Start date
February

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHSP

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 44,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [8.0]
  • IELTS reading [8.0]
  • IELTS writing [8.0]
  • IELTS speaking [8.0]
  • IELTS listening [8.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
0101865

Degree overview

  • Develop advanced knowledge and skills required to work successfully with people with communication and swallowing difficulties.
  • Get real world experience with more than 880 hours of clinical placements as part of your study.
  • Graduate with great career prospects, as employment opportunities for Speech Pathologists are expected to grow very strongly over the next five years.1
  • Graduate with an honour's degree to give your unstoppable career a competitive edge from the start.
  • Learn from a university with more than 50 years’ experience in health education and research.
  • Study at South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers.2
  • Benefit from our strong partnerships and alliances with hospitals, rehabilitation services, early childhood providers, schools, aged care facilities, disability, and community service providers.
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021. 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Snapshot

Communication is critical for building human connections and living a fulfilling life. Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, fluency, and voice.

As a speech pathologist, you’ll support and empower people of all ages who have difficulty communicating. You will develop the expertise to address any problems that can affect speech and language, and help individuals express themselves and better interact with the world.

You will learn to support people improve their communication skills such as listening and speaking, reading and writing, and language comprehension. You will also learn how to facilitate other ways of communicating including through gesture, sign language or communication aids and technologies, as well as refining social skills.

UniSA's Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) has received Provisional Accreditation for graduates of 2023 and 2024. This classification enables graduates of the program to be eligible for certified practising membership of Speech Pathology Australia. The Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) program will undergo full accreditation in 2025.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Speech pathologists work with a wide range of people across different settings and manage complex and difficult issues. Communication and swallowing difficulties can occur from a variety of reasons, which include but not limited to development disabilities, delays or disorders, illness, accident, or similar.

In this degree you'll gain the knowledge required to engage in professional, ethical, and evidence-based practice. This involves drawing on skills in reasoning and reflection to provide appropriate services for people across their entire lifespan.

In your first year, you’ll develop foundational knowledge in the areas of anatomy, physiology and biopsychosocial issues that can affect people’s health, swallowing, speech, and language ability.

Your second year will focus on human communication science, clinical science, and research methods. You’ll have opportunities to learn alongside your allied health peers from occupational therapy and physiotherapy in UniSA’s community clinics. You’ll be involved in simulated telepractice environments to deliver collaborative, quality care through clinical case scenarios.

Practice-based learning is a strong focus, particularly during the third and fourth years, where you'll be able to complete clinical placements in UniSA’s community clinics and in professional practice across community, hospital, aged care, early years settings and schools.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
Study Period 1, 2 or 3
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country HLTH 1063 4.5
Physiology Essentials 100 BIOL 1051 4.5
Applied Psychology BEHL 1005 4.5
Introduction to Human Communication Science HLTH 1061 4.5
Study Period 4, 5 or 6
Head, Neck and Brain HLTH 1060 4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences HLTH 1049 4.5
Speech and Voice Science HLTH 1064 4.5
Studies in Language Development HLTH 1062 4.5
SECOND YEAR
Study Period 1, 2 or 3
Introduction to Speech Pathology Practice HLTH 2049 4.5
Speech Pathology Assessment Practices HLTH 2050 4.5
Speech Sound Disorders HLTH 2051 4.5
Child Language and Literacy Disorders HLTH 2047 4.5
Study Period 4, 5 or 6
Acquired Language Disorders HLTH 2058 4.5
Stuttering and Cluttering HLTH 2059 4.5
Motor Speech Disorders HLTH 2052 4.5
Hearing Disorders HLTH 2060 4.5
THIRD YEAR - PROFESSIONAL STREAM
Study Period 1, 2 or 3
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Social Communication and Behaviour HLTH 3091 4.5
Disorders of Communication and Cognition HLTH 3092 4.5
Voice: Assessment and Management HLTH 3093 4.5
Speech Pathology Fieldwork 1 HLTH 3082 4.5
Study Period 4, 5 or 6
Feeding and Swallowing Disorders HLTH 3080 4.5
Technology and Multi Modal Communication HLTH 3079 4.5
Speech Pathology Fieldwork 2 HLTH 3083 4.5
Advanced Evidence Based Practice HLTH 3057 4.5
FOURTH YEAR - PROFESSIONAL STREAM
Study Period 1, 2 or 3
Integrated Speech Pathology Professional Practice A HLTH 4022 4.5
Planning, Innovation and Evaluation in Health A REHB 4054 4.5
Speech Pathology Fieldwork 3 HLTH 4020 9
Study Period 4, 5 or 6
Speech Pathology Fieldwork 4 HLTH 4021 9
Integrated Speech Pathology Professional Practice B HLTH 4023 4.5
Planning, Innovation and Evaluation in Health B REHB 4055 4.5
THIRD YEAR - RESEARCH STREAM
Note(s): 4
Study Period 1, 2 or 3
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Social Communication and Behaviour HLTH 3091 4.5
Disorders of Communication and Cognition HLTH 3092 4.5
Voice: Assessment and Management HLTH 3093 4.5
Speech Pathology Fieldwork 1 HLTH 3082 4.5
Study Period 4, 5 or 6
Feeding and Swallowing Disorders HLTH 3080 4.5
Technology and Multi Modal Communication HLTH 3079 4.5
Speech Pathology Fieldwork 2 HLTH 3083 4.5
Health Science Honours Preparation REHB 3010 4.5
FOURTH YEAR - RESEARCH STREAM
Study Period 1, 2 or 3
Health Science Honours Thesis REHB 4012 9
Integrated Speech Pathology Professional Practice A HLTH 4022 4.5
Speech Pathology Fieldwork 3 HLTH 4020 9
Study Period 4, 5 or 6
Speech Pathology Fieldwork 4 HLTH 4021 9
Integrated Speech Pathology Professional Practice B HLTH 4023 4.5

