Major

Communication is central to human interactions. The Hearing, Speech and Communication major focuses on speech, language and hearing acquisition, and ways in which human communication develops and can be disrupted over the lifespan.

About this major

The Hearing, Speech and Communication major offers an integrated understanding of the linguistic, psychological, acoustic, neurological and anatomical bases of human communication.

It provides a strong foundation for further studies in Speech Pathology (offered as both a bachelor or a master’s degrees) or Clinical Audiology (master’s degree only). It also complements the training of students in medical and health professions, education, linguistics, counselling, engineering, music and any students interested in hearing, speech and communication. 

Students enrolled in this major complete an introductory unit about speech pathology, as well as units in speech science, linguistics and phonetics, audiology, neuroscience for communication, supporting communication, as well as an industry or community project.

We also offer a minor in Hearing, Speech and Communication (36 credit points), refer to the Handbook for Interdisciplinary Studies, under Table S (shared pool) options. 

Note: Please refer to the 2026 handbook for new curriculum.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates with a Hearing, Speech and Communication major have a strong foundation for further studies across health and education professions, including postgraduate studies in Speech Pathology or Audiology.

Graduates may also consider work in the disability support sector, aged care, technical writing in medicine and health, research, TESOL, and in special education roles.

Career pathways
Courses that offer this major

To commence study in the year

The course information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.