C04386v2 Master of Speech Pathology
Award(s): Master of Speech Pathology (MSpPath)CRICOS code: 098167M
Commonwealth supported place?: No
Load credit points: 96
Course EFTSL: 2
Location: City campus
Notes
Applications have now closed for the 2024 intake.
Overview
Course aims
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Applications
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course program
Rules and regulations
Professional recognition
Other information
Overview
The UTS Master of Speech Pathology is a two-year, graduate-entry course. Grounded firmly in the profession with an innovative and practice-based approach, the course enables students to actively participate in learning as they acquire the clinical and professional skills needed to enter the profession of speech pathology.
This postgraduate professional course prepares students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to work in speech pathology in the private and public sectors. Over the two-year course, students have the opportunity to use the latest digital technologies for health and education and learn about the business and professional aspects of speech pathology, including telepractice and telesupervision. They learn ways to prepare for changes to the workforce expected with the growth of the private practice sector, telehealth, the use of personal electronic health records, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Through a variety of learning experiences, students are immersed in meaningful interprofessional coursework, in-person and telepractice clinical work with children and adults, and clinical research.
Course aims
The course prepares students for their future work as speech pathologists, competent to actively engage in clinical reasoning and case-based learning in a wide variety of contexts.
Career options
Speech pathologists work with children and adults with communication and swallowing disability in a range of settings including hospitals, health centres, schools and private practices. With the constant advancements in information and communication technologies and digital health solutions, along with growth in the private sector and clinical research, speech pathologists have a diverse range of career trajectories. The UTS Master of Speech Pathology prepares students for a rewarding career that empowers individuals and communities towards improved communication and swallowing, for participation and inclusion in all aspects of society.
Course intended learning outcomes
| 1.1 | Practice as entry-level speech pathologists in the assessment, treatment and management of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. |
| 1.2 | Apply the bio-psycho-social model of health and disability, as reflected in the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Function, Disability and Health; and integrate health and disability systems and concerns into their clinical practice. |
| 2.1 | Reflect on their own knowledge, skills and attributes to identify areas for continuing professional development; and engage in learning activities that enable their further development of skills in contemporary practice. |
| 2.2 | Apply the design elements of research; analyse and synthesise literature; identify gaps in the literature; and be able to contribute to new research in the field of speech pathology. |
| 3.1 | Embody professionalism in their ethical practice; their collaboration with clients, families, and communities; and their person-centred approach to practice. |
| 3.2 | Communicate effectively in both face-to-face and online interactions in their professional practice; and present accessible information with clarity to a variety of audiences. |
| 4.1 | Critically analyse and apply culturally safe communication and engagement practices to work effectively with and for Indigenous Australians across the Speech Pathology Profession. |
Admission requirements
Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.
In addition to a completed bachelor's degree, applicants must have also completed the following subjects at a tertiary level within the last 10 years and must provide relevant subject outlines with their application:
- one human anatomy subject
- one human physiology subject.
For prerequisite checking, students must submit a completed Prerequisite Assessment Table with their application. Prerequisite subject approvals are subject to change as they undergo an annual academic review (a new assessment is required for each new intake). Prior to applications opening, the Prerequisite Assessment Table may be submitted to GSH.Future@uts.edu.au for pre-assessment. A pre-reassessment is not required to apply and will not be conducted once applications open. If the student has completed one subject that satisfies the pre-requisites for both anatomy and physiology this would also be acceptable.
Selected applicants are required to undertake a short interview with a panel and final offers are dependent upon interview rank. Applicants are assessed in the areas of communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in speech pathology, and commitment to speech pathology as a career.
Applicants who have already completed a speech pathology/speech therapy degree overseas are also required to submit a personal statement to articulate their motivations for wanting to repeat a speech pathology qualification.
Professional and clinical requirements
All successful applicants are required to:
- acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check
- complete a series of NSW Health forms including a Code of Conduct, and
- demonstrate evidence of protection against a number of specified infectious diseases.
This degree leads to eligibility for membership of Speech Pathology Australia and to practice as a speech pathologist. Applicants who have already completed a speech pathology/speech therapy degree overseas are also required to submit a personal statement stating their motivation for wanting to repeat a speech pathology qualification.
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 7.0 overall with a writing score of 7.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 584-609 overall with TWE of 5.0, internet based: 94-101 overall with a writing score of 27; or PTE: 65-72 overall with a writing score of 65; or C1A/C2P: 185-190 overall with a writing score of 185.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International students
Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
Applications
Local students
Domestic applicants can apply directly.
Applications should include a certified copy of any relevant academic transcript(s), subject outlines, and any other relevant supporting documentation.
International students
International applicants apply via UTS: International.
International applicants, in addition to the above requirements, are required to obtain a police certificate/criminal clearance from every country they have resided in. If a country does not issue police certificates/criminal clearances, applicants are required to complete a Statutory Declaration for Overseas Students.
Course duration and attendance
The course is an intensive two-year, full-time degree. Students are not permitted to enrol part time. In addition to coursework during sessions, students are required to undertake clinical placements during session and block clinical placements during mid-session breaks.
Course structure
This course comprises a total of 96 credit points. Students must complete a total of eight 6-credit-point coursework subjects, three 6-credit-point research subjects, and three 6-credit-point clinical practice subjects.
Course completion requirements
| STM91288 Core subjects (Speech Pathology) | 96cp | |
| Total | 96cp |
Course program
A typical course program is provided below.
| Autumn B commencing, full time | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn B Session | ||
| 96115 Evidence-based Practice in Speech Pathology | 6cp | |
| 96116 Fundamentals in Speech Pathology | 6cp | |
| 96117 Speech Sound Disorders in Children | 6cp | |
| 96118 Language Disorders in Children | 6cp | |
| Spring B Session | ||
| 96120 Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 6cp | |
| 96119 Research Design in Speech Pathology | 6cp | |
| 96124 Swallowing Disorders | 6cp | |
| 96122 Speech Pathology Clinical Practice 1 | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn B Session | ||
| 96123 Literature Review in Speech Pathology | 6cp | |
| 96121 Stuttering | 6cp | |
| 96125 Acquired Communication Disability in Adults | 6cp | |
| 96126 Speech Pathology Clinical Practice 2 | 6cp | |
| Spring B Session | ||
| 96128 Voice Disorders | 6cp | |
| 96129 Integrated Practice in Speech Pathology | 6cp | |
| 96130 Speech Pathology Clinical Practice 3 | 6cp | |
| 96079 Inclusive Practice in Speech Pathology | 6cp | |
Rules and regulations
Inherent Requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are inherent in or essential to the successful completion of a course. The inherent requirements framework for the Master of Speech Pathology is based on the following six themes:
- Legal and Behavioural Requirements;
- Communication Tasks – verbal; written; non-verbal;
- Cognitive/Intellectual Tasks – literacy; numeracy; knowledge and information;
- Sensory Tasks – visual; auditory; tactile;
- Physical Tasks – gross and fine motor requirements; and
- Sustainable Performance.
It is a requirement of this course to complete a number of clinical placements. Clinical placements involve a speech pathology student going into a clinical setting to undertake the practical components of the course required for registration. If a student has a condition or disability that prevents them from completing a placement, completion of the degree may be hindered. Students should consult the full inherent requirements.
Professional recognition
The Master of Speech Pathology program is fully accredited with Speech Pathology Australia. Graduates are qualified to practice as Speech Pathologists in Australia and are eligible to apply for certified practicing membership of Speech Pathology Australia.
Other information
Register to attend an information session and/or contact:
UTS: Speech Pathology
email gsh.future@uts.edu.au
telephone +61 2 9514 1448