Speech pathology

Welcome to Speech Pathology

Learn how to diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, fluency and voice. Get the opportunity to apply practical skills during clinical placement. Develop evidenced-based, professional, legal and ethical decision-making skills.

Placement

Clinical placements give you a chance to apply your knowledge in real situations – which is the best way to prepare for the workforce. There are a minimum of 90 days in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology and a minimum of 78 days in the Master of Speech Pathology. Attendance is compulsory (and you might need to travel to various regional Victorian locations).

You’ll use the InPlace platform to submit your placement preferences and find out where you’ve been placed.

Download the placement calendar here. Pair this with the university important dates calendar to keep on top of everything.

Course structure

Get an understanding of the sequence and content of your units by downloading your course structure. You’ll also be able to see where your placement blocks fit and how many days are required.

Learn more      

Inherent requirements

There are some attributes, skills and abilities that you must have in order to complete your degree, such as cognition, communication, strength and mobility. This means that there are some situations where adjustments can’t be made to the learning environment.

Learn more      

Mandatory documents

Before you go on placement, you’ll need to submit several documents (like a Police Check, Working with Children Check, immunisation status and hand hygiene certificate). Some applications can take 6–12 weeks.

 

Attendance requirements (new students)

Most units include both recommended and compulsory classes. Recommended online classes will be recorded and uploaded to Moodle so you can access them if you can’t attend. However, if you miss a compulsory class, you’ll have to apply for special consideration and may need to come to a different class. You need to meet attendance requirements for compulsory classes to pass the unit.

Semester 1

 

Recommended attendance

Compulsory attendance

All students

  
HEASP5011: Anatomy and Physiology for Speech Pathology 1

Online:

Tuesdays 3–5 pm

On campus:

Friday 11 April (week 6)

and

Friday 30 May (week 12)

HEASP5014: Clinical Processes in Speech Pathology A

Online:

Tuesdays 12.30–2.30 pm

On campus:

Friday 16 May (week 10)

Full-time students only

  
HEASP5015: Acquired Language and Speech Impairment

Online:

Tuesdays 10.30 am–12.30 pm

Online:

Mondays 8.30–10.00 am, 12.30–2 pm or 4–5.30 pm

(80% attendance requirement)

and

weekly 1-hour group discussion (group decides date/time)

EDMST6010 Language Acquisition

Online:

Mondays 2–4 pm

Meet your Course Coordinator

"Students have access to our extensive network of industry partners who provide exposure to different opportunities within speech pathology practice. These learning opportunities build confidence and competence for a successful transition to the workforce, while preparing them for meaningful contribution over the course of their careers."

Hannah Clarke
Lecturer | Course Coordinator – Master of Speech Pathology

Textbooks and equipment

Booklists are available through School Locker. Search for your semester and unit code to find and purchase what you need for each subject. Medical equipment is also available.

Go to School Locker      

Uniforms

You must wear an official Federation uniform during placement. Get yours through Fedstore (online or on campus). We recommend you get at least two sets – unless you love doing laundry.

Go to FedStore      

Study load

We’d prefer you to do the whole course full time, but part-time study is available for the first year of the Master of Speech Pathology and the first and second years of the Bachelor of Speech Pathology. Subsequent years must be completed full-time.