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School of Human Communication Sciences

Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Speech Pathology

General Information

  • 4 years full-time (not available part-time)
  • On campus (not available off-campus)
  • VTAC Course Code: 21621
  • Course Contact Hours: The contact hours for the first year of the course are approximately 16 hours per week.
  • Advanced Standing for Previous Tertiary Studies: Applicants who have studied at tertiary level elsewhere, or have relevant studies, may be eligible for some advanced standing. Students should apply for advanced standing after they have been offered a place and have enrolled within the course.

The course demands a high level of English communication skills and students are expected to be able to relate proficiently and spontaneously in a variety of contexts. Performance is assessed in several ways, including written and oral examinations, assignments, multiple choice tests and seminar presentations. Clinical skills are assessed during mandatory clinical placements.

Students who have successfully completed the first 3 years of the course may be invited to participate in the Honours program in their final year of study. To participate, a student must normally have obtained a B-grade average or higher across all second and third year units. Opportunities for postgraduate research studies may then be offered to eligible candidates.

Police Clearance

All students are required to undergo police checks prior to the commencement of any clinical placement. It is the STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to lodge this application. The School of Human Communication Sciences issues the relevant forms to all students well in advance of their clinical placements commencing. These clearances are valid for one year and should be produced on request. Students are required to pay a fee of approximately $13 to obtain police clearance.

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Entrance Requirements

Current VCE Students
  • VCE Units 3 & 4: A study score of at least 30 in English (any), plus a study score of at least 25 in any one of biology, chemistry, mathematics (any), physics or physical education.
  • Middle-band: Relevant employment or work experience (e.g. as a health professional aide) during and/or subsequent to secondary schooling will be considered. All applicants should supply relevant supporting documentation with a verification signature from supervisor on the VTAC Supplementary Information form.
Graduate and Tertiary Transfer Applicants

Applications from graduates and those with incomplete tertiary studies are initially ranked on the basis of their grade point average (GPA) i.e. a score is calculated from tertiary studies which have already been completed, the type of studies undertaken or completed, and other additional relevant information such as work/life experience etc. Highest weighting is placed on an applicant's academic results, with other relevant factors added to the GPA as a bonus. Generally, a B grade (Distinction) average is the 'cut-off' score for consideration.

La Trobe University Transfer Applicants

Currently enrolled La Trobe University students wishing to transfer are not required to apply through VTAC but must submit the Application to Transfer Course form and any additional information directly to the School's Selection Officer by 19th November. Applications from LTU students are assessed at the same time and under the same criteria as the Graduate and Tertiary transfer applicants applying through VTAC.

VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)

Applicants may apply for special entry - all applicants are advised to check the VTAC Guide for further information.

Additional relevant information

All applicants should contact the Selection Officer for further information if their principal language of education instruction was other than English, or if they suspect that they may have a speech, language or hearing problem.

Selection Officer

Further information may be obtained from the Selection Officer on (03) 9479 5815 or fax (03) 9479 1874.

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Application Procedures

Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

All applicants, other than current La Trobe University students, must apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Applicants should check the VTAC Guide carefully for more information and closing dates for submission.

International Applicants

All international applicants must apply through the La Trobe University International Programs Office.

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Program Outline

For full details of the course structure and individual units please refer to the Undergraduate Handbook

A key feature of the program in first year is Problem Based Learning (PBL). Each fortnight students are presented with an actual speech pathology case (via excerpts from client files, audio and/or video tapes). Tutorial group discussions, together with independent follow-up and some formal classes, help students work towards a resolution of these clinical cases.

This program produces speech pathologists with a broad based knowledge of normal development, the functions of the human body, causes and types of communication and swallowing disorders and prevention and treatment strategies for communication and swallowing problems.

The growth of the profession calls for speech pathologists with alert, critical minds and the ability to conduct systematic investigations into human communication problems.

There are four major themes underpinning the degree:

  • Scientific Basis of Speech Pathology
  • Communication, Self and Society
  • Clinical Skills
  • Professional Attitudes and Development

In addition to undertaking clinical experience in each year, students also undertake a broad range of speech pathology units dealing with causes and types of communication and swallowing problems, as well as treatment strategies:

  • Year 1: Normal Communication and Swallowing Processes
  • Year 2: Diagnosis and Treatment of Voice, Speech, Language, Hearing and Swallowing Disorders
  • Year 3: Diagnosis and Treatment of Communication Disorders associated with Stroke, Head Injury, Dementia, Stuttering and Communication Disorders associated with Disability
  • Year 4: Professional practice and project/thesis work
Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is a major component of the program. This is gained both at the La Trobe Communication Clinic on the Bundoora campus and through external clinical placements in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, early childhood centres, private practice and other specialised settings.

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Career Prospects

On successful completion of a La Trobe University Speech Pathology degree, you are a qualified Speech Pathologist and may apply for membership of the Speech Pathology Association of Australia.

Areas of employment include:

  • hospitals
  • rehabilitation centres
  • community health centres
  • schools
  • private practice
  • health promotion
  • teaching and consultancy work in the areas of communication and presentation
  • specialised centres helping people with hearing impairment, cerebral palsy and intellectual disability

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University Fees and Scholarships

Please refer to the La Trobe University Fees and Finance website for full details.

Information about scholarships is available from the La Trobe Scholarships Office.

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Content Approved by: Head of School
Page maintained by: Office Administrator
Last Updated: 5 November, 2009

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