Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, fluency and voice. You will work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, as well as other difficulties that can affect speech and language. People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist.
Throughout the degree you will develop knowledge and core practical skills in anatomy and neurophysiology behind communication and swallowing impairments, science of speech and hearing, linguistics, language and healthcare. You will also learn how to identify and implement appropriate therapeutic treatments and management options. You will study foundation subjects in year 1 and 2 and specialise in one of two streams in year 3 and 4: Professional and Research. Both streams enable you to work as a Speech Pathologist in Australia. The Professional stream offers an honours project allowing you to pursue speech pathology interests in health or education disciplines. The Research stream also offers a research project in health or education disciplines, however eligibility for entry requires a high grade pass average (GPA). The clinical practice placement throughout the program will provide valuable and relevant workplace experience.
Our on campus and blended learning approach through face to face delivery and flexible delivery in Ballarat and Gippsland, offer tutorials, online engagement activities and practical learning, supported by our facilities in Gippsland, and our new Health and Sports Precinct in Ballarat.
As a Speech Pathologist you may work as a clinician, educator, researcher, policy advisor, manager, advocate or consultant in a variety of industries including government and non-government organisations, education, health, welfare, policy development, community-based organisations and private practice.
Please note, our speech pathology programs have been designed to meet the accreditation standards of Speech Pathology Australia and is currently in the qualifying phase of accreditation. Federation University will seek accreditation of the award programs prior to the first cohort of students graduating. To view accreditation progress, please visit the Speech Pathology Australia website.
Sample structures are just one example of the many options available within your chosen course. Please contact Federation University for further information on available options.
Please note this is a sample structure only and is not to be used for enrolment purposes. To enrol, please refer to the information provided to you by Federation University for your individual program structure or view our enrolment information page.
To view current subject information and cost, click on the individual subject name below, or click here to view current subject information and cost for ALL subjects.
This program includes prescribed professional practice placements of 1000hours. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the Gippsland or Ballarat campuses, at their own expense (Note: health professional programs generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements).
Pre-requisites:
Units 3 and 4, a study score of at least 30 in English.
Units 1 - 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology, any Maths, Health Education or Physical Education.
The course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Guaranteed ATAR
This program has a guaranteed ATAR.
If you mee the program pre-requisites and any 'Essential Requirements for Admission', we will guarantee you a place in this program with this ATAR. We use the adjusted ATAR, factoring in subject adjustments and SEAS as detailed below.
Subject Adjustments
A study score of 35 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 3 aggregate pointes per study. Overall maximum of 5 units.
SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme)
Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, a SEAS application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to Federation University Australia SEAS information and the Federation University Australia website.
Admission criteria for applications with a Higher Education Study:
Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a credit level. Applicants with relevant VET study or work experiences are encouraged to include this in their applications. These are the minimum requirements, admissions to this course are competitive and applicants may need to meet a higher requirement to be offered a place.
Applicants who complete the first year of either of the following Federation University degree programs will be eligible for consideration based on performance:
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Nursing
Inherent requirements for the School of Health programs including Working with Children’s Check Certificate, Police Checks, immunisation etc. on enrolment as listed below under post admission requirements.
The application method varies depending on your circumstances, please visit our How to apply page for further information.
VTAC application: Yes
VTAC code: 3700511491 (Mt Helen), 3700711491 (Churchill), 3701211491 (Flexible Delivery - Ballarat), 3701311491 (Flexible Delivery - Gippsland)
Direct application: Yes
Federation University code: ST8
CRICOS code:
Fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Annual tuition fees are per 120 credit points which represents 1 EFTSL or a standard full-time study load for a year.
The estimated annual fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will vary depending on the subjects you choose to study as each subject has its own credit point value and cost. The total cost will vary depending on the subjects you choose, your study load and the time it takes to complete your course.
As a Commonwealth Supported Place student, you may be eligible to defer payment of your student contribution through the HECS-HELP loan scheme. Please visit our HECS-HELP webpage for further information.
Other feesYou may need to pay some other fees such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Can your studies count towards a degree with us? Use our online Credit Search to get the details on completing your studies sooner.
Credit may be considered for successful completed of higher education studies in a relevant area.
To help you get the most from your online learning experience, it's important that you own or have frequent access to a fast and reliable computer that's ideally not more than two years old.
You will also need frequent access to a reliable high-speed internet connection. You should expect to use approximately 5GB of data each month, per course, just for study use.
For further information, visit the Minimum IT requirements for studying online webpage.
A range of student services are available at most campuses. For further information on these services or for course information, please contact us on 1800 333 864.
The commencement of all programs is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
All information contained in this program overview including the availability of programs and fees, is correct at the time of being published, however the University reserves the right to alter any program, procedure or fee. Students should check for any amendment prior to enrolment.
CRICOS Provider No.00103D
Please note: This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
National RTO Code: 4909