Master of Speech and Language Therapy – MSpchLangTher

The Master of Speech and Language Therapy provides qualified speech-language therapists with opportunities for advanced clinical and theoretical study. This qualification will give you expertise in core areas such as evidence-based practice and research methods. You can also follow your interests in specialist areas that reflect your individual passions and/or client caseloads.

Type of Qualification

• Master's degree
• Postgraduate study
• NZQF level 9

Time to Complete

• 1 year 6 months full-time (180 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Auckland campus
• Distance and online

International Students

• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Note

This research degree is for qualified speech-language therapists. It is not an entry-to-practice qualification. Students interested in studying to practice as a speech-language therapist should apply for the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy (with Honours).

Study a Master of Speech and Language Therapy – MSpchLangTher

Massey’s Master of Speech and Language Therapy provides qualified speech-language therapists with opportunities for advanced clinical and theoretical study. You’ll develop research skills that will prepare you to use and add to the knowledge base in speech and language therapy.

Relevant to Your Working Life

This qualification will give you expertise in core areas such as evidence-based practice and research methods. You can also follow your interests in specialist areas that reflect your individual passions and/or client caseloads.

Get Support Every Step of the Way

We tailor assignments and thesis topics to your interests. We also pair you with an academic mentor who has expertise in your subject area.

Study Your Way

Our qualification is very flexible. There are options for studying full-time or part-time. You can also complete the qualification through distance learning.

Academic Progression

If you have a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy (Honours) degree or equivalent, with at least a B grade average, you are eligible to reduce the amount of coursework required by 60-credits. This means you can advance directly into the thesis component of the degree.

Further Study

This qualification provides a strong foundation for entry into a PhD.

A MSpchLangTher is a Good Fit if You

• want to further your speech and language therapy career
• wish to become a specialist in your area
• have a research project or inquiry you want to pursue

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific Requirements

To enter the Master of Speech and Language Therapy you will:

• have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent having achieved at least a B grade average, or
• have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy (Honours) or equivalent having achieved at least a B grade average

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English Language Requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

International Students

Please note that successfully completing the Master of Speech and Language Therapy does not ensure employment as a speech-language therapist in New Zealand. If you completed your undergraduate qualification outside of New Zealand, then you will need to have that qualification assessed and approved by the New Zealand Speech and Language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) before you can enter the profession in New Zealand.

Structure of the Master of Speech and Language Therapy

The Master of Speech and Language Therapy is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.

You must achieve a B grade average in the Part One courses in order to progress to Part Two.

If you have a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy (Honours) degree or equivalent, with at least a B grade average, you’ll be eligible to be granted 60 credits of recognition of prior learning and to reduce the amount of coursework required by 60-credits. In the research pathway, you’ll complete a 120-credit thesis. The professional pathway is not offered for 2026.

Courses and Specialisations

Key Terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 234567, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit Summary

• 180 credits

Professional Pathway (not offered in 2026)

• Part One compulsory courses – 90 credits
• Part One research methods course(s) – 30 credits
• Part Two professional project – 60 credits

Research Pathway

• Part One compulsory course – 30 credits
• Part One research methods course – 30 credits
• Part Two thesis – 120 credits

Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree in 120 credits.

Course Planning Key

• Prerequisites: Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
• Corequisites: Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
• Restrictions: Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Part One

Professional Pathway

Compulsory Courses (Choose 90 credits from)

• Course code: Evidenced-Based Practice in Speech and Language Therapy
  • Credits: 30 credits
  • Description: Advanced study of contemporary evidence-based practice in speech and language therapy. The implications of evidence-based practice in speech language therapy clinical settings are explored.
• Course code: Critical and Current Issues in Speech and Language Therapy
  • Credits: 30 credits
  • Description: An in-depth evaluation and analysis of critical and current trends arising in, and impacting on the work of speech language therapy clinicians and researchers.
• Course code: Theoretical Issues in Speech and Language Therapy
  • Credits: 30 credits
  • Description: Critical examination of theories and models and their impact on research and clinical practice in speech and language therapy.

Research Methods Courses (Choose 30 credits from)

• Course code: Health Research Design and Method
  • Credits: 30 credits
  • Description: Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in relation to health research are examined. Selected quantitative and qualitative methods are explored in depth, in preparation for developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.
• Course code: Psychological Research: Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Credits: 15 credits
  • Description: An examination of how psychologists use quantitative data analysis techniques to address complex research problems involving multiple variables. Techniques including multiple regression, factor analysis and structural equation modelling are explored, with an emphasis on the relationships between analyses, research questions and design issues.
• Course code: Qualitative Methods in Psychology
  • Credits: 15 credits
  • Description: The course provides advanced understanding and skill development to enable students to undertake qualitative research in psychology.
• Course code: Research Methodologies in Education
  • Credits: 15 credits
  • Description: An advanced study of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research design in education. Theoretical and practical issues of research are studied under three course themes: context for research, research designs, data collection and analysis.
• Course code: Indigenous Research Methodologies
  • Credits: 15 credits
  • Description: A study of Māori research frameworks, philosophies and processes and an examination of their contribution to the growing body of indigenous scholarship as relevant to educational settings.

