University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The program combines core theoretical subjects, clinical skill development and supervised placements. Early years build foundations in anatomy and physiology of the speech, hearing and swallowing systems, phonetics, language development, typical and atypical communication, and basic clinical practice. Middle years progress to specialist topics such as paediatric speech and language disorders, adult neurogenic communication disorders (including aphasia and motor speech disorders), voice and resonance, fluency (stuttering), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and dysphagia assessment and management.

Throughout the degree you will learn clinical assessment and intervention techniques, evidence‑based practice and professional ethics. The honours year includes a structured research component: a substantive research project supervised by faculty and advanced coursework in research methods and critical appraisal. Multiple blocks of supervised clinical placements in schools, hospitals, community health and private practice are embedded across the program to develop competence for entry to professional practice.

Entry requirements

• Successful completion of secondary school with a competitive tertiary selection rank (or recognised equivalent). Applicants must meet the University’s English language competency requirement.
• Some applicants enter via university foundation or pathway programs, or via recognised prior tertiary study; domestic and international entry routes are available.
• Selection may consider additional factors such as statements of purpose or interviews; applicants should check the University’s admissions advice for current selection processes.
• Offer conditions for clinical placement include meeting mandatory health and safety requirements such as immunisations, a Police check, and working with children checks where relevant.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible for professional membership and accreditation pathways through the national profession and can work as registered speech pathologists. Typical employment settings include public and private hospitals, community and allied health centres, early childhood and school settings, private practice, rehabilitation services and residential aged care. Graduates also work in specialist roles such as early intervention, voice clinics, stuttering services, and assistive technology/AAC provision.

With honours and research experience, graduates have pathways into clinical research, doctoral study and academic roles, or into leadership and policy positions within health services, education departments and non‑government organisations. Increasing use of telepractice means speech pathologists also provide remote assessment and intervention services.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers research‑informed teaching in speech pathology with strong links to clinical services across the state, providing a breadth of placement opportunities in paediatric, adult and specialist settings. The program emphasises hands‑on learning through supervised clinical practice, simulation facilities and interprofessional education with allied health disciplines.

Students benefit from academic staff who are active researchers in areas such as language development, neurogenic communication disorders, dysphagia and communication technologies, supporting honours research projects and postgraduate pathways. The University also provides student support services for placement logistics, career guidance and academic skills to help transition to professional practice.