University of Canberra
Master of Speech Pathology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Explore the science relating to speech, language and swallowing, while studying client issues and exploring service delivery models as well as treatment and management strategies.
Course overview
This full-time two-year course will extend your research skills by examining a wide range of communication issues and show you how to apply theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice to the assessment, treatment and management of these disorders.
The UC Master of Speech Pathology course is your chance to become a part of a new breed of researcher-practitioners who are committed to making a difference in others’ lives, irrespective of age, disability, illness, cultural, linguistic or social backgrounds.
Study a Master of Speech Pathology at UC and you will:
- Attain entry-level speech pathology competencies across a range of practice areas.
- Deliver culturally and socially appropriate speech pathology services.
- Communicate and work effectively with diverse partners in health, education and the community.
- Critique, synthesise and apply evidence from research and consumer perspectives to inform speech pathology practice.
- Critically evaluate information required for effective service delivery.
- Develop in-depth research skills and be recognised as a competent researcher-practitioner.
- Be able to participate, collaborate and contribute to policy development and industry knowledge.
- Contribute to building stronger research evidence for clinical and life outcomes.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the social issues of speech pathology and how it relates to different age, linguistic and cultural demographics.
Key facts
15th February, 2027
14th February, 2028
What you will study
To earn the Master of Speech Pathology, students must complete 48 credit points, equivalent to 16 units. Each unit is worth three credit points.
Required
Students must pass 48 credit points as follows:
- Research Planning
- Research Project in Health
- Epidemiology and Principles of Research
- Foundations of Communication Science
- Principles of Dysphagia
- Clinical Speech Pathology 1
- Specialist Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan
- Clinical Speech Pathology 2
- Professional Practice 1
- Diversity in Communication
- Professional Practice 2
- Speech Disorders Across the Lifespan
- Paediatric Language and Literacy
- Aphasia and Cognitive Communication Disorders
- Special Topics in Speech Pathology
- Advanced Professional Practice
Entry requirements
A completed bachelor's degree or postgraduate degree in any discipline with a credit average or higher.
Applicants without a degree but with a combination of pre-tertiary qualifications and work experience or professional membership (Equivalent Graduate Status) may apply.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 8.0, with no band score below 8.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course, please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Note: This English language requirement applies to 2027 entry and beyond.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previous studies or professional work experience that is relevant to your intended field of study at UC, you can gain credit towards your degree. This reduces the number of units you must take to complete your course, meaning you could finish your studies sooner and save money too.
For more information, please get in touch with the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate readiness to enter the speech profession across a range of contexts.
- Deliver culturally and socially appropriate services.
- Work and communicate effectively with diverse partners in health, education and the community.
- Critique, synthesise and apply evidence from research and consumer perspectives to inform speech pathology practices.
- Evaluate information from multiple sources to identify and propose solutions to complex health problems.
- Recognise the social implications of speech pathology and its relationship to different age, cultural and linguistic demographics.
Career outcomes
Taking this course will give you the knowledge and credentials to be able to lead, work, educate, guide and influence change in policies and procedural activities in the following areas:
- Private and public hospitals
- Rehabilitation centres
- Aged care facilities
- Community health clinics
- Schools and disability organisations
- Private practices
Fees and CSP
Average full-course fee in 2026: From $19,072 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Domestic full-fee paying place in 2026:
- Fee per unit: $4,375
- Fee per annum: $35,000
- Full-course fee: $70,000
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