Research Pathway

Compulsory Course (Choose 30 credits from)

• Course code: Critical and Current Issues in Speech and Language Therapy
  • Credits: 30 credits
  • Description: An in-depth evaluation and analysis of critical and current trends arising in, and impacting on the work of speech language therapy clinicians and researchers.

Research Methods Courses (Choose 30 credits from)

• Course code: Health Research Design and Method
  • Credits: 30 credits
  • Description: Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in relation to health research are examined. Selected quantitative and qualitative methods are explored in depth, in preparation for developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.
• Course code: Psychological Research: Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Credits: 15 credits
  • Description: An examination of how psychologists use quantitative data analysis techniques to address complex research problems involving multiple variables. Techniques including multiple regression, factor analysis and structural equation modelling are explored, with an emphasis on the relationships between analyses, research questions and design issues.
• Course code: Qualitative Methods in Psychology
  • Credits: 15 credits
  • Description: The course provides advanced understanding and skill development to enable students to undertake qualitative research in psychology.
• Course code: Research Methodologies in Education
  • Credits: 15 credits
  • Description: An advanced study of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research design in education. Theoretical and practical issues of research are studied under three course themes: context for research, research designs, data collection and analysis.
• Course code: Indigenous Research Methodologies
  • Credits: 15 credits
  • Description: A study of Māori research frameworks, philosophies and processes and an examination of their contribution to the growing body of indigenous scholarship as relevant to educational settings.

Part Two

Professional Pathway (Choose 60 credits from)

• Course code: Professional Inquiry
  • Credits: 60 credits
  • Description: A critical evaluation and inquiry into a significant issue of professional interest, based on a critique of relevant theory and literature.

Research Pathway (Choose 120 credits from)

• Course code: Thesis 120 Credit Part 1
  • Credits: 60 credits
  • Description: A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
• Course code: Thesis 120 Credit Part 2
  • Credits: 60 credits
  • Description: A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $11,645
• International students: $50,190

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Course Fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• Cat Pausé Postgraduate Scholarship
• Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship

What Our Students Say

“Master's study has enabled me to explore new ways of working as a speech-language therapist and delve into an area that I'm really passionate about.”

Laura Makker

Ministry of Education

Master of Speech and Language Therapy

Related Study Options

Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours – BSpchLngThHons

Qualification: 480 credits Location: Distance and online

Massey’s Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours will set you up for a rewarding career working alongside people of all ages with speech, language, communication, and swallowing difficulties.

Master of Public Health – MPH

Qualification: 240 credits Location: Distance and online

The Master of Public Health has practice and research pathways. The Professional Practice Pathway involves coursework and work-integrated learning opportunities. The Research Pathway involves conducting research under the supervision of experienced public health researchers.

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health – PGDipPH

Qualification: 120 credits Location: Distance and online

Get a high-quality, comprehensive education in public health to boost your career while improving the health of New Zealanders.

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Master of Speech and Language Therapy (MSpchLangTher)

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Degree Overview

The Master of Speech and Language Therapy (MSpchLangTher) is a postgraduate program designed for qualified speech-language therapists who want to advance their careers and specialize in their field. The program emphasizes research skills development and applying existing knowledge to the field of speech and language therapy.

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Objectives:

• Enhance expertise in core areas like evidence-based practice and research methods.
• Enable specialization in areas of individual interest or specific caseload needs.
• Provide personalized support through tailored assignments, thesis topics, and academic mentors.
• Offer flexible learning options with full-time, part-time, and distance learning pathways.

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Eligibility:

• Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy (Honours) or equivalent with a B grade average.

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Program Duration:

• Full-time: 1 year and 6 months (180 credits)
• Part-time: Up to 5 years

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Location:

• Auckland campus, Distance and online

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International Students:

• Open to international students studying online

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Outline

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Structure:

The MSpchLangTher is a 180-credit program divided into two parts:

• Part One: 120 credits of coursework focusing on advanced topics in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Part Two: 60 credits of professional inquiry (professional pathway) or 120 credits of thesis (research pathway).

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Courses:

• Part One: Students choose 90 credits from a selection of courses, including:
• Evidenced-Based Practice in Speech and Language Therapy
• Critical and Current Issues in Speech and Language Therapy
• Theoretical Issues in Speech and Language Therapy
• Health Research Design and Method (elective)
• Indigenous Research Methodologies (elective)
• Part Two:
• Professional Pathway:
60 credits of professional inquiry focused on applying and evaluating solutions to a significant professional situation.
• Research Pathway: 120 credits of thesis research under supervision, culminating in a published work.

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Advanced Entry:

• Individuals with specific qualifications may be eligible to complete the program in 120 credits.

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Assessment

Assessment methods may include:

• Essays
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Thesis
• Examinations
Specific assessment details will vary depending on the chosen courses and pathways.

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Teaching

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Online learning
• Experienced faculty with expertise in speech-language therapy provide instruction and guidance.
• Individualized support is available through academic mentors.

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Careers

Graduates of the MSpchLangTher are prepared for advanced careers in speech-language therapy, such as:

• Clinical specialization
• Research positions
• Academic roles
• Leadership roles in speech-language therapy organizations

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Other

• The program offers flexibility in terms of study pace and pathway options.
• Graduates may be eligible for further study, such as a PhD.
• The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to make a significant contribution to the field of speech-language therapy.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.