Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying)

Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying) is a 2-year full-time program designed to prepare culturally appropriate practitioners with expertise in evidence-based and reflective practice. It includes approximately 760 hours of professional practice and focuses on ethical and professional communication and behaviours.

Key details

Degree Type

Masters (Coursework)

Duration

2 semesters full-time

Course Code

5179

Study Mode

In person

Intake Months

Jul

About this course

Overview

Are you a person who wants to make a career helping others be the best they can be? Do you dream of joining a profession that bases its decisions on scientific evidence and makes exciting therapeutic advancements daily? In our Master of Speech Pathology program, you explore every avenue of Speech Therapy practice in your on-campus studies and approximately 760 hours of professional practice (practicum).

The University of Notre Dame Australia's Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying) is a 2-year full-time program that prepares you to become an effective, culturally appropriate practitioner focusing on the Speech Pathologist-client relationship as part of collaborative multi-disciplinary practice. This program includes key Speech Pathology-specific courses and practice placement experiences meaning you are work-ready upon completion of the degree. There is an advanced and integrated focus on ethical and professional communication and behaviours.

Graduates of this program will have expertise in evidence-based and reflective practice fostering autonomous, adaptable practitioners who will be well prepared to meet the challenges of current and future health provision across diverse practice settings. This program has been purposely designed to meet the Accreditation Standards (2022) of Speech Pathology Australia.

You will develop assessment and intervention skills in laboratories, simulated learning environments and exposure to clients in Speech Therapy practices, schools, hospitals or community health settings in urban and rural locations.

The program also strongly focuses on evidence-based and reflective practice ensuring graduates will be well prepared to meet the challenges of current and future education and health provision across the many practice areas in which Speech Pathologists are employed.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University's minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University's Policy: Admissions.

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying) applicants must also meet the following specific requirements:

A Bachelor of Health (or Health Science) with a minimum GPA of 2.5; OR
Any Bachelor degree in another related field with a minimum GPA of 2.5
Any inherent requirements or components (such as evidence of performance capability in a particular field of study) that need to be met to ensure that the academic requirements and integrity of a Program or Course are maintained.
An alternative pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants is applicable for this award

English language requirements

English language proficiency requirements apply to this Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying) program.

Students must provide a signed declaration that English is their primary language; Or
Have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests:

Speech Pathology Australia (as per English Language Testings) requires a "superior" level of English.
On the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test, applicants must complete the test in-person and achieve:

Two sub-band scores of 8.5 or above
Two sub-band scores of 7.5 or above
An overall score of 8.0 or higher.
You must achieve the IELTS requirements before submitting your application.
Test results will be accepted if they were obtained within two years before the date you lodge your application.
IELTS results must be available through the IELTS website on the date of your application.
Test results must be achieved in one test sitting; or combined scores from two test sittings within a six-month period; or from an IELTS One Skill Retake test.

On the Occupational English test requirements (OET) at least two subtest results in the Band 450 - 500 and two subtest results in the Band 400 - 500.

The results must be no more than 2 years old at the date of submission.
Test results to be accepted from one or maximum of two test sittings in a six month period only if the applicant is tested on all four components in the first sitting and one to four components in the second sitting. Therefore, applicants can undertake a partial resit on the second sitting
Combined scores from two testing sittings within a six month period are accepted

Study locations

Sydney

What you will learn

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying) graduates will be able to:

Apply advanced verbal and written communication skills with clients, families, carers, and service providers
Practice professional and ethical behaviour, demonstrating respect and sensitivity to clients with diverse social, cultural, and spiritual beliefs
Autonomously apply critical reflection and advanced judgement to identify limitations in knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to plan and implement lifelong learning strategies
Synthesise complex information when accessing, and integrating best available evidence as it relates to speech therapy practice
Apply comprehensive knowledge and skills to practice safe, effective entry-level speech therapy across the lifespan and in a range of interprofessional contexts and diverse settings
Employ critical analysis and advanced judgement to formulate and conduct effective, efficient, and adaptable speech therapy practice
Develop and communicate speech therapy-based health promotion and collaborative management strategies to empower clients to participate in healthcare decisions and behaviours
Contribute to healthcare delivery through culturally safe, effective inter-professional communication, advocacy, and practice

Career pathways

Speech pathologists work with people of all ages. They help individuals who have trouble understanding and talking with others, which may include with reading, spelling and using technology or other ways to communicate. Speech pathologists also help people who have trouble swallowing, which can make eating and drinking difficult.

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public education, health, disability and community sectors. Career opportunities are available in a range of fields including:

Speech therapy practices
Kindergartens and schools
Hospitals or community health settings
Government agencies
Not for profit organisations
The justice system
Rehabilitation providers
Universities
People's homes in both urban and rural locations

Course structure

Program summaryYear One

Evidence Based Practice
Foundations for Speech Pathology Practice
Anatomy and Physiology for Speech Pathology
Neurobases of Communication
The Silent History
Clinical Methods in Speech and Language
Speech Pathology across the Lifespan I
Practice Education I and Practitioner Preparation

Year Two

Psychosocial Determinants of Health
Speech Pathology across the Lifespan II
Core elements of Speech Pathology I
Practice Education II
Ethical Issues in Professional Life
Core elements of Speech Pathology II
Practice Education III, Practitioner Development, and Professional Issues
Complex Issues in Speech Pathology and Practice Education IV

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