The first qualification in speech pathology to be offered outside a metropolitan area, CSU’s Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) equips graduates with the skills to work in either rural or urban practice.
The program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment/rehabilitation of human communication disorders, e.g. speech and hearing, voice, language, fluency and swallowing disorders. Detailed studies in linguistics and normal speech and language development, biomedical and behavioural sciences, speech pathology practice, professional issues and research provide students with the knowledge to address the development of normal communication skills in the community.
Through research, advocacy, liaison, community education and health promotion, speech pathologists also aim to prevent the emergence of communication or swallowing problems.
Graduates work professionally as speech pathologists in a wide variety of fields, both nationally and internationally.
You can work in:
The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience including Libby Clark, Marion Vile, Diane Jacobs, Dr. Simone O’Connor, and Dr Linda Wilson.
The Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) course was developed within the guidelines of Speech Pathology Australia and has full accreditation.
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
Students will be required to complete clinical experience during the course. This is undertaken in conjunction with a number of subjects throughout the course, beginning in the first year.
The three-year Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science is an exit point only course within the Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology).
The course aims to prepare graduates who will bring an understanding of normal and disordered communication into a range of health, education, human service and research settings. The program will prepare graduates for work in multidisciplinary teams in a range of human service settings. Graduates will bring knowledge and skills regarding normal communication and communication breakdown, identification and referral for full assessment and program development for individuals with communication problems. Graduates will be able to participate with other appropriate health, education and community service professionals in program development and implementation for individuals with communication problems.
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 256 points (29 subjects). Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) with the award BHlthSc(SpeechPath) or BHlthSc(SpeechPath)(Hons).
To graduate from the Bachelor of Speech and Hearing, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (24 subjects) and will graduate with the award BSpeechandHearSc.
Refer to the Clinical requirements section following for information on fieldwork placement requirements:
1. What is the cut-off score for the CSU’s Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) program?
The cut off is dependent upon demand, hence it is not possible to be certain. There is a five point rural bonus for designated areas.
2. Is the course offered by distance education?
No, although you may study your three elective subjects by distance education.
3. Can I enrol mid-year?
No.
4. Are there many job opportunities?
Currently, the employment options are very good - and this is usually the case. However, it is not possible to predict this in four years time!
5. Can I work overseas?
Australians are very highly regarded and sought after, particularly in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore and Ireland. An international reciprocity agreement has been signed between Australia, the USA, UK and Canada, HOWEVER you must first meet the entrance requirements of the professional association in the country in which you wish to work (which includes membership of Speech Pathology Australia).
6. How is the course different from speech pathology courses at other universities?
At CSU we prepare graduates for rural and remote practice, although graduates are able to work equally well in metropolitan centres. Our class sizes are smaller than most other speech pathology programs. There is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork especially since we are placed within the School of Community Health. CSU has excellent internet facilities and students are able to maximise their skills in the use of computer technology.
7. Will I be able to hold down a part-time job?
Yes, many students do. However you will usually be required to work full-time during clinical fieldwork.
8. Is there on campus student accommodation?
No, however you can contact CSU’s Student Services for accommodation options.
9. Can I buy secondhand books?
Sometimes. Check the student notice boards.
10. Is the course hard?
Yes, it is a demanding course - you will need to study diligently, and manage your time well. Provided you go to all classes and keep up with your study, you shouldn't have any trouble.
If you have no Year 12 qualification, consider enrolling at a secondary school or TAFE to achieve a Year 12 qualification then apply for university in the following year.Consider accepting another course with the intention to re-apply for Speech Pathology in subsequent years.
Look for a course that you can enjoy, achieve good grades and be happy to stay in if you are not successful in obtaining a place in speech pathology. Your grades will very strongly influence your chance of success when you apply for speech pathology the following year. Course selection is a personal choice but if possible, it should be a university degree with some biomedical science (e.g. anatomy, physiology) or linguistics, a foreign language, education, psychology, disability studies, gerontology or other social sciences subjects (refer to the UAC and VTAC guides for information about assumed knowledge). This may allow you to obtain some credit for subjects in the Speech Pathology course should you be subsequently accepted.
Make sure you understand what speech pathology is all about, and that it is your profession of choice. Obtain some good work experience in speech pathology clinics. You should be able to demonstrate to us that your decision is based on suitable work experience.
Non-recent school leavers must send a letter detailing their knowledge of the profession and work experience in speech pathology, and motivation for doing the course. Failure to do this will jeopardise your application.
| Study through | Albury-Wodonga |
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| Fee information | Australian & New Zealand students International students |
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| Admission rank cut-offs | 75.30 |
| CRICOS registered | 039052M |
Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.
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| Apply online | International students Admission code:
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| Mail your application | International students |
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| Recruitment agent | International students |
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The course consists of 256 points. The 16 subjects studied in years one and two are common to both pass and Honours streams. At the end of the second year, students can choose, dependent on satisfying minimum requirements, to complete the Honours stream, or remain in the pass degree.
