Course

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Approved Abbreviation: BSpeechPath

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4763.2

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 2021.

Units may be revised or replaced to ensure students are provided with up to date curriculum throughout their studies, and this may result in a new course version. Refer to the Check My Course Progress page in MySR for the most up to date information for your course.

Commencment Year 2020 - 4763.1 Bachelor of Speech Pathology

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, alongside 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).

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.

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

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

International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

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

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.

Student Compliance Information for all Health-Related Placements

Students must meet Western Sydney University course requirements as well as any special, legislated, or policy-mandated requirements.

Western Course Requirements

Visit the Special Requirements webpage for details about your course.

Special Requirements

Mandatory NSW Health student placement policy requirements

To be able to undertake placement in any NSW Health facility you must be assessed as compliant with NSW Health student placement policy in the first year of your course, regardless of when you expect to go on your first placement. Access and read the NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet.

NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet

Please ensure that you:

1. Find your existing National Police Check or apply for one

2. Gather documentary evidence of your vaccination history

3. Print and compete all relevant NSW Health forms relevant to the campus you are enrolled at or online enrolment requirements

4. Follow booklet instructions on how to have your compliance documents assessed by NSW health staff.

International students have additional requirements: the link to the booklet will inform you of these requirements.

School Requirements

Contact your School for further details regarding your School’s requirements, if any, such as:

If you live outside of NSW or Australia and need to meet your state, territory or country’s compliance requirements

If you need to meet different state, territory or country compliance requirements.

NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or other state equivalent, valid for your entire course

Current approved first aid certificate valid for your entire course - approved course providers can be found at the Government Training website

http://training.gov.au

Other non-health related requirements.

Student Compliance Resources are also available on the Placements Hub web page

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

Special Requirements Prerequisites
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

401396

Professional Competencies in Health

400868

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

401300

Introduction to Speech Pathology Practice

Spring session

400732

Communication in Health

401383

Evidence in Health

400869

Human Anatomy and Physiology 2

401416

Communication and Mealtime Foundations

Year 2

Autumn session

400866

Culture, Diversity and Health

401403

Research Methods in Health

401434

Elements of Language: Analysis and Application

401423

Communication Changes Across the Lifespan

Spring session

301381

Hearing, Speech and Swallowing Science

401421

Optimising Communication for Adults

401422

Optimising Communication for Children

101614

Psychology and Health

Year 3

1H Session

401426

Speech Pathology Practice 1

Autumn session

101684

Brain and Behaviour

401424

Optimising Mealtimes Across the Lifespan

401427

Speech Pathologists Working with Children, Families and Communities

2H Session

401428

Speech Pathology Practice 2

Spring session

400865

Evidence-Based Practice

From 2023 400865 is replaced by 401384 Evidence in Professional Reasoning

401384

Evidence in Professional Reasoning

401425

Communication Access in Communities

401433

Speech Pathologists Working with Adults, Families and Communities

Year 4

1H Session

401429

Innovative Speech Pathology Practice

401430

Speech Pathology Practice 3

Two Minor units

Two Alternate units

One Alternate unit and One elective (any level) (NB: Students not completing a minor must complete a minimum of three, level 3 alternate units in year 4. Students may select 2 alternate units in each session but they must not exceed more than 1 elective)

Year 4

2H Session

401431

Speech Pathology Professional Issues

401432

Speech Pathology Practice 4

Two Minor units

Two Alternate units

Suggested Minors:

SM1138

Culture and Society

SM1025