Master of Speech Pathology

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Steer your career in a new direction with the accredited Master of Speech Pathology from Charles Sturt University. Offered to those with an undergraduate degree in another discipline, this course provides the qualifications and experience required for professional practice as a speech pathologist.

This course is predominantly completed online – complemented by compulsory on-campus intensive schools and work-integrated learning opportunities across Australia. Learn how to support people with difficulties communicating and trouble eating or drinking. Enter a rewarding profession focused on helping people improve their ability to interact with others.

Please note: Applications for Session 1, 2026 intake will open Friday 8 August and close Monday 29 September 2025.

This course has a limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. If you secure a CSP your fees are lower than a full fee-paying place. It also means you can apply for a HECS-HELP loan to pay for your studies and defer repayment until you earn above a certain amount.

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

Make a difference

At Charles Sturt you can create a world worth living in. Let's do it together.

Key information

Study mode and sessions

Online
Next session start: March 2, 2026
Session 1 : March 2, 2026
Online

Duration

Minimum time - 3 year(s)
Maximum time - 4 year(s)

Entry score

TBA

Indicative fees

TBA

Course points and codes

Credit Points: 144
AQF: Level 9
Cricos:

Additional information

  • On campus intensive school
  • Professionally accredited course
  • Commonwealth supported places available
  • Work-integrated learning

Postgrad study just got a whole lot more affordable. Save up to 74 per cent with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP). Limited places available.

Why study with us?

Fully accredited by Speech Pathology Australia, this course prepares you for professional practice and research in the fields of communication disability and swallowing disorders. The course focuses on rural and remote health, social justice issues of access and equity, community development and cultural responsiveness.

Comprehensive program

Through a program of scaffolded learning (foundation, intermediate and graduate-entry levels of practice), you'll build the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required for speech pathology assessment and intervention. You'll also develop your skills in working with individuals, families, communities and fellow professionals in health and education.

Study convenience

This is the first speech pathology degree in Australia that blends the flexibility of online study with compulsory on-campus intensive schools and work-integrated learning to enrich your learning experience. Part-time course delivery means you can combine study with your other commitments, such as part-time employment. Throughout the course, you'll have lots of opportunities to put your learning into practice. You'll attend five compulsory intensive schools across your first two years. Intensive schools are in-depth learning experiences that run for three or four days on campus, where you'll study face-to-face with your lecturers and your fellow students. You will also complete three work-integrated learning experiences: three weeks at our on-campus clinic, and two six-week placements anywhere in Australia.

Learn from industry leaders

Our academics and clinical educators are experienced speech pathologists dedicated to teaching, research and active involvement in the speech pathology profession.

Professional Accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by -

  • Speech Pathology Australia

Please refer to the Charles Sturt Professional Accreditation resource for specific information and a link to the accreditation body.

5-star uni for postgrad employment.

90% of postgrads in full-time employment within 4 months of finishing.

*Good Universities Guide 2022/23

Career opportunities

Our Master of Speech Pathology prepares you to work professionally as a speech pathologist in a variety of settings. Depending on your interests, you could work with children, older people, or people with disabilities or speech and language impairments. You could also work with actors or singers as a voice coach. Employment opportunities exist in private practice, community health centres, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation units, nursing homes and specialist disability services in Australia and overseas. It's also possible to take on academic and research roles. Speech pathologists are in short supply in rural and regional areas, and there is a growing need for speech pathology services in Australia as a result of the nation's ageing population, increased incidence of chronic disease, introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and a growing awareness of the importance of early intervention. The Australian Government's Job Outlook forecasts very strong employment growth in speech pathology.

    What you will study

    For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

    Intensive school

    You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

    The course consists of 17 core subjects, 8 within the Graduate Diploma and a further 9 for the Masters.

    The course must be completed within 7 years from the date of commencement. 

    Core subjects144 Credit Points

    Legend:
    • Intensive school
    • Workplace learning
    SPH510Communication Development Across The Lifespan8 credit pts
    SPH511Foundations of Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH512Assessment and Analysis of Sensory-Motor Skills in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH513Assessment and Analysis of Language and Cognition in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH514Introduction to Reflective Practice and Clinical Reasoning in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH524Issues of Ethics, Access and Equity in Speech Pathology Practice8 credit pts
    SPH530Intervention for Sensory-Motor Impairments in Speech Pathology12 credit pts
    SPH531Intervention for Language and Cognitive Impairments in Speech Pathology12 credit pts
    SPH505Preparation for Speech Pathology Practice8 credit pts
    SPH515Integrating Speech Pathology Competency in the Workplace8 credit pts
    SPH516Planning Practice-Based Research Projects in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH525Integrating Competency for Entry Level Practice in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH526Practice-Based Research Projects in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH532Clinical Reasoning for Integrated Client Care in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH533Entry Level Clinical Reasoning for Integrated Client Care in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    SPH534Cultural Competency and Community Development as Speech Pathology Practice8 credit pts
    SPH544Transition to Professional Practice in Speech Pathology8 credit pts
    For enrolment pattern please refer to the handbook.

    Graduation requirements

    As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

    Costs

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    How is this calculated?

    This is an estimate

    • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
    • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
    • Subject to annual increase each year.

    Scholarships

    We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!

    They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.

    Explore scholarships

    Entry requirements

    Please note: You will need to complete the course within seven years to meet Speech Pathology Australia accreditation requirements.

    Selection rank:

    TBA

    Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

    View the course profile for this course.

    1. Grade Point Average of 4.5

    Prospective students must have completed a three-year undergraduate degree or Postgraduate studies in any discipline, with a GPA above 4.5 demonstrating a good level of academic ability through previous studies.

     

    2. Required pre-requisite study

    Prospective students are required to have successfully completed study in linguistics and head and neck anatomy, prior to admission to the Master of Speech Pathology.

    • Linguistics knowledge and skills must include knowledge of phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax, and language analysis, equivalent to SPH101: Speech, Language and Culture
    • Head and neck anatomy knowledge must include knowledge of functional anatomy related to communication and swallowing, equivalent to BMS224: Head and Neck Anatomy.

    Applicants who have not met the requirements can complete both SPH101 and BMS224 as Single Subject Studies or enrol in the Undergraduate Certificate in Health Studies in Session 3 through Charles Sturt. Alternatively, applicants can choose to undertake equivalent subjects at another university. Applicants will need to provide transcript and subject outlines detailing the pre-requisite subjects undertaken at another university.

    All pre-requisite study must be satisfactorily completed prior to a student being enrolled in the Masters of Speech Pathology. Completion of these subjects at Charles Sturt or similar subjects at another institution does not provide any guarantee of success in gaining admission to the course.

     

    3. Written Assessment

    Applicants, with a GPA above 4.5, will need to provide answers to the below questions. Responses will be assessed in accordance with a rubric designed by the Speech Pathology Team.

    Influence

    Q1: Explain how your degree from