Subjects are grouped according to key learning areas:
Linguistics, biomedical sciences and theoretical subjects provide a base on which to build the knowledge of normal and disordered communication and swallowing, and the skills for speech pathology practice. Basic and clinical sciences also provide an understanding of human communication. This knowledge is then applied to diagnostics, treatment planning and intervention in a variety of contexts for individuals of all ages with communication and swallowing disorders.
Year one
Session 1
BMS126 Foundations of Human Physiology
HIP100 Introduction to Health and Rehabilitation
SPH101 Speech, Language, Learning, and Culture
SPH105 Introduction to Communication Practice
Session 2
BMS224 Head and Neck Anatomy
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health and Human Services
SPH103 Analysing Language Interaction and Context
SPH106 Communication Development and Community Projects
Year two
Session 3
HIP202 Research Methods for the Health workforce
SPH201 Speech Impairments in Children
SPH211 language Impairments in Children and Adolescents
SPH214 Therapeutic Communication Practice 2 (16 points commenced)
Session 4
SPH202 Audiology and Auditory Processing
SPH204 Communication and Disability
SPH214 Therapeutic Communication Practice 2 (completed)
ANT260 Indigenous Studies
Year three
Session 5
SPH306 Stuttering and Evidence-based Practice
SPH308 Communication, Disability and Neurological Impairment (16 points commenced)
SPH314 Therapeutic Communication Practice 3 (16 points commenced)
BMS226 Neuroscience
Session 6
SPH308 Communication, Disability and Neurological Impairment (completed)
SPH312 Swallowing
SPH314 Therapeutic Communication Practice 3 (completed)
[ ] Restricted Elective
Students may elect to exit at this point and graduate with the award Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science.
Year four
Session 7
SPH401 Professional Issues in Speech Pathology
SPH404 Therapeutic Communication Practice 4a (24 points)
Session 8
SPH411 Issues and Syntheses in Speech Pathology
SPH414 Therapeutic Communication Practice 4b (24 points)
Year three
Session 5
SPH306 Stuttering and Evidence-Based Practice
SPH308 Communication, Disability and Neurological Impairment (16 points commenced)
HLT333 Community Health Honours Research Preparation (16 points commenced)
BMS255 Neuroscience for Health Practice
Session 6
SPH308 Communication, Disability and Neurological Impairment (completed)
SPH312 Swallowing
SPH315 Therapeutic Communication Practice 3 (Honours)
HLT333 Community Health Honours Research Preparation (completed)
Year four
Session 7
SPH401 Professional Issues in Speech Pathology
SPH402 Therapeutic Communication Practice 4a (Honours) (16 points)
HLT441 Community Health Honours Project/Dissertation (16 points commenced)
Session 8
SPH411 Issues and Syntheses in Speech Pathology
SPH412 Therapeutic Communication Practice 4b (Honours) (16 points)
HLT441 Community Health Honours Project/Dissertation (completed)
Pass stream
GER102 Gerontology Theory and Research
WEL206 Behaviour management
WEL221 Acquired Brain Injury
WEL228 Disability Issues for Families
Elective in languages
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
Previous studies include:
NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.
Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
While there are no HSC or VCE subjects specified as prerequisites for admission, applicants are advised to include 2 Unit biology and 2 Unit English in their HSC studies. Victorian VCE students are advised to include Units 3 and 4 English and Units 3 and 4 biology.
Applicants who believe they have experienced circumstances resulting in disadvantage may apply for special consideration under the University’s Special Consideration Scheme. Further information is provided in the CSU Study Opportunities guides or on our website (click here), and for full-time applicants, in the Educational Access Schemes Booklet available from UAC, or the VTAC Guide.
Senior First Aid Certificate
All students are required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate, obtained at their own cost, from an accredited body (Workcover approved) before undertaking clinical placements. This is to be attained before you undertake your first clinical practicum in your first year of study.
Criminal record clearance
The Department of Health in NSW and some other states currently require all staff at health facilities to undergo criminal record checks. The checks are intended to identify people who might, because of convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, put clients' personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.
By definition, the term staff' includes students on clinical placements. All students must therefore have a Criminal Record Clearance prior to placement in any capacity in the NSW Health system and in some Victorian organisations. Prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a Criminal Record Clearance will make it difficult to complete this course satisfactorily because it may not be possible to arrange suitable clinical placements.
In addition, all students are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration indicating if they are a prohibited person under the Child Protection Act 1998. If you have any queries regarding this matter, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Coordinator.
Immunisation
NSW Health have introduced an immunisation policy, Occupational Screening and Vaccination Against Infectious Diseases, for all staff at health facilities to undergo mandatory vaccination.
By definition, the term staff' includes students on clinical placements. All students must undergo vaccination against infectious diseases prior to placement within the NSW Health System. Results of these vaccinations are kept on a personal record (available from the School through which the student is studying). This card must be presented upon request by NSW Health staff whilst the student is on placement.
For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:
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