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Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology)

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) prepares candidates to practise as speech pathologists. The degree is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia. Speech pathologists assess and treat people who have a communication or swallowing disability. Communication disabilities include difficulties with speaking, using and understanding language, voice, fluency, hearing, or reading and writing. One in seven Australians has some form of communication disability.

Speech pathologists make a real difference to people’s lives. For instance, they help children with autism to communicate by targeting their expressive language, receptive language, pragmatic language and social skills. Early intervention can maximise a child's intellectual advancement and overall development.

You will be involved in the study and treatment of communication disorders in both children and adults and will learn from the leaders in speech pathology. The Faculty of Health Sciences is home to the renowned Australian Stuttering Research Centre http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/asrc/ which has been responsible for a number of breakthroughs in stuttering treatment. Researchers from the Centre will contribute to your course and knowledge. You will have access to the on-site teaching clinic which services the community and gives candidates access to hands-on practice.

Units of study

Units of Study overview

Full units of study list

Further course information

Study plan

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) is a four-year full-time which consists of 30 core units of study. You will complete 192 credit points to be awarded the degree. From the second year of the course, you will have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of practicum experiences as part of your clinical training placements. These occur on-campus and in off-campus placements in metropolitan and country areas and sometimes interstate and overseas.

Course opportunities

Candidates in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) course participate in a wide variety of practicum experiences throughout their degree. Practicum experiences occur on-campus and off-campus in metropolitan and country areas, and sometimes interstate and overseas.

In addition, eligible candidates have the opportunity to take part in the FHS Abroad program which involves academic study and a four to six week placement with non-government organisations and other development agencies in one of a small number of countries in South and South East Asia. This 6 credit point elective unit of study is available to candidates in their senior years and offers a hands-on understanding of global health challenges in an overseas community through work with two well established Australian volunteer agencies.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) are qualified to work as a speech pathologist. Speech pathologists work in diverse settings (hospitals, private practice, schools and early childhood services) to assess and treat individuals who may present with a wide variety of communication disorders.

Course accreditation

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) degree is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia.

Further study

Outstanding candidates will be invited to do honours after the completion of their second year of their pass degree. Honours is your pathway to a higher degree by research in the health sciences. The groundbreaking research conducted by our faculty members has had, and continues to have, an enormous impact on the health and quality of life of local, national and global communities.

About honours

Eligible candidates can pursue their own research interests by undertaking honours study under the supervision of an academic staff member.

Admission to honours is by permission of the program coordinator after the completion of second year. Entry based on academic performance in first and second years of the course. You will complete core units of study in the first and second year of the pass degree followed by an alternative set of units of study in third and fourth year to qualify for the award of the honours degree.

Honours study allows you to specialise in an area of personal interest, develop your research skills and make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge within the profession. For more information visit: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/future_students/undergraduate/honours

Admission

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is on the basis of a secondary school leaving qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), tertiary study or an approved preparation program. English language requirements must be met where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English. Special admission pathways are open for domestic mature aged applicants who do not possess a school leaving qualification, educationally disadvantaged applicants and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are ranked by merit and offers for available places are issued according to the ranking.

Assumed knowledge

None. Recommended studies: chemistry to Year 11 (or a chemistry bridging course in February, prior to commencing studies) and English Advanced.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the University's undergraduate courses are made though the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) www.uac.edu.au. On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of September. There is no July intake for any of our undergraduate courses. For more information visit: http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/admissions/

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3. For more information http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_undergraduate/admissions/how_to_apply/

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

International students

Indicative international tuition fees for undergraduate students

This international tuition fee is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact tuition fees that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_undergraduate/costs_scholarships/index.shtml

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_undergraduate

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.