Speech Pathology

Postgraduate Coordinator (MSLP): Associate Professor Kirrie Ballard
Postgraduate Coordinator (Research Programs): Associate Professor Leanne Togher

T: +61 2 9351 9161
future.ask.sydney.edu.au

The faculty has one of the largest programs in the discipline of speech language pathology in Australia. Together expert academics and clinical staff offer a mentored and stimulating learning environment and research opportunities that are supported by the extensive facilities and resources.

Programs of study

Coursework programs

Master of Speech Language Pathology (MSLP) is a professional-entry coursework program that qualifies students to practise as speech pathologists.

The MSLP is available as a full time (two years) or part time (four years) program. Students must hold a PhD, master's or bachelor's degree to apply for entry into the MSLP. Enrolling students should note that the course requirements are spread across approximately 48 weeks of the year. Students intending to enrol part time should be aware that the requirements for clinical placement means that they need to be able to attend block placements when they are available. Students enrolling full time should be prepared to undertake a demanding course. The course is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia.

Research degrees

See Chapter 19 for information on the research degrees offered by the faculty in relation to speech pathology.

Master of Speech Language Pathology

This program has been designed for graduates with a PhD, Master's or bachelor€™s degree in a relevant area. The curriculum is designed to enable students to learn in a way that resembles the clinical practice of speech pathology. Case-based learning and clinical placements help students acquire the skills necessary to qualify and practise as speech pathologists in Australia.

Speech pathologists work with children and adults with communication difficulties. These communication difficulties include problems with speaking, understanding what people say, reading, writing, voice problems and stuttering. Speech pathologists also work with children and adults who have swallowing difficulties or need alternative ways to communicate.

Admission requirements

Applicants for the graduate speech pathology program must comply with the entry criteria set out in the course resolutions in order to be considerated for entry to the program.

Curriculum structure

The curriculum is designed around the competency requirements for speech pathology professional practice. The curriculum incorporates 18 compulsory units of study. These units will provide students with the competencies expected of a beginning practitioner in speech pathology.

Course outline

This course enables students with requisite knowledge and skills from their previous studies to undertake study in speech pathology. The course will build on their existing knowledge. The course is comprised of 96 credit points and is structured around four academic blocks and four clinical blocks. The clinical blocks may occur outside normal semester times. The academic program will require all students (including part-time students) to attend in orientation week and for 13 teaching weeks in each semester and sometimes outside these semester periods.

The course outline for the Master of Speech Language Pathology is presented in Table 18.1. See Chapter 20 for unit descriptions and a list of faculty and research electives.

Table 18.1: Master of Speech Language Pathology (Pass)

Master of Speech Language Pathology (Honours)

(Not available to students commencing after 2010)

At the end of Year 1 (48 credit points) students with academic performance that meets the criteria are invited to apply for the master's honours program. The Master of Speech Language Pathology honours degree is undertaken by coursework and a research dissertation. To be eligible for admission to this degree students must already be enrolled in the Master of Speech Language Pathology and have achieved at least a weighted average mark of 70 per cent in Year 1 coursework. In the honours degree the research dissertation replaces 15 credit points of coursework.

To be awarded honours, students must achieve at least a weighted average grade of 70 per cent or above in all coursework, and must successfully complete a research dissertation of equivalent standard. Should a student fail to achieve the overall weighted average mark of 70 per cent for coursework units of study, s/he may complete the dissertation but will not be awarded an honours degree. There is a single grade of honours. Enrolment for the honours dissertation is a minimum of two semesters. Re-enrolment will be necessary if the dissertation cannot be submitted within that time frame.

Course outline

The course outline for the Master of Speech Language Pathology (Honours) is presented in Table 18.1.1. See Chapter 20 for unit descriptions and a list of faculty and research electives.

Table 18.1.1: Master of Speech Language Pathology (Honours)