What is a speech pathologist?

Speech pathologists are allied health professionals responsible for the assessment and treatment of children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders, for example, delayed speech and language development, cleft lip and palate, voice disorders and stuttering. Read more ...

Hands-on

You will complete a comprehensive range of clinical experiences during the program. This clinical experience is spread over all four years and is organised to take place during semester and in the semester breaks. Read more ...

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. Read more...

Career opportunities

In New South Wales, speech pathologists usually work in hospitals or community health centres but work opportunities in schools and private practice are increasing. Read more ...

Achiever profiles

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates, students and academics. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Read profiles ...

What is a speech pathologist?

Speech pathologists are allied health professionals responsible for the assessment and treatment of children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders, for example, delayed speech and language development, cleft lip and palate, voice disorders and stuttering.

Why study with us?

This degree takes you right inside the profession of speech pathology by offering you substantial clinical experience. Placements range from one-day observation visits to five-week intensive block placements located at local clinics, as well as other regional, rural and Sydney metropolitan locations. Students may also develop clinical skills and experience through various international placement opportunities.

The degree deals with all acquired and developmental human communication and swallowing disorders, phonological and articulatory disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, communication disorders of neurological origin and audiology. Foundation courses include the study of linguistics, psychology, bioscience, anatomy, and neuroscience.

Hands-on

You will complete a comprehensive range of clinical experiences during the degree. This clinical experience is spread over all four years and is organised to take place during semester and in the semester breaks. It occurs in metropolitan, local regional and rural settings on a one day per week or block placement.

Additionally, some clinical experiences will be based within the University's Speech Pathology Clinic (situated on the Ground Floor of the General Purpose Building on the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus).

• Stuttering Clinic
• Voice Clinic
• Speech Pathology in Schools Program (SPinS) 9
• Speech Intelligibility Clinic

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. You can develop and carry out research on a topic of interest, potentially leading to further academic study such as a PhD.

To be considered for a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours, you must complete 30 units of research courses - Research Review and Speech Pathology Honours Thesis. These courses involve the development of a major research project (thesis). This research is completed under the supervision of academic staff.

At the end of the Honours courses, you will be able to:

• independently interpret and critique theoretical and empirical research literature at an advanced level
• develop and implement a research project which is theoretically and methodologically sound 
• demonstrate the awareness and ability to manage ethical issues in the research context
• present information in a manner consistent with scientific and professional requirements.

You are advised to take Research Review in the third year of your degree, and Speech Pathology Honours Thesis in fourth year.

You should also consider taking Applied Statistics and Research Methods and Research Development. If you would like to understand more about studying an embedded Honours program and your eligibility, contact your program convenor.

To calculate your GPA click here.

Career opportunities

In New South Wales, speech pathologists usually work in hospitals or community health centres but work opportunities in schools and private practice are increasing. The demand for speech pathology services is high, and will most likely remain so.

Be recognised

The degree is accredited by the Speech Pathology Association of Australia, the professional association of speech pathologists, and is recognised in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and other countries.

Achiever profiles

Marlee

Liz

Present: Speech Pathologist, Acute Support Services, Canberra Hospital

Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)

Liz de Plater loves being a speech pathologist. She got her job at The Canberra Hospital straight after graduating from Honours, and credits her studies for making her job-ready, equipping her with experiences in teamwork, problem solving and research.

I always felt individually supported by my lecturers, not just another face in the crowd. The multiple clinical experiences I undertook within the speech pathology degree allowed me to practically apply my knowledge in a variety of settings, and be more prepared for the workforce.

What I find most rewarding about my role is working in a multidisciplinary team and continually developing my skills. Being thanked by a patient or their family is always a highlight – it’s so satisfying to know that I’m in some way making a difference.

Emily

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

I made the decision to study at university because of my desire to have a professional career and continue studying at a tertiary level. The Bachelor of Speech Pathology offers great practical experience, preparing me for my dream career to work with adult patients in a hospital. When I complete my undergraduate studies, I hope to continue onto study at postgraduate level.

Emma

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Newcastle is one of the few universities in NSW that offer the Bachelor of Speech Pathology. I am gaining valuable knowledge from the experienced lecturers at the Uni, not only about speech pathology, but about the world. The program offers great practical clinical experience throughout, preparing me for my dream career in an acute hospital setting, working with adults with speech, language and swallowing difficulties.