University of Canberra
Master of Speech Pathology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Develop the clinical, research and evidence-based skills to assess and manage speech, language, communication and swallowing needs across diverse populations and practice settings.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Master of Speech Pathology prepares graduates to enter the speech pathology profession with the knowledge, research skills and clinical capabilities required to support people with communication and swallowing difficulties across the lifespan.
You will explore communication science, speech and language disorders, dysphagia, paediatric language and literacy, aphasia and cognitive communication disorders. You’ll also examine culturally and socially appropriate practice, Indigenous health and the research methods used to inform evidence-based speech pathology services.
Clinical learning is an integral part of the course, combining experiential simulations with compulsory professional practice. Placements are undertaken across health and education settings, including opportunities in regional and remote locations, and are completed on a full-time basis of four days per week during placement periods.
The 48-credit-point course is studied at Bruce, Canberra and can be completed in two years full-time or the part-time equivalent. The Master of Speech Pathology is fully accredited by Speech Pathology Australia and develops the entry-level competencies required for professional speech pathology practice.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
$1,235 (CSP)
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
- Epidemiology and Principles of Research
- Foundations of Communication Science
- Principles of Dysphagia
- Specialist Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan
- Professional Practice 1
- Diversity in Communication
- Professional Practice 2
- Speech Disorders Across the Life Span
- Paediatric Language and Literacy
- Aphasia and Cognitive Communication Disorders
- Special Topics in Speech Pathology
- Advanced Professional Practice
- Indigenous Health: Contemporary Issues
- Speech Pathology 1
- Speech Pathology 2
Entry requirements
A completed bachelor's degree or postgraduate degree in any discipline with a credit average or higher.
Before undertaking any clinical placement, students will be required to:
- Undertake a National Police Check
- Obtain a Working with Vulnerable People registration
- Provide your immunisation history
- Hold qualifications in both First Aid and CPR.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
There are no formal credit transfer arrangements for this course
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 indicative full-course fee in 2027: $73,000 (Domestic full-fee paying place)
- Indicative fee per unit: $4,562.50
- Indicative fee per annum: $36,500
- Indicative full-course fee: $73,000
The indicative full-course fee is based on the standard 48 credit point (16 unit) course structure completed over two years.
Student fees may vary depending on:
- The number and type of units studied.
- Credit received for previous study.
- Annual changes to tuition fees.
You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees are subject to change. Contact the University of Canberra directly to confirm current fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government.
Average indicative full-course student contribution in 2027: From $19,138 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
CSP student contributions are calculated per unit according to the discipline area and EFTSL of each unit. UC’s 2027 rates are $613 per standard Band 1 unit and $1,235 per standard Band 2 unit.
Eligible Commonwealth supported students may be able to use HECS-HELP to defer payment of their student contribution amount.
