Course

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Approved Abbreviation: BSpeechPath

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4763.1

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 0100189

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year for this course is Autumn 2020.

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology is a four-year full-time degree. Speech pathologists apply their knowledge and skills in areas such as speech, voice, language and swallowing in children and adults to support all individuals’ rights to optimal communication, swallowing and mealtime experiences. Employment is available in diverse settings including private practice, aged care settings, private and public hospitals, community-based agencies, and schools. The first two-years of the course combine evidence-based studies in speech pathology with a broad understanding of biomedical and health sciences, linguistics and psychology, to develop the professional competencies essential for ethical and safe inter-professional practice. The final two years focus on the development of advanced knowledge and skills in speech pathology and clinical practice, which support work integrated learning within a range of community settings.

The Honours program is available to high achieving students in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology. Honours is a key early step in the pathway to leadership and research within the profession without taking any longer to complete the degree. Students are invited for entry into the Honours program in year three of the combined degree. Students complete an honours thesis during the fourth year of the program, along-side the core units of the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, including clinical placements. The thesis presents research that addresses current and topical speech pathology issues.

Study Mode
Four years full-time.

Accreditation
The Bachelor of Speech Pathology and the Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) are registered with Speech Pathology Australia as qualifying courses and have not yet undergone accreditation evaluation. Both courses have been designed to meet the Competency-Based Occupational Standards of Speech Pathology Australia and accreditation is being sought.

Admission

NSW HSC or equivalent

Assumed knowledge: any 2 units of English

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/international

All Students:

Special Requirements

To be eligible to enrol in a unit and attend a health-related placement in your course, students must meet Western Sydney University course requirements and Special Legislative Requirements to be assessed in their first year of study against the following:

1. National Criminal History Check: Students must have a current (expiring 3 years from date of issue) check valid for their entire course. A valid National Criminal history check must be an Australia wide check, include the student's full name matching their Student ID card and date of birth and not have any offences listed. If a student has a criminal history identified on their check, they must provide a Clinical Placement Authority Card (CPAC) or conditional letter from the NSW HealthShare Employment Screening and Review Unit

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/student_clearance/Documents/appendix-10-student-application.pdf

International students must additionally have a translated International Police Check or statutory declaration.

2. A NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance letter issued under the category of volunteer valid for their entire course.

3. A current approved first aid certificate valid for their entire course, approved provider courses can be found at:

http://training.gov.au

4. A completed vaccination/immunisation card with all serology results containing expiry dates and currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for their entire course.

5. NSW Undertaking/Declaration form

6. Completed any additional health forms required (such as NSW Health Code of Conduct, Health Student Undertaking/Declaration and Tuberculosis (TB) Assessment Tool)

7. Relevant Local Health District specific documentation as requested.

Contact your School for further details. Resources are also available on the Placement Hubwebsite:

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/learning_futures/home/placements_hub/placements_hub/student_compliance

Some external sites may have additional requirements. Students will be advised of any such specified requirements which must be complied with before commencing clinical placements.

For Online Students:

To be eligible to enrol in a unit and attend a health-related placement in your course, students must meet Western Sydney University course requirements and Special Legislative Requirements in your state, to be assessed in their first year of study, against the following:

1. National Criminal History Check: Students must have a current check valid for their entire course. A valid National Criminal history check must be an Australia wide check, include the student's full name matching their Student ID card and date of birth and not have any offences listed. If a student has a criminal history identified on their check, they must provide a clearance or authority document or conditional letter from their relevant authorised state organisation.

International students must additionally have a translated International Police Check or statutory declaration.

2. A Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance letter or state equivalent, valid for their entire course.

3. A current approved first aid certificate valid for their entire course, approved provider courses can be found at:

http://training.gov.au

4. A completed vaccination/immunisation card with all serology results attached - currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for their entire course.

5. Undertaking/Declaration form (or state equivalent documents).

6. Additional forms as required per state related to, but not limited to, Tuberculosis Assessment tool, Hepatitis B statutory declaration form, Signed Code of Conduct, Student Deed Poll and all other state equivalent documents as required.

Contact your school for further details. Resources are also available on the Placement Hub web page

(https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/placements_hub)

Some external sites may have additional requirements. Students will be advised of any such specified requirements which must be complied with before commencing clinical placements.

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 320 credit points which includes the units listed below.

Recommended Sequence

Year 1

Autumn session

400870

Population Health and Society

400871

Professional Health Competencies

400868

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1