Why study speech pathology at Sydney

1. Two pathways to get you there

Straight from high school

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) has been designed to equip students with the practical learning and clinical experience required for professional practice as a speech pathologist.

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics in the fields of communication sciences and disorders including speech science, linguistics, phonetics, as well as counselling and behaviour management.

This course can be undertaken in four years (full-time), with a part-time option also available (domestic students only).

Changing careers

The Master of Speech Language Pathology degree is one of our Graduate Entry Masters courses (GEM) and accepts graduates from all backgrounds. This means you can enrol if you have completed any bachelor’s degree.

The Master of Speech Language Pathology is an accelerated pathway to a professional qualification and can be completed in two years full-time, or four years part-time (domestic students only).

2. Professional accreditation

Both our Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) and the Master of Speech Language Pathology are accredited by Speech Pathology Australia. This means that upon graduation, you are qualified to work with children and adults as a speech pathologist in Australia.

3. The best teachers and facilities

You’ll learn from esteemed practitioners from a top university, ranked 18th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2025, who are dedicated to teaching and researching speech pathology.

From your teachers, you’ll learn how to make it easier for both children and adults to communicate with others and to assess and manage communication and swallowing needs.

Key areas of study include speech, language, reading, writing, dysphagia, voice, hearing loss, alternative communication devices, and stuttering.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to study at our cutting-edge Susan Wakil Health Building. This state-of-the-art facility includes the University of Sydney SPEECH Clinic, a teaching and research facility providing speech pathology services to children and adults in the community.

4. Real world experience

A fundamental part of putting your knowledge into practice is through your work-based placements.

Whether you’re a bachelor’s or a master’s student, you’ll learn through hands-on experience, working on campus and off-site at hospitals, community health centres, disability services, schools, private practice and not-for-profit organisations.

Off-site placements can be in metropolitan and country areas, and sometimes interstate and overseas.

Work-based placements enable you to apply your academic knowledge in real-world environments.

You’ll have the chance to showcase and enhance the skills acquired in the classroom while also developing essential abilities such as self-confidence, critical thinking and communication skills.

5. A career with impact

As a speech pathologist, you’ll play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. This can be incredibly rewarding.

It is a career that is focused on enhancing the quality of life of others and can be undertaken in various environments including schools, hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centres, and research institutions.

There is an increasing need for speech pathologists due to an aging population, a growing awareness of speech and language disorders, and advances in healthcare.

This translates into strong job security and opportunities for advancement as well as providing opportunities for ongoing education and professional development.