Course Information

Bachelor of Speech Pathology Honours

Effective from 01-JAN-2022 : Code Y12

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 to become speech pathologists and covers 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, and allied healthcare. Additionally, this Honours program introduces students to the research process through the development and completion of a research project.

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 a substantial clinical practicum designed to provide the required range of clinical experience.

Duty of care

Duty of care requirements must be met prior to commencing practicum placements.

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 advanced discipline knowledge and theory to a range of speech pathology contexts.
  2. Think critically to research, analyse, interpret and solve complex communication and swallowing conditions.
  3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges, develop new understandings and generate solutions in complex speech pathology contexts.
  4. Use digital technologies to access and evaluate information from multiple sources, 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).

Membership

Students can apply for membership with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). Graduates are eligible for membership with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA).

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 8)

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:

  • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 5)

International students are required to provide an English language test approved by ECU with a score equivalent to an IELTS Academic overall minimum score of 7.5 (no individual band less than 7.0).  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

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;
  • Special 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

All applicants are required to be enrolled in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology and be invited to enrol in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology Honours based on their performance in the units across Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 of their undergraduate degree. Students are required to have achieved a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher. .

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Course Duration

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

Course Delivery

  • Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

A/Prof Erin GODECKE

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SPE1100Evidence-Based Practice in Speech Pathology15
PSY1101Introduction to Psychology15
SPE1102Language Across the Lifespan15
MHS1101Anatomy and Physiology 115
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MAT1114Introductory Statistics15
SPE1101Professional Standards and Competencies15
SPE1103Language Models and Analytical Frameworks15
MHS1102Anatomy and Physiology 215
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST2122Health Research Methodology15
SPE2104Analysis of Sensorimotor Systems15
SPE2210Impact of Communication and Swallowing Disorders15
PSY1115Psychology of Motivation and Emotion15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SPE2103Analysis of Speech and Language15
SPE2205Speech Pathology Assessment: Standard Tests 15
IAS3110Indigenous Australians, Cultural Competence and Speech Pathology15
SPE2106Treatment Principles15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SPE3128Neurogenic Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders15
SPE3106Management of Speech and Language Disorders15
SPE3107Clinical Practicum 115
SPE3112Language Difference: Implications for Clinical Practice15
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SPE3105Management of Sensorimotor Disorders15
SPE3125Assessment and Management of Swallowing Disorders15
SPE3108Clinical Practicum 215
SPE3110Professional Issues in Speech Pathology15
Year 4 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SPE4110Clinical Practicum 330
SPE4244Disability and Communication15
SPE5102Preparation of Honours Thesis Proposal15
Year 4 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SPE4111Clinical Practicum 430
SPE5104Honours Research Project30

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Y12|3