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Department of Linguistics

Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences
Frequently Asked Questions: Future Students

1. What ATAR do I need for the BSpHSc?

The ATAR cutoff for 2011 was 84.90.

2. Can I use bonus points?

Yes, a maximum of 9 bonus points is allowed. You can get up to 5 academic bonus points and up to 4 additional points for the schemes listed below.

  Subject  Result Points
  Biology Band 5 1
  Biology Band 6 2
  English (Advanced) Band 5 2
  English (Advanced) Band 6 3
  English Extension 1 E3 1
  English Extension 1 E4 1
  English Extension 2 E3 1
  English Extension 2 E4 1
  Mathematics Band 5 2
  Mathematics Band 6 3
  Mathematics Extension 1 E3 1
  Mathematics Extension 1 E4 2
  Mathematics Extension 2 E3 1
  Mathematics Extension 2 E4 2

Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers can apply for up to 4 bonus points: see http://www.studentadmin.mq.edu.au/pathways/athletes.html

3. What can I do if I have been disadvantaged in my previous studies?

Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is available for those who have education or social disadvantages or other special circumstances.  Apply through UAC. See http://www.studentadmin.mq.edu.au/pathways/eas.html

4. Can I get extra points if I am from a rural or remote background?

Yes, the number of points is calculated according to your region: see
http://mq.edu.au/future_students/undergraduate/bonus_points/rural_bonus_scheme/

5. What if I don't get a high enough ATAR?

There are other ways to get into the program if your ATAR doesn't reach the cutoff.
We recommended enrolling at MQ as a BA Arts (Linguistics) student (ATAR cutoff 2011 75.05). Once you are an enrolled student it is possible to transfer to BSpHSc after your first semester if you achieve a GPA of 2.5 in 12 credit points (i.e. 4 subjects). For example, two passes and two credits, or one distinction and 3 passes, will give you this GPA.

6. How can I get into Macquarie without an ATAR of 75.05?

  1. If you are a mature age student without an ATAR you can enter via the Jubilee student into the BA Arts (Linguistics)
  2. You can sit for UniTEST if you are a current HSC/IB student and believe you have been disadvantaged in your high school studies ( you must be eligible for EAS): see http://www.studentadmin.mq.edu.au/pathways/uniTest.html
  3. For applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent: see http://www.warawara.mq.edu.au/alt/
  4. You can do specific units via Non-Award studies and transfer in to BA after successful completion http://www.coe.mq.edu.au/nonawd.htm

7. Can I transfer from another university and get course credit?

You can transfer to MQ from another university and apply for credit for previous study. The amount of credit will be determined by MQ. You can then apply for specific exemptions based on your previously completed units.

8. Does it matter what I put for my preferences?

Yes, it is crucial to put MQ BSpHSc as your 1st preference and MQ BA Arts as second preference.
If you put BSpHSc as you 2nd preference but you are offered your first preference you can't take your second preference instead so it's important to put BSpHSc as your 1st preference.

9. Why would I choose MQ over an undergraduate clinical program?

  1. In 5 years you will gain both an undergraduate and a Masters degree. This is increasingly important for clinical practice both in Australian and Internationally.
  2. The BSpHSc degree is incredibly flexible and exciting, with scope for a wide range of electives over and above your major field of study. About 30% of your degree is made up of electives to increase your breadth of knowledge and involvement.
  3. People, planet and participation units are part of the MQ experience.
  4. Study Abroad is available to all students.
  5. Scope to move from speech to audiology if you are uncertain about your career path.
  6. Also scope to move into speech research, technology or other speech science based field if you decide that you are not clinically oriented.
  7. You will be taught by internationally recognised experts in a wide range of fields supported by state of the art facilities and infrastructure.
  8. Amazing, beautiful campus, incredibly state-of-the-art library, Macquarie University hospital on campus, Hearing Hub
  9. Macquarie University Speech Hearing and Linguistic Society (MUSHLS) is an amazing student mentoring group which provides peer support to our undergraduate and postgraduate students.