Why Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)?
Support and empower people of all ages to connect with others and participate in life. As humans, we are innately social, our lives revolve around connecting with others through communication in work and play and eating and drinking.
So, what happens when we find it difficult to communicate? Or an illness makes it hard for us to eat and drink safely?
Conditions that cause difficulties with communication or eating and drinking can affect anyone, at any stage of the lifespan. Speech pathologists diagnose and treat these difficulties, determining the most appropriate intervention to help people achieve their goals.
Learn how to transform lives through the power of communication and grow in a career where you’ll make a difference every day.
Overview
Transform lives through the power of communication and grow in a career where you’ll make a difference every day.
Our Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) equips you to diagnose and treat conditions across the full scope of speech pathology practice, including speech and language, swallowing, fluency, voice and cognition.
Explore core anatomy, physiology, public health and health research concepts, and learn how these are applied in the speech pathology field. Sharpen your professional and technical skills in our state-of-the-art simulation suites and purpose-built training facilities. You’ll also share some classes with students from key complementary disciplines, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy – preparing you well for the professional world where interprofessional teams are common.
Our courses have an emphasis on inter-professional and culturally responsive practice and the degree facilitates the development of transferrable skills through real-world learning experiences.
Taught by certified practicing speech pathologists, our degree places strong emphasis on real-world experience. You’ll complete over 800 hours of practice-based training working with clients of all ages in public and private health, community, disability, education and aged-care settings.
Round out your skillset even further by choosing either our research or industry stream, where you’ll undertake a major project of significance to the speech pathology field. This experience hones your skills in developing new knowledge and integrating research into your professional practice.
Gain the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in people’s communication and wellbeing.
Key features
Learn how to diagnose and treat the full scope of communication, feeding and swallowing difficulties. - Take courses in human anatomy, physiology, public health and research with a focus on speech pathology principles.
- Gain high-level knowledge and skills in evidence-based, person-centred care and reflective practice.
- Learn how to work with culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
- Complete more than 800 hours of clinical-based placements.
- Undertake a major health research or industry project in your final year.
What you'll learn
Taught over four years, our Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) provides you with a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology, linguistics, communication and swallowing across the lifespan, speech production and aural rehabilitation, and evidence-based approaches to practice in allied health.
In first year, you’ll be introduced to anatomy, physiology, public health and health research courses with a focus on how these are applied in the speech pathology field.
From second year onwards, you’ll take courses that are more focused to the profession. You’ll cover knowledge related to typical communication development, linguistics and advanced anatomical structures of the head and neck, alongside courses exploring the importance of person-centred care. You’ll start to apply your knowledge and skills in speech pathology simulation learning activities.
During the final two years of the program, you’ll examine the impact of swallowing difficulties, analysis of words, cultural diversity, consideration of clients who speak a language other than English, and the role of a speech pathologist. You’ll also learn how to assess for, diagnose and treat speech and language problems – including stuttering, voice and swallowing difficulties caused by developmental delays or brain injuries.
Practice-based placement occurs within the third and fourth years of the program, providing the opportunity to apply your learning in a range of professional practice settings. You’ll complete these experiences under the supervision of qualified speech pathologists and work with a range of other professionals.
From late third year, you’ll select one of two streams – research or industry – and undertake a major project. The research stream enables you to focus on developing new knowledge, while the industry stream places emphasis on how practicing speech pathologists can translate evidence into practice.
