and adults to support all individuals’ rights to optimal communication, swallowing and mealtime experiences. Employment is available in diverse settings including private practice, aged care settings, private and public hospitals, community-based agencies, and schools. The first two-years of the course combine evidence-based studies in speech pathology with a broad understanding of biomedical and health sciences, linguistics and psychology, to develop the professional competencies essential for ethical and safe inter-professional practice. The final two years focus on the development of advanced knowledge and skills in speech pathology and clinical practice, which support work integrated learning within a range of community settings.

The Honours program is available to high achieving students in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology. Honours is a key early step in the pathway to leadership and research within the profession without taking any longer to complete the degree. Students are invited for entry into the Honours program in year three of the combined degree. Students complete an honours thesis during the fourth year of the program, alongside the core units of the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, including clinical placements. The thesis presents research that addresses current and topical speech pathology issues.

Early Exit

Students may exit this program on completion of 240 credit points with a 4789 Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Science)

Study Mode

Four years full-time.

Program Advice

HealthSciences@westernsydney.edu.au

Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.

Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |

Location

Campus Attendance Mode Advice
Campbelltown Campus Full Time Internal See above

Accreditation 

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology and the Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) have provisional accreditation with Speech Pathology Australia

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this program. Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

Admission

NSW HSC or equivalent

Assumed knowledge: any 2 units of English

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.

International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/international

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/international/home/apply/admissions/entry_requirements

For courses that will lead to AHPRA registered careers and students studying Sport and Exercise Science and Speech Pathology, students are required to have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall with a minimum score of 7.0 in Speaking and Listening, and 6.5 in Writing and Reading or equivalents, in an acceptable language test.

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Student Compliance Information for all Health-Related Placements

Students must meet Western Sydney University course requirements as well as any special, legislated, or policy-mandated requirements.

Western Course Requirements

Visit the Special Requirements webpage for details about your course.

Special Requirements

Mandatory NSW Health student placement policy requirements

To be able to undertake placement in any NSW Health facility you must be assessed as compliant with NSW Health student placement policy in the first year of your course, regardless of when you expect to go on your first placement. Access and read the NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet.

NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet

Please ensure that you:

1. Find your existing National Police Check or apply for one

2. Gather documentary evidence of your vaccination history

3. Print and compete all relevant NSW Health forms relevant to the campus you are enrolled at or online enrolment requirements

4. Follow booklet instructions on how to have your compliance documents assessed by NSW health staff.

International students have additional requirements: the link to the booklet will inform you of these requirements.

School Requirements

Contact your School for further details regarding your School’s requirements, if any, such as:

  • If you live outside of NSW or Australia and need to meet your state, territory or country’s compliance requirements
  • If you need to meet different state, territory or country compliance requirements.
  • NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or other state equivalent, valid for your entire course
  • Current approved first aid certificate valid for your entire course - approved course providers can be found at the Government Training website
  • http://training.gov.au
  • Other non-health related requirements.

Student Compliance Resources are also available on the Placements Hub web page

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/learning_futures/home/placements_hub/placements_hub/student_compliance

Special Requirements Prerequisites

Some external sites may have additional requirements. Students will be advised of any such specified requirements which must be complied with before commencing clinical placements.

Program Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 320 credit points which includes the subjects listed below.

Recommended Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
PUBH 1006 Population Health and Society 10
HLTH 1013 Professional Competencies in Health 10
NATS 1009 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 10
REHA 1005 Introduction to Speech Pathology Practice 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
COMM 1007 Communication in Health 10
HLTH 1012 Evidence in Health 10
NATS 1010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 10
REHA 1006 Communication and Mealtime Foundations 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
PUBH 2005 Culture, Diversity and Health 10
HLTH 2024 Research Methods in Health 10
REHA 2018 Elements of Language: Analysis and Application 10
REHA 2017 Communication Changes Across the Lifespan 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
REHA 2016 Hearing, Speech and Swallowing Science 10
REHA 2019 Optimising Communication for Adults 10
REHA 2020 Optimising Communication for Children 10
BEHV 1014 Psychology and Health 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
1H session
REHA 3049 Speech Pathology Practice 1 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
BEHV 2002 Brain and Behaviour 10
REHA 3046 Optimising Mealtimes Across the Lifespan 10
REHA 3048 Speech Pathologists Working with Children, Families and Communities 10
 Credit Points30
2H session
REHA 3050 Speech Pathology Practice 2 10
 Credit Points10
Spring session
HLTH 3005 Evidence-Based Practice 10
From 2023 HLTH 3005 Evidence-Based Practice is replaced by PUBH 3023 Evidence in Professional Reasoning  
Evidence in Professional Reasoning  
REHA 3045 Communication Access in Communities 10
REHA 3047 Speech Pathologists Working with Adults, Families and Communities 10
At this point, students may exit with the Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Science)  
 Credit Points30
Year 4
1H session
REHA 4027 Innovative Speech Pathology Practice 10
REHA 4028 Speech Pathology Practice 3 10
Select two Minor subjects 20
Or select two Alternate subjects  
Or select one Alternate subject and one elective (any level)  
(NB: Students not completing a minor must complete a minimum of three, level 3 alternate units in year 4. Students may select 2 alternate subjects in each session but they must not exceed more than 1 elective)  
 Credit Points40
2H session
REHA 4030 Speech Pathology Professional Issues 10
REHA 4029 Speech Pathology Practice 4 10
Select two Minor subjects 20
Or Select two Alternate subjects  
Or select one Alternate subject and one elective (any level)  
(NB: Students not completing a minor must complete a minimum of three, level 3 alternate units in year 4. Students may select 2 alternate subjects in each session but they must not exceed more than 1 elective)  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points320

 Suggested Minors:

Replaced Minors

The minor listed below counts towards completion of this Program for students who began studying this minor prior to the years indicated below.  

SM1070 Cultural and Social Analysis, Minor, replaced by Culture and Society, Minor in 2021 (listed above)

Alternate Unit Pool

Subject Title Credit Points
COMM 3008Communication Research Project10
LANG 3045Intercultural Communication10
HLTH 3018Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care10
LANG 3016Bilingualism and Biculturalism10
BEHV 3019Psychology of Language10
BEHV 3009Developmental Psychology10
WELF 3008Learning through Indigenous Australian Community Service (Day Mode)10
NURS 3023Maternal and Infant Health Care10
WELF 3011Professional Practice in Aged Care and Disability10
WELF 3003Community Engaged Learning10
BUSM 3036Leadership and Entrepreneurship10
BUSM 3052Organisational Learning and Development10
COMM 3046Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile10
CEDS 3001Bridging the Gap: Re-engaging Indigenous Learners10