Course overview
Speech pathologists help people of all ages who have trouble communicating with others or difficulty drinking and eating safely.
As a speech pathologist, you may help children develop speech, language and literacy, provide feeding advice to parents of a baby born with cleft palate, use technology to enable communication, and support adults after a stroke, traumatic brain injury or onset of illness. You will work alongside other health and education professionals in hospitals and communities.
In this course, you’ll develop your knowledge of typical and atypical speech and language development, along with the mechanisms underlying acute and chronic conditions that can impair swallowing and communication. You’ll also learn clinical reasoning and practical skills, applying them to diverse cases.
You’ll graduate with the expertise and confidence to begin your career as a speech pathologist.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Speech pathologist
Industries
- Education and training
- Healthcare
- Public administration and safety
- Social assistance
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia.
Why study at Curtin?
Highly ranked course
Of WA's public universities, we rank first for graduate salary and equal first for full-time employment for undergraduate rehabilitation. (Good Universities Guide 2026)
Work experience
You’ll gain the practical, job-ready skills you need to work in this field, including learning clinical practice skills in Curtin’s on-campus clinic and work placements or fieldwork.
Accredited course
This course is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia.
Hear from our students
"I chose to study speech pathology after attending work experience at a local hospital and watching speech pathologists work with clients. I really enjoyed my Speech Pathology course. It provided me with clinical skills and knowledge as well as authentic work experience with clients. These skills and experiences are helping me achieve my career goals of providing person-centred services and high-quality care for clients."
Varini Nair
Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) (Honours)
Your student experience
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Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
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Course structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll study communication science units and interprofessional course units with students from other health science disciplines.
Years 2–3
You’ll then delve into key practice areas, building the skills and knowledge needed to assess, diagnose and manage a range of client cases.
As your skills mature, you’ll apply them during supervised clinical placements in our on-campus clinics and various community settings. This includes opportunities for rural, remote and international fieldwork experiences.
Year 4
In your final year, you will complete supervised clinical placements while undertaking an individual research or collaborative professional honours project.
This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria:
- course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway
- any course-specific requirements
- English language requirement.
Minimum ATAR entry required
This course requires you to achieve a minimum ATAR/selection rank to be considered for entry, but does not guarantee selection.
Entry pathways
There are different ways to meet our academic entry requirements. Choose the option that best suits the highest level of education that you’ve achieved.
Curious how students entered this course? See the entry pathways other students have taken.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances.
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Special consideration
If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2025 Domestic indicative fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
*The indicative first-year fee is based on a standard full-time study load of 200 credit points.
This fee is a guide only. Your total fee may vary depending on the units you choose, your study load or if your course includes additional requirements. For more information on fees, see other fees and charges.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
I’m in year 12 or applying for Medicine
If you’re in year 12 or recently finished high school, you’ll need to apply through TISC.
You’ll apply through TISC no matter what you studied in high school, whether that was:
- ATAR
- General subjects
- Certificate IV
- or completing UniReady in Schools program.
TISC has different application dates to Curtin. Visit the TISC website for all important dates, including application deadlines.
I have finished high school
If you’re not a current year 12 student or recent graduate, you’re considered a non school leaver and you’ll apply directly to Curtin.
The only exception is Medicine, which must be applied for through TISC.
You’ll apply directly to Curtin if you are:
- a high school graduate who finished school last year or earlier
- transferring from another university
- returning to study or using your professional experience to qualify
- progressing from a VET or TAFE qualification or bridging program
- a current Curtin student changing courses or campuses.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
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