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with built-in honours. You’ll graduate with industry experience and connections, as well as advanced skills to prepare you for a successful career in industry or research. 

The research component of your honours degree will include developing and undertaking a cutting-edge research project which may be either quantitative or qualitative. You'll develop relevant approaches to undertaking research through consultation, discussion, problem-solving and liaison with an experienced supervisory team.

Why Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)

Why this Degree

Studying Speech Pathology is a great choice for those looking to make a difference in peoples’ lives.

As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, studying at UniSA will give you the clinical experience your future profession demands. You will get to put your theoretical learning into practice with more than 880 hours of clinical placement under the supervision of experienced industry experts across a breadth of real-world settings. You will also benefit from UniSA’s more than 50 years of experience in allied health education, and the strong links to local and global industry we’ve built over this time. 

Speech pathologists work closely with other allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists. You’ll benefit from strong interdisciplinary learning opportunities throughout your degree and develop a greater understanding of how multidisciplinary healthcare collaboration can be in delivering better outcomes for patients.

During your studies, you’ll acquire theoretical and clinical knowledge, as well as the hands-on skills needed to assess, diagnose and provide intervention for children and adults affected by communication difficulties. For example, brain injuries can result in difficulties understanding or producing language, slurred and imprecise speech; and changes to cognition such as attention, memory, and personality. 

You’ll also learn about the role of technology in speech pathology practice, such as technology for understanding acoustic signals of speech and parameters of voice production, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

Our curriculum and course content that is specifically aligned with Australia’s First National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders, meaning you’ll graduate industry-ready with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to make a difference.

Graduating with an honour’s degree from UniSA will ensure you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or postgraduate study.

1Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Real-world connections

You’ll benefit from UniSA’s connection to industry throughout your studies. Clinical placements will help you develop relationships and networks to prepare you for entering the workforce once you’ve graduated. You’ll also learn from industry guest speakers, and work alongside experienced researchers when you undertake a research project and thesis during your final year of study. These experiences not only provide exceptional learning opportunities, but are an important networking opportunity.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Speech Pathology student experience

Hear from Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) student Alexandra as she talks about the benefits of the degree, placement opportunities, and why she chose to kickstart her unstoppable career at UniSA.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

A successful Speech Pathologist is pragmatic, logical, attentive, and observant. You’ll have a passion for interacting with people and be great at communicating. You will also value diversity and inclusion, and be ready to meet the needs of patients with diverse health backgrounds and needs.

An unstoppable career in speech pathology is immensely rewarding and can offer exciting challenges. You may find yourself:

  • working with a high school student with a stutter to speak more fluently and with confidence
  • training a high school teacher who constantly loses their voice to use it more effectively
  • helping an elderly man with dementia from a culturally and linguistically diverse background to communicate with his family and carers
  • working with a woman post-stroke to regain her language and communication skills
  • teaching a person to swallow safely and without choking following a brain injury
  • giving advice to a mother whose baby was born with a cleft palate
  • working with a young man with severe brain injury due to a motorcycle accident to communicate again

Speech Pathologists work across many sectors, including:

  • hospital and acute services
  • private practice
  • ambulatory and rehabilitation services
  • aged care facilities
  • community services
  • home care programs
  • government departments
  • early years settings and kindergartens
  • schools
  • not for profit and non-government sector
  • primary health networks

UniSA currently has provisional accreditation with Speech Pathology Australia. Once UniSA’s speech pathology program has full accreditation with Speech Pathology Australia, this qualification will be recognised in Australia and other countries around the world including New Zealand, Canada, USA and the UK.

For specific requirements about registration with Speech Pathology Australia, please check their website.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program has received provisional accreditation with Speech Pathology Australia. The Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) is undertaking accreditation processes in accordance with the accreditation procedures of Speech Pathology Australia.

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for speech audiologists in Australia is projected to increase by 34.7% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

chart-people

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

column-chart-growth

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science


Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

As a speech pathology student, you’ll also have access to:

  • physiology laboratory
  • anatomy laboratories

You’ll also have access to a range of interesting on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.

Your study spaces

Your program director

I have the privilege of directing a degree delivered by experienced Speech Pathologist educators and researchers in their field. As a team, we hold a philosophy that students are partners in learning, and we promote staff and student collegiality. I have a passion and commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and with many varied learning styles and to enable students to graduate as practice-ready Speech Pathologists.

Ms Stefanie Bucher

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Ms Stefanie Bucher
Portrait image for Ms Stefanie Bucher

Ms Stefanie Bucher

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs