Master of Speech Pathology

What is this course about?

CSU's Master of Speech Pathology provides a flexible study pathway for students with an undergraduate qualification in another discipline, who wish to become qualified speech pathologists.

There is a growing need for speech pathology services in Australia as a result of the nation's ageing population, increased incidence of chronic disease and a growing awareness of the importance of early intervention. This course is Australia's only speech pathology program at Master level that offers the flexibility to study part-time and by distance education. Students with an undergraduate qualification in another discipline can continue working in their existing career while studying for a career change with CSU's Master of Speech Pathology.

Workplace learning

During the Master of Speech Pathology, you will gain practical experience through workplace learning opportunities in speech pathology settings. Some subjects also include residential schools of four days, where you will complete intensive learning on campus.

More about workplace learning

Course structure

CSU's Master of Speech Pathology places a strong emphasis on core speech pathology skills, research, workplace learning, family and community engagement, and the development of reflective practice. Students will study introductory subjects within the first year of the course, then extend their knowledge of assessment and intervention, and provide opportunities for practical experiences and clinical reasoning with a range of typical and complex clients.

Students may choose to exit this degree after two years of part-time study (eight subjects) with the Graduate Diploma of Speech and Language.

More about the course structure

Career opportunities

This course enables students with an undergraduate qualification in another discipline, such as teaching, early childhood education or nursing, to gain the necessary qualifications and experience to work as a speech pathologist.

Speech pathologists may work in settings such as schools, community health centres, hospitals, rehabilitation units, nursing homes, private practice and specialist disability services, as well as academic or research roles. 

Clients may include children with speech difficulties, people with disabilities, people who stutter, adults who have had strokes or head injuries, singers and actors who need help using their voices, or elderly people with dementia.

This course has been developed to meet the requirements for accreditation with Speech Pathology Australia. Final accreditation is not available until the first cohort of students has graduated.

Workplace learning

Workplace learning will enable you to apply knowledge acquired through your studies to the assessment and management of communication and/or swallowing difficulties in children and adults. Workplace learning may occur across a range of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health clinics, schools and disability organisations. You will work under the supervision of practising speech pathologists to develop and demonstrate skills in accordance with Speech Pathology Australia's Competency Based Occupational Standards (2011). You will also undertake community or professional consultation with stakeholders to develop and carry out a research project that responds to their needs.

Some subjects also include residential schools of two to four days, where you will attend campus to develop and demonstrate skills in areas like assessment of speech, voice, fluency, swallowing, language and cognition, or the implementation of intervention strategies. These residential schools allow you to meet other students and teaching staff face-to-face, ask questions and share experiences while developing clinical skills.

Costs associated with attending workplace learning experiences and residential schools, such as travel, accommodation and meals, are the responsibility of the student.

Admission requirements

Applicants for this course should hold a three-year undergraduate degree in any discipline. It is also assumed students will have an understanding of linguistics and head and neck anatomy. Linguistics knowledge must include phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax at a level equivalent to a first-year undergraduate subject. Head and neck anatomy knowledge must include understanding of the structures and functions involved in communication and swallowing. Students without the appropriate knowledge in these areas may be able to enrol in bridging subjects prior to commencing the Master of Speech Pathology.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

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This course is available to commence study in

Session 1