Hearing and Speech

The Hearing and Speech Major or Minor offers an integrated understanding of the linguistic, psychological, acoustic, neuroscience and anatomical bases of human communication. It provides foundational knowledge for future studies in Speech Pathology (offered as both a bachelor or a master’s degrees) or Clinical Audiology (master’s degree only). The major complements the training of students interested in hearing, speech and human communication. This includes educators, medical and health professionals, counsellors, workers in the disability sector, engineers (bio-, acoustic, or electrical), musicians, and researchers.

Graduates of the Hearing and Speech Major have practical skills in speech and language analysis, hearing screening, and interpersonal communication, including in situations where there might be communication barriers (for example: difficult listening environments, non-native language, impact of ageing, or language disorders). Past students have described this Major as “a tasting platter for all things communication”. Because of the high prevalence of hearing and communication difficulties within the society, the knowledge gained in this Major can be applied broadly.

The Hearing and Speech Major or Minor is available as a second Major or Minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science and their associated double degree combinations. It focuses on normal speech, language and hearing acquisition, development and change across the lifespan, and the underpinning theoretical disciplines.

Options for studying Hearing and Speech

Both the Hearing and Speech major and minor are available as Table S (shared pool) options.

Pathway through the major and minor

The requirements for a major or minor in Hearing and Speech are spread out over three years of the degree (four years if students are completing a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree).

(i) Hearing and Speech Major

To achieve a major in Hearing and Speech, students must complete 48 credit points comprising:

• 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
• 18 credit points of 2000-level core units of study; and
• 18 credit points of 3000-level core units of study.

Major learning outcomes

1. Identify and explain the anatomical and neuroscience bases of human communication and explain the interconnected anatomy, neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology associated with developmental and acquired communication disorders and hearing science.
2. Integrate the psychological and developmental bases of human communication including processes associated with learning, memory and attention across the lifespan.
3. Explain the acoustic bases of spoken communication including source filter theory.
4. Using appropriate digital and associated technologies conduct air and bone conduction audiometry including masking and tympanometry to evaluate the hearing status of adults and children.
5. Interpret audiological results accurately and recommend appropriate hearing technology and (re)habilitation options.
6. Begin to develop disciplinary expertise through analysis of spoken and written language for linguistic and phonetic content.
7. Evaluate the acoustic, work practice and occupational requirements of various environments and influence change through recommending processes and environmental modifications that promote hearing health.
8. Obtain language samples from pre-school children in a culturally sensitive, ethical manner and evaluate their language development.
9. Understand the ethical and legal requirements of working in hearing and speech contexts and begin to develop a professional identity in audiology and/or speech pathology.

A sample pathway for the Hearing and Speech Major (over three years of a degree) is listed below.

Sample pathway – Hearing and Speech Major (48 credit points)

Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete some units in a different sequence to that displayed in the table above.

(ii) Hearing and Speech Minor

To achieve a minor in Hearing and Speech, students must complete 36 credit points comprising:

• 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
• 12 credit points of 2000-level core units of study;
• 6 credit points of 3000-level core units of study; and
• 6 credit points of 2000-level or 3000-level selective units of study.

A sample pathway for the Hearing and Speech minor (over three years of a degree) is listed below.

Sample pathway – Hearing and Speech minor (36 credit points)

Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete some units in a different sequence to that displayed in the table above.

Contact/further information

For further information about the Hearing and Speech major or minor, please contact the Sydney School of Health Sciences.

Email: