Macquarie University
3 years full-time (or equivalent part-time)
Australia's only integrated undergraduate speech and hearing sciences degree that combines cutting-edge research facilities with practical clinical experience. Ideal for students passionate about helping others communicate, this program prepares you for diverse careers in audiology, speech pathology, linguistics, and speech technology.
Applicants must achieve a selection rank of 80 (combining ATAR or equivalent with any applicable adjustment factors). You need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component). Macquarie offers multiple entry pathways including early entry schemes, recognition of prior learning for TAFE/college/university qualifications, and portfolio-based entry for applicants with work and life experience. No specific assumed knowledge or recommended prior studies are required.
The degree comprises 240 credit points structured around core and flexible zones. Core units include foundational studies in human structure and function, evidence-based practice, linguistics, psychology, and professional practice. Specialized speech and hearing science units cover phonetics, phonology, sound and hearing, speech production, hearing science, speech perception, communication disorders across the lifespan, and speech acoustics. Students also study language acquisition, psycholinguistics, syntax, semantics, and Australia's Indigenous languages. A capstone unit integrates learning across the degree, and students complete a 50-hour work-integrated learning placement in clinical settings, research facilities, reading clinics, or community organisations.
Macquarie University is ranked #1 in Sydney for undergraduate teaching quality in health and facilities/resources (QILT 2023-2024), and #29 in the world for linguistics (QS Rankings 2026). The university offers world-leading research infrastructure including a phonetics lab and anechoic chamber, and connects students with industry leaders such as Cochlear and NextSense. Faculty members are clinically active lecturers and researchers, ensuring students receive current, practical insights. The program is uniquely integrated as Australia's only undergraduate speech and hearing sciences degree.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths including clinical roles as audiologists and speech pathologists (with further study), research positions in speech and hearing sciences, and technology development in speech recognition. Career opportunities extend to clinical administration and management, health policy planning, TESOL practice, forensic linguistics, language revitalisation in Indigenous communities, and language support for multicultural communities. Employers include aged care facilities, hospitals, health organisations, government agencies, disability support organisations, and private health sectors. The degree also prepares students for postgraduate study in audiology, speech pathology, linguistics, TESOL, editing and publishing, and speech and hearing research.