Foundations of Speech Pathology unit (CXA761)

Launceston

Introduction

This unit introduces you to the speech pathology role supporting every individual's right to optimal communication and swallowing, and the foundational speech pathology theoretical, clinical reasoning and practice frameworks that will be applied and integrated throughout the Master of Speech Pathology course. The unit develops your contemporary understanding of different types and models of disability, including the principles and obligations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The unit has a focus on communication access, participation and inclusion, including the ethical involvement of people with communication and swallowing needs in research. You will have the opportunity to reflect on and respond to your own personal biases, assumptions and preconceptions of people and populations with communication and swallowing needs.

Summary

Unit name	Foundations of Speech Pathology
Unit code	CXA761
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Health Sciences
Discipline	Health Sciences
Coordinator	Ms Victoria Cordingley
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Launceston	Semester 2

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the scope of speech pathology practice and the speech pathology role, including the provision of speech pathology services, prevention and promotion strategies, and advocacy for people’s rights.
• Analyse different types and models of disabilities and the diversity of impact on individuals, families and communities.
• Explain possible barriers and enablers to the full and effective participation and inclusion of people with communication and swallowing needs.
• Evaluate processes for ethically involving people with communication and swallowing needs throughout research planning, implementation, and dissemination.
• Reflect on own perspectives, assumptions and preconceptions of disability and communication and swallowing needs.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
061707	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Co-requisites

CXA705 Becoming an Allied Health Professional|CXA760 Communication and Swallowing Across the Lifespan

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Webinar (1hr x 10 times), Independent Learning (9hrs x 10 times), Workshop (5hrs x 4 times)
Assessment	Speech Pathology Role (20%)|Case Study (40%)|Written Assignment (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Please refer to your reading list for required readings.
Recommended	Please refer to your reading list for recommended readings.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.