Gain the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in people’s communication and wellbeing.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 126 units for Core courses, and
- 24 units for Discipline courses, and
- 36 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 6 units for all Program electives
Complete 126 units comprising:
- 6 units from Common core, and
- 120 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology A
|
Course code
HBIO1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology B
|
Course code
HBIO1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychological Foundations for Allied Health
|
Course code
HLTH1023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Evidence Based Practice in Allied Health 2
|
Course code
HLTH2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistics for Speech Pathology A
|
Course code
SPTH1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Speech Pathology Practice (UoA)
|
Course code
SPTH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistics for Speech Pathology B
|
Course code
SPTH2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan
|
Course code
SPTH2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Swallowing
|
Course code
SPTH2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Production and Aural Rehabilitation
|
Course code
SPTH2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Reasoning in Professional Settings
|
Course code
SPTH2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Clinical Skills and Practice
|
Course code
SPTH2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Assessment and Management A
|
Course code
SPTH3003
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Preparing for Speech Pathology Practice
|
Course code
SPTH3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Assessment and Management B
|
Course code
SPTH3006
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Assessment and Management C
|
Course code
SPTH4001
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 units comprising:
- Either:
- 24 units for all Industry Pathway, or
- 24 units for all Research Pathway
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Industry Honours Project 1
|
Course code
SPTH3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Industry Honours Project 2 Part A
|
Course code
SPTH4006
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Industry Honours Project 2 Part B
|
Course code
SPTH4007
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Transition to Professional Practice (UoA)
|
Course code
SPTH4008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Allied Health Research Project Planning
|
Course code
HLTH4004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Allied Health Honours Research Project A
|
Course code
HLTH4006
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Allied Health Honours Research Project B
|
Course code
HLTH4007
|
Units
18
|
Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Practice Education A
|
Course code
SPTH3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Practice Education B
|
Course code
SPTH3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Practice Education C
|
Course code
SPTH4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Practice Education D
|
Course code
SPTH4003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Practice Education E
|
Course code
SPTH4004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Speech Pathology Practice Education F
|
Course code
SPTH4005
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Pathophysiology for Allied Health
|
Course code
DENT2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Behavioural Neuroscience
|
Course code
HLTH1024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Neuroscience of Human Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
HLTH2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Development Across the Lifespan for Allied Health
|
Course code
HLTH2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Indigenous Scholarship & Interplay of Knowledges
|
Course code
INDG1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Relatedness and Indigenous Peoples
|
Course code
INDG2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australian Indigenous Languages (Level 2)
|
Course code
INDG2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Reclaiming Languages: a Kaurna Case Study
|
Course code
INDG2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australian Indigenous Languages (Level 3)
|
Course code
INDG3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cross Cultural Communication
|
Course code
LING2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Semantics: The Study of Meaning
|
Course code
LING2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Perspectives on Language Variation & Change
|
Course code
LING3004
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Pharmacology (UoA)
|
Course code
PHAR2021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Foundations of Health
|
Course code
PUBH2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Epidemiology for Health and Medical Sciences
|
Course code
PUBH2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Counselling Theory and Practice
|
Course code
PUBH2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health care systems: structure, policy and people
|
Course code
PUBH3006
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Talented speech pathologists are already highly sought after, and demand is growing fast. As a speech pathologist, you’ll have the freedom to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in diverse of settings – including private practice, community health services, educational settings, hospitals, rehabilitation services, aged care settings, corrections and more.
You could help children with disabilities or developmental delays connect with their peers by improving communication skills and opportunities for social interaction. Perhaps you’ll help a person who has had a stroke to improve their ability to eat and communicate or support a patient in end-of-life care. Maybe you’ll enable adults with acquired or traumatic brain injuries to communicate with others. You could even work as part of a therapeutic team striving towards a person’s goal of gaining employment.
Industry trends
The healthcare and social assistance sector is the largest employing industry in Australia. Notably, the number of allied health roles has increased by over 65% in the last three years alone, with further growth anticipated as Australia’s population changes (AIHW, 2023). Within the booming allied health sector, speech pathologists are in high demand and jobs are expected to increase by 34.7% in the next five years (Randstad, 2024).
Additional trends driving up demand for speech pathologists are Australia’s ageing population and the increase of people living with disability and chronic health conditions. By 2066, older Australians will make up over 20% of the total population (AIHW, 2024). As we age, our demand and reliance on several healthcare services also increases. Maintaining independence and functional strength so we can live a strong life well into our elderly years is a key goal for many. Particularly among this demographic, your expertise in providing personalised programs to manage chronic conditions related to communication and swallowing, will be in high demand.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
