Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) (BSpPath(Hons))

Program Code
HSPPA

Program Faculty
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Academic Year
2023

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) is designed to develop the knowledge and practice-based skills required for entry-level speech pathologists, through coursework simulated learning experiences within the classroom, and practice-based placements in a range of speech pathology settings.  The four year program develops knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat people with communication  and swallowing difficulties, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering, voice and supporting safe eating and drinking.  The program will support students development as lifelong reflective learners who demonstrate evidence-based and collaborative speech pathology practices.

Students will have the opportunity to apply their learning in professional practice settings, by completing placements under the supervision of qualified, practicing speech pathologists.

Throughout the program, students will undertake up to 800 hours of placement in a variety of settings including health, education, community, disability and aged care sectors. 

Students will enter one of two streams in third year: Research or Industry.  Students in the Industry Stream will focus on an industry related project, while students in the Research Stream will undertake an individual research project, under supervision.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible for membership with Speech Pathology Australia.

The Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) is an AQF Level 8 qualification with a standard duration of four years full-time or part-time equivalent.

Conditions

Conditions of enrolment
Clinical Deed Poll: The University of Adelaide and the Minister for Health have a clinical placement agreement in place which allows the University to request clinical placements in SA Health facilities. As part of this agreement students are required to complete a deed poll. A deed poll is an agreement between the student and SA Health to ensure patient information is treated with confidentiality and that the student has met the required clearances. By signing a deed poll students understand their obligations and agree to comply with the relevant state legislation. See https://health.adelaide.edu.au/study-with-us/student-support/clinical-placements

Criminal History Clearance: Students who undertake clinical placements, internships or research projects involving children or people who are ill, elderly or vulnerable are now required to demonstrate clearance by producing either a Working with Children (WWCC) or Criminal History Clearance obtained through the Department of Human Services (DHS). International students are required to obtain a certificate from their home country. All students studying a clinical-based program will be required to demonstrate a satisfactory criminal history clearance and maintain an up to date National Police check throughout their study. 

Immunisation: Students undertaking professional placements are required to demonstrate the appropriate level of immunisation requested by the placement provider. 

Students are required to have the appropriate level of immunisation required by the Immunisation for Health Care Workers in South Australia Policy Directive for tuberculosis (TB) screening and criminal history clearances (CHC), Prescribed Communicable Infections (PCI) screening, including recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

Failure to comply with the immunisation requirements will prevent students from attending their professional placement(s). Immunisation records are requested by placement providers and it is a student's responsibility to acquire their immunisation record and take it with them to all professional placements.

Tuberculosis Clearance: Students who undertake clinical placements, internships or research projects involving children or people who are ill, elderly or vulnerable are required to demonstrate tuberculosis (TB) clearance through obtaining a TB Screening Notification from SA Tuberculosis Services. 

Inherent requirements: Students are required to acknowledge their understanding of the University of Adelaide Speech Pathology programs inherent requirements. See https://health.adelaide.edu.au/study-with-us/allied-health/speech-pathology-inherent-requirements

Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Program Coordinator or Delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedure in place at the time.

Uniform: During clinical placements students are required to comply with professional dress standards.

Academic Program Rules for Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)

There shall be a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours).

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours), the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 96 units, comprising:

  1. Core courses to the value of 93 units
  2. Elective courses to the value of 3 units
The Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) comprises of two options:

Option # 1 Industry Honours Stream
1. Core courses to the value of 45 units
2. Elective courses to the value of 3 units
3. Industry Honours Core courses to the value of 48 units

Option # 2 Research Honours Stream*
1. Core courses to the value of 45 units
2. Elective courses to the value of 3 units
3. Research Honours Core courses to the value of 48 units

*Entry into the Research stream will be based on academic merit

Work Based Training / Extra Mural Activities

Students must complete practice placements to the value of approximately 800 hours.
 
Students will be required to attend placement experiences that may take place outside the standard academic year and traditional working hours. This will require attendance at metropolitan, rural, interstate and / or possibly remote locations. Students are expected to travel to and from practice placements.
 

Core Courses

Electives