This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.
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Fully accredited by Speech Pathology Australia, this course prepares you for professional practice and research in the fields of communication disability and swallowing disorders. The course focuses on rural and remote health, social justice issues of access and equity, community development and cultural responsiveness.
Through a program of scaffolded learning (foundation, intermediate and graduate-entry levels of practice), you'll build the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required for speech pathology assessment and intervention. You'll also develop your skills in working with individuals, families, communities and fellow professionals in health and education.
This is the first speech pathology degree in Australia that blends the flexibility of online study with compulsory on-campus intensive schools and work-integrated learning to enrich your learning experience. Part-time course delivery means you can combine study with your other commitments, such as part-time employment. Throughout the course, you'll have lots of opportunities to put your learning into practice. You'll attend five compulsory intensive schools across your first two years. Intensive schools are in-depth learning experiences that run for three or four days on campus, where you'll study face-to-face with your lecturers and your fellow students. You will also complete three work-integrated learning experiences: three weeks at our on-campus clinic, and two six-week placements anywhere in Australia.
Our academics and clinical educators are experienced speech pathologists dedicated to teaching, research and active involvement in the speech pathology profession.
This course is professionally accredited by -
Please refer to the Charles Sturt Professional Accreditation resource for specific information and a link to the accreditation body.
Our Master of Speech Pathology prepares you to work professionally as a speech pathologist in a variety of settings. Depending on your interests, you could work with children, older people, or people with disabilities or speech and language impairments. You could also work with actors or singers as a voice coach. Employment opportunities exist in private practice, community health centres, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation units, nursing homes and specialist disability services in Australia and overseas. It's also possible to take on academic and research roles. Speech pathologists are in short supply in rural and regional areas, and 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, introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and a growing awareness of the importance of early intervention. The Australian Government's Job Outlook forecasts very strong employment growth in speech pathology.
For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.
You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.
SPH510 | Communication Development Across The Lifespan | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH511 | Foundations of Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH512 | Assessment and Analysis of Sensory-Motor Skills in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH513 | Assessment and Analysis of Language and Cognition in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH514 | Introduction to Reflective Practice and Clinical Reasoning in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH524 | Issues of Ethics, Access and Equity in Speech Pathology Practice | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH530 | Intervention for Sensory-Motor Impairments in Speech Pathology | 12 credit pts | ||
SPH531 | Intervention for Language and Cognitive Impairments in Speech Pathology | 12 credit pts | ||
SPH505 | Preparation for Speech Pathology Practice | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH515 | Integrating Speech Pathology Competency in the Workplace | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH516 | Planning Practice-Based Research Projects in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH525 | Integrating Competency for Entry Level Practice in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH526 | Practice-Based Research Projects in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH532 | Clinical Reasoning for Integrated Client Care in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH533 | Entry Level Clinical Reasoning for Integrated Client Care in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH534 | Cultural Competency and Community Development as Speech Pathology Practice | 8 credit pts | ||
SPH544 | Transition to Professional Practice in Speech Pathology | 8 credit pts |
As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.
This is an estimate
We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!
They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.
Explore scholarshipsPlease note: You will need to complete the course within seven years to meet Speech Pathology Australia accreditation requirements.
TBA
Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).
View the course profile for this course.
1. Grade Point Average of 4.5
Prospective students must have completed a three-year undergraduate degree or Postgraduate studies in any discipline, with a GPA above 4.5 demonstrating a good level of academic ability through previous studies.
2. Required pre-requisite study
Prospective students are required to have successfully completed study in linguistics and head and neck anatomy, prior to admission to the Master of Speech Pathology.
Applicants who have not met the requirements can complete both SPH101 and BMS224 as Single Subject Studies or enrol in the Undergraduate Certificate in Health Studies in Session 3 through Charles Sturt. Alternatively, applicants can choose to undertake equivalent subjects at another university. Applicants will need to provide transcript and subject outlines detailing the pre-requisite subjects undertaken at another university.
All pre-requisite study must be satisfactorily completed prior to a student being enrolled in the Masters of Speech Pathology. Completion of these subjects at Charles Sturt or similar subjects at another institution does not provide any guarantee of success in gaining admission to the course.
3. Written Assessment
Applicants, with a GPA above 4.5, will need to provide answers to the below questions. Responses will be assessed in accordance with a rubric designed by the Speech Pathology Team.
Influence
Q1: Explain how your degree from Charles Sturt University will enable you to be a positive influence in your community and make a unique contribution to the speech pathology profession (this could include diversification of the workforce, rural and remote practice, etc.). (150 words)
Resilience
Q2: Resilience, supported by good self and time management skills, is an important trait to have in today’s workforce, particularly when balancing social, occupational, study, and/or family commitments. Tell us about a time where you balanced competing demands for your time and showed resilience. (150 words)
Interpersonal and communication skills
Q3: Speech pathology is a profession in which excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Describe an example of when you have demonstrated these skills in your life to support a positive outcome, and why you took the actions you did? (150 words)
A minimum overall Academic IELTS score of 7.0 with no score below a 6.5 in each of the individual skill areas or a qualification deemed equivalent.
Inherent requirements are the academic and other requirements of a course that all students must meet to achieve the course learning outcomes, and the knowledge, abilities, skills and qualities students will need to have in order to achieve them. Please visit our inherent requirements page for more general information about them.
If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.
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We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.
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