Program Overview

Master of Speech Pathology

The Master of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University is a two-year full-time program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to help people realize their communication and swallowing potential. The program is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) and is designed to meet the professional standards for speech pathologists in Australia.

Overview

The Master of Speech Pathology is a multi-modal program that combines face-to-face, online, and placement-based learning. The program consists of 240 credit points, with 120 credit points completed in each year of study. Students will learn about speech pathology practice, assessment of communication and swallowing, therapeutic intervention and management, and clinical management.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Speech Pathology, applicants must have completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 70 or higher. Applicants who have completed an Honours year (subsequent to a bachelor level degree) are also eligible to apply with a minimum H2A grade.

Core Participation Requirements

The Master of Speech Pathology has core participation requirements that include behavioral and relational skills, cognition, sensory (visual, auditory, tactile, olfaction), and strength and mobility. Students must be able to manage their own responses and behavior to work effectively in a range of learning environments with diverse people and tasks.

Course Structure

The Master of Speech Pathology consists of 16 subjects, including:

• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE
• WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
• IMPLEMENTATION OF EVIDENCE IN PRACTICE
• LIFESPAN COMMUNICATION AND SWALLOWING 2
• LIFESPAN COMMUNICATION AND SWALLOWING 3
• SPEECH PATHOLOGY PRACTICE 1
• SPEECH PATHOLOGY PRACTICE 2
• STRUCTURE OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
• LIFESPAN COMMUNICATION AND SWALLOWING 1
• ADVANCED SEMINARS IN SPEECH PATHOLOGY
• THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION AND MANAGEMENT
• SPEECH PATHOLOGY PRACTICE 3
• SPEECH PATHOLOGY PRACTICE 4
• WORKPLACE PREPARATION

Work-Based Learning

The Master of Speech Pathology includes compulsory placements (Work-Based Learning) that provide students with the opportunity to practice newly acquired skills, behaviors, and knowledge while integrating theory with practice.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Speech Pathology may pursue careers as speech pathologists in hospitals, community health centers, private practice, schools, rehabilitation centers, and aged-care centers. They may also work in areas such as health promotion, teaching, consulting, and communication.

Fees and Scholarships

The estimated course fees for domestic postgraduate students are $36,600 per 120 credit points. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available, with an indicative CSP price of $9,537 per 120 credit points. La Trobe University offers various scholarships, including the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nursing Scholarships Program, La Trobe Greater China Digital Health Scholarship, and La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship.

How to Apply

Applications for the Master of Speech Pathology can be submitted online. Applicants must provide supporting documents, including transcripts, certificates, and proof of English proficiency (if required). The application process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete.