Apply for Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) (Honours)

Speech Path student in consultation with child
BH-SPEECH

Speech Pathology

Bachelor honours degree

Learn how to diagnose and treat people with communication, speech, swallowing and feeding difficulties.

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Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Minimum ATAR 80
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) (Honours)
  • Duration

    Duration

    4 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    800
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    100583
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2024

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

Course outline

Outline

Outline

Speech pathologists work with a diversity of people and communication challenges. They may provide feeding advice to the parents of a baby born with a cleft palate, help a child with a stutter to speak more fluently, and help an adult who has had a stroke or a brain injury to regain their communication skills.

In this course, you will gain an understanding of typical and acquired communication development, swallowing disorders and clinical practice in speech pathology.

In your first year, you’ll study interprofessional course units with students from other disciplines.

You will then focus on the science and anatomy of speech and language, and
ways to assess, manage and prevent functional impairment.

You’ll complete supervised placements in Curtin’s on-campus clinics and in various community settings, to apply your learning and develop practical skills.

In your final year you’ll manage a research project. Graduating with an honours degree, you'll have the expertise to launch your career as a highly-trained speech pathologist.

What jobs can the Speech Pathology lead to?

Careers

  • Speech pathologist

Industries

  • Education and training
  • Healthcare
  • Public administration and safety
  • Social assistance

What you'll learn

  • apply knowledge of human communication science to the delivery of speech pathology services and research in diverse and changing settings
  • critically analyse information to plan, implement and evaluate speech pathology services and research
  • locate, extract and critically appraise evidence and information from a range of resources to solve theoretical and applied problems in human communication science
  • demonstrate excellence in written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills appropriate to the discipline within a legal and ethical framework
  • use technologies relevant to the human communication sciences to inform clinical practice and research
  • understand and implement varied learning strategies, and take responsibility for ongoing professional and personal development
  • incorporate and demonstrate awareness of global or international perspectives in health care to clinical practice and research in speech pathology
  • demonstrate awareness of and respect for individual human rights and cultural diversity
  • independently and collaboratively apply professional skills in an ethical manner across a range of professional settings

Why study Speech Pathology

Specialist pathways

In your final year, you’ll develop advanced technical and cognitive skills as you create, plan, execute and evaluate a research project.

Work experience

You’ll gain the practical, job-ready skills you need to work in this field, including learning clinical practice skills in Curtin’s on-campus clinic and work placements or fieldwork.

Accredited course

This course is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia.

I chose speech pathology because I wanted a career where I could be helping others, and I love language and working with children.

Marcella Low

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 80

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    At least Mathematics: Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Indigenous applicant

    If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted. May be used to demonstrate English competence

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7

Speaking

7

Reading

7

Listening

7

Overall band score

7

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

You must complete the fieldwork requirements before entering clinical placements in third year.

The July intake is intended for domestic course switching students. Places are limited. Enrolment may be on a part-time basis depending on unit availability, which could extend the course duration. Please contact the Course Coordinator.

Please note places in the course may be limited and meeting the admission criteria does not guarantee a place in the course.  Enrolment in the course may involve a period of part-time study which may increase the duration of the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For non-school leaver applicants, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible. 

  • Round 1: Friday 20 October 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 8 October 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 2: Friday 24 November 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 12 November 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 3: Friday 22 December 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 10 December 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates

Please note:

  • Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record. 
  • Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
  • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
  • Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
  • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted. May be used to demonstrate English competence

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 80

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    At least Mathematics: Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7

Speaking

7

Reading

7

Listening

7

Overall band score

7

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

You must complete the fieldwork requirements before entering clinical placements in third year.

The July intake is intended for domestic course switching students. Places are limited. Enrolment may be on a part-time basis depending on unit availability, which could extend the course duration. Please contact the Course Coordinator.

Please note places in the course may be limited and meeting the admission criteria does not guarantee a place in the course.  Enrolment in the course may involve a period of part-time study which may increase the duration of the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For non-school leaver applicants, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible. 

  • Round 1: Friday 20 October 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 8 October 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 2: Friday 24 November 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 12 November 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 3: Friday 22 December 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 10 December 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates

Please note:

  • Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record. 
  • Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
  • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
  • Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
  • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    AQF Diploma; or AQF Advanced Diploma AND completed the prerequisite. The Science pre-requisite can be met with: Biology ATAR/Chemistry ATAR/Earth and Environmental Science ATAR/Human Biology ATAR/Integrated Science ATAR/Physics ATAR/Psychology ATAR; or HUMB1002 Functional Anatomy/CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry/CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry/HUMB1006 Human Physiology for Exercise Science/HUMB1000 Human Structure and Function/MEDI1000 Foundations of Biomedical Science/PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted. May be used to demonstrate English competence

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 80

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    At least Mathematics: Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7

Speaking

7

Reading

7

Listening

7

Overall band score

7

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

You must complete the fieldwork requirements before entering clinical placements in third year.

The July intake is intended for domestic course switching students. Places are limited. Enrolment may be on a part-time basis depending on unit availability, which could extend the course duration. Please contact the Course Coordinator.

Please note places in the course may be limited and meeting the admission criteria does not guarantee a place in the course.  Enrolment in the course may involve a period of part-time study which may increase the duration of the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For non-school leaver applicants, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible. 

  • Round 1: Friday 20 October 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 8 October 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 2: Friday 24 November 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 12 November 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 3: Friday 22 December 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 10 December 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates

Please note:

  • Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record. 
  • Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
  • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
  • Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
  • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Curtin course switcher criteria. To switch into this course from semester one, you need to have: completed 100 credits with a course weighted average (CWA) of 65% or higher; and an academic status of Good Standing; and met the prerequisites. The Science prerequisite can be met with:

 

HUMB1002 Functional Anatomy; or

CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry; or

CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry; or

HUMB1006 Human Physiology for Exercise Science; or

HUMB1000 Human Structure and Function; or

MEDI1000 Foundations of Biomedical Science; or

PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.

Higher education course switcher criteria

This course has a mid-year intake. If students have completed the first four units of the BH-SPEECH degree and successfully course switch into Semester 2, they can progress full-time (and finish the course within 4 years). If students have not completed all four units for BH-SPEECH in their first semester (as specified in the course handbook), they will have a period of part-time study which will impact their completion timeframe. Please refer to the TISC website for more information.

Higher education course switcher criteria

This course has a semester one intake only. Please refer to the TISC website for more information.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 80

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    At least Mathematics: Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7

Speaking

7

Reading

7

Listening

7

Overall band score

7

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

You must complete the fieldwork requirements before entering clinical placements in third year.

The July intake is intended for domestic course switching students. Places are limited. Enrolment may be on a part-time basis depending on unit availability, which could extend the course duration. Please contact the Course Coordinator.

Please note places in the course may be limited and meeting the admission criteria does not guarantee a place in the course.  Enrolment in the course may involve a period of part-time study which may increase the duration of the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For non-school leaver applicants, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible. 

  • Round 1: Friday 20 October 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 8 October 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 2: Friday 24 November 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 12 November 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 3: Friday 22 December 2023
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 10 December 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates

Please note:

  • Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record. 
  • Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
  • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
  • Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
  • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$9,900*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.

Frequently asked questions

Search our FAQs
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: BH-SPEECH
  • CRICOS code: 100583
  • Last updated on: 28 March 2024

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