Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying)

School of Health Sciences

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).

• Why study this degree?

  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.

• Program summary

  Year 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

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• 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

• Learning outcomes

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

  1. Apply advanced verbal and written communication skills with clients, families, carers, and service providers
  2. Practice professional and ethical behaviour, demonstrating respect and sensitivity to clients with diverse social, cultural, and spiritual beliefs
  3. Autonomously apply critical reflection and advanced judgement to identify limitations in knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to plan and implement lifelong learning strategies
  4. Synthesise complex information when accessing, and integrating best available evidence as it relates to speech therapy practice
  5. 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
  6. Employ critical analysis and advanced judgement to formulate and conduct effective, efficient, and adaptable speech therapy practice
  7. Develop and communicate speech therapy-based health promotion and collaborative management strategies to empower clients to participate in healthcare decisions and behaviours
  8. Contribute to healthcare delivery through culturally safe, effective inter-professional communication, advocacy, and practice

• Practical component

  The program has an embedded approximate 760 hours of practical, professional work experience. This will be undertaken across a range of settings and is carefully selected by our dedicated practicum team within the School of Health Sciences.

  The following courses are specific to professional practice placement experiences:

  • SPCH5005 Practice Education I and Practitioner Preparation
  • SPCH6002 Practice Education II
  • SPCH6004 Practice Education III, Practitioner Development, and Professional Issues
  • SPCH6005 Complex Issues in Speech Pathology Practice II and Practice Education IV

• Career opportunities

  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

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Professional accreditation

  The Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying) program is currently pending accreditation by Speech Pathology Australia under the 'Qualifying' classification. During this qualifying period, graduate cohorts are ineligible for certified practising membership of Speech Pathology Australia. ‘Conditional’ accreditation is awarded when UNDA's Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying) achieves accreditation for the first time.

  The Master of Speech Pathology (Qualifying) is undergoing professional accreditation by Speech Pathology Australia.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

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