Bachelor degree · university
Bachelor of Speech Pathology
Speech pathology is about difficulties with communication and swallowing, and about assessing and treating them in children and adults.
- How long it takes
- 3.5 to 4 years
- full time
- Entry ATAR
- From 63.35
- Lowest offered at The University of Adelaide, 2024
- How you can study
- On campus
- Includes a work placement
- Leads on to
- Speech Pathologist
- $104,200 median pay, In demand
- Taught by
- 16 providers
- 6 states and territories
Is this course right for you?
What the Bachelor of Speech Pathology asks of you, and what you might want to check first.
It helps to have
- an interest in how people communicate and swallow
- good communication skills with people of all ages
- patience and a calm approach with clients
- a willingness to study anatomy and language
Before you start
Each provider sets its own entry requirements, so check the ones you are considering.
Where this course can take you
Jobs this qualification is a recognised route into, and the study that can follow it.
Jobs you can do with it
Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists assess and treat difficulties with speech, language, voice, stuttering and swallowing, helping people of all ages communicate and eat safely.
What else you need
Complete a recognised professional entry-level speech-pathology programme and satisfy current professional certification, placement and employer requirements. This is not an Ahpra registration claim. This catalogue groups awards: verify the chosen provider, programme and intake; the family-level link is not confirmation that every offering is approved.
Median pay$104,200
In demand
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list.
Where you can study this course
There are 16 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.
- Website for Monash University (opens in a new tab)
Monash University
Peninsula, VIC
4.3from 1,955 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 78.25 lowest
- (91.3 median, 2026)
- How you study
- On campus
- Next intake
- Feb 2027
What students like
- Staff are supportive and resolve issues quickly
What to weigh up
- Admin replies can be slow
- Feedback from teaching staff can be limited
- Website for Western Sydney University (opens in a new tab)
Western Sydney University
Campbelltown, NSW
4.2from 1,872 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 70.75 lowest
- (80.5 median, 2023)
- How you study
- On campus
What students like
- Staff are friendly and supportive
- Good academic experience and learning
What to weigh up
- Admin can be slow to respond
- Website for Southern Cross University (opens in a new tab)
Southern Cross University
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, NSW, QLD
3.4from 183 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 70 lowest
- (70 median, 2026)
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
- Fee
- $9,536 a year
- (Government-supported place)
- Course page for Flinders University (opens in a new tab)
Flinders University
5 campuses, SA
4.3from 1,059 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 71.15 lowest
- (77.85 median, 2026)
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Mar 2027
- Website for La Trobe University (opens in a new tab)
La Trobe University
Bendigo, Melbourne, VIC
4.3from 1,101 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 65.3 lowest
- (81.65 median, 2026)
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Feb 2027
What students like
- Lecturers are friendly and supportive
What to weigh up
- Admin and support can be slow to respond
- Some find courses light on practical content
- Website for James Cook University (opens in a new tab)
James Cook University
Townsville, QLD
4.3from 591 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 68 lowest
- (70 median, 2026)
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Feb 2027
- Fee
- $9,720 a year
- (Government-supported place)
What students like
- Staff are friendly and helpful
- Support services and learning resources are useful
Edith Cowan University
Joondalup, WA
4.3from 679 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 74.45 lowest
- (79.45 median, 2026)
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Feb 2027
- Website for University of Southern Queensland (opens in a new tab)
University of Southern Queensland
Ipswich, QLD
4.1from 504 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 69 lowest
- (75.6 median, 2026)
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Feb 2027
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
What you’ll learn
The main topics covered in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology.
- Anatomy and physiology
- Speech and language development
- Swallowing and voice disorders
- Clinical placements
- Working with other health professions
Questions to ask before you enrol
Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.
- When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
- What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
- Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
- Who arranges the work placement, and how many hours does it involve?
- Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?