student assessing voice on computer

Facts & figures

Global leaders in allied health

  • #4 in the world for sport, physical therapy and rehabilitation, 2023 QS Subject Rankings

Discipline of Speech Pathology

Empowering people through the understanding of voice

Our students study with internationally published experts who are actively researching in a range of specialist areas in communication sciences and disorders.

Courses in speech pathology

Learn to assess and treat disorders of communication in areas such as speech, voice, language and swallowing in children and adults and make a difference in the lives of others.

Our courses in speech pathology are accredited by Speech Pathology Australia, which qualifies graduates to work as speech pathologists in Australia.

Undergraduate courses

Postgraduate courses

Postgraduate research

What is speech pathology?

Speech pathology is the scientific study and treatment of speech problems. Speech pathologists are responsible for assessing and treating children and adults with communication difficulties caused by congenital or developmental problems, illness, and emotional or physical trauma. They may also work with patients who have swallowing difficulties or need alternative, non-verbal ways to communicate.

Career opportunities

Speech pathologists work in public and private hospitals, private practice, rehabilitation centres, community and mental health services, schools, kindergartens, specialist disability service organisations or in teaching and research.

Research opportunities

Applied research in speech pathology at the University of Sydney is designed to optimise the communication and swallowing abilities of people across the lifespan. Our research staff are active members of the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab, the Communication Disorders Treatment and Research Clinic, Dr Liang Voice Program and Voice Research Laboratory and support higher degree research candidates to develop research expertise.

Research Supervisor Connect matches your research interests to available PhD and master's research opportunities and supervisors.

 

Why study with us?

1

Brand new education and research facilities
in the Susan Wakil Health Building 

Learn more
2

Graduate career-ready and in demand
we’re 1st in Australia for graduate employability

View our rankings
3

Finish in 2 years as a postgraduate student
our master degree offers an accelerated study program

Learn more
4

Hands-on clinical training
gain comprehensive professional experience with clinical placements embedded throughout your studies

Learn about placements
5

Learn from highly respected practitioners and researchers
Our research ranks "well above world-class" (ERA level 5)

Our research

Speech pathology students share their experiences studying speech pathology at the University of Sydney

Our people

The role of the committee is to give advice and direction to our curriculum in line with future workplace trends and graduate attributes.

If you have specific feedback, you are welcome to contact the Head of Discipline or a relevant EAC member:

  • Candice Brady, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
  • Johanna Korkalainen, Cerebral Palsy Alliance
  • Melissa Parkin, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick
  • Lauren Reinhardt, North Shore Speech Pathology
  • Helen Ryan, Sydney Local Health District
  • Katrina Tosi, Sydney South West Local Health District
  • Lisa Carnegie, Liberator Australia
  • Fiona Eastley, Department of Education and Training, and Speech Pathology Australia

Head of Discipline

Kimberly Docking
Associate Professor Kimberley Docking
View academic profile

Featured news

04 May 2020

How to become a speech pathologist

To become a speech pathologist, you must study an accredited speech pathology degree (Bachelor or coursework Masters degree). You can then apply for Certified Practising membership with Speech Pathology Australia (Provisional Certification), converting to Full Certification after meeting specific requirements.
29 May 2018

I study speech pathology: Meredith Munnoch

Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) student Meredith Munnoch takes us behind-the-scenes of life as a health sciences student, discussing her lectures, career aspirations and favourite subjects.
10 August 2018

How I changed careers and became a speech pathologist

Stuck in jobs they didn’t love, Emma and Natasha made the tough decision to go back to study. Now speech pathologists, they reflect on how they overcame their fears to find meaning in their work.