Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Effective from 01-JAN-2025 : Code Y02

The profession of speech pathology deals with the science and social impact of communication and swallowing disorders, which may be acquired or developmental, and are caused by cognitive and/or physical impairment. This course teaches students the full range of skills necessary to assess, plan, and treat people with communication and swallowing difficulties in a range of different contexts. Academically and professionally, the course is closely aligned with areas such as speech science, psychology, audiology, education, linguistics, rehabilitative science, neuroscience and allied healthcare.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Practicum Requirement

Students are required to complete substantial clinical practicums designed to provide the required range of clinical experience. Fieldwork placements commence in the first year and throughout the course, and provide students with valuable learning experiences in a range of settings.

Duty of care

To be eligible to undertake clinical practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete pre-practicum preparation on commencement of the course and carry out amendments in subsequent semesters, as appropriate. For more information, see course details on our website.

Implications of failing

Some units contain supervised practicum placements which are assessed and are required to be passed in order to pass the units.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply broad discipline knowledge and theory to a range of speech pathology contexts.
2. Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex communication and swallowing conditions.
3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions in complex speech pathology contexts.
4. Use digital technologies to access and evaluate information and to enhance speech pathology practice.
5. Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
6. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including developing capabilities in delivering culturally secure services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.
7. Work collaboratively to initiate social, sustainable and ethical practices to achieve positive client outcomes.
8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and self-awareness for own learning.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Speech Pathology Australia (SPA).

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 4)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Diploma or equivalent;
• Undergraduate Certificate;
• Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course; or

English Language requirement (Band 5)

International students and internationally schooled applicants (other than those students schooled in a recognised country) are required to provide an English language test approved by ECU with a score equivalent to the following minimum requirements:

• IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.5 (with no individual band score less than 7.0), or
• Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 72 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).

Note: 

English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings.
TOEFL iBT is not accepted from 26/07/23.
Recognised countries for English language purposes are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or the United States of America.  The medium of instruction must be English.

Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

Course Specific Admission Requirements

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 4 Years
• Part Time: 8 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

Dr Charn NANG

Course Structure

Note: SPE2103 should be completed concurrently with SPE2205. If the units are undertaken in different semesters, SPE2103 should be completed before enrolling into SPE2205.

Note: SPE3128 and SPE3106 should be completed concurrently with SPE3107. If units are undertaken in different semesters, SPE3128 and/or SPE3106 should be completed before enrolling into SPE3107.