Bachelor of Speech Pathology

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

This degree program takes you right inside the profession of speech pathology by offering you substantial clinical experience. Placements range from half-day observation visits and full-day weekly experience at local clinics (five to six week placements) which may occur in rural or regional locations.

The program deals with all acquired and developmental human communication disorders including child language disorders, phonological and articulatory disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, communication disorders of neurological origin and audiology. Other courses include the study of linguistics, psychology, bioscience, anatomy, and neuroscience.

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.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, plus English Advanced.

• National Police Certificate
• Prohibited Employment Declaration
• Other

• Vaccination Record.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on ‘How to Apply for Credit’.

In order to be considered for Honours, students must successfully complete 30 units of research courses by undertaking SPTH4210 (10 units) and SPTH4440 (20 units).

Students are advised to undertake SPTH4210 Research Review in the third year of their program, and the SPTH4440 in the fourth year of their program.

Students should also consider taking STAT2000 (Applied Statistics and Research Methods) and SPTH4211 (Research Development).

See Program Convenor for further information regarding eligibility for Honours.

Clinical placements commence in second year of the program. Clinical placements typically involve attendance from 8.30am to 5.00pm, and vary in intensity (e.g. one day a week for 20 weeks, two days a week for 10 weeks, and so on), and may occur during or between semesters (mid or end year). In order to obtain a wide range of experience, students can expect to relocate for up to 12 weeks during fourth year, e.g. Hunter area, Central Coast, Sydney, rural NSW.

The program 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.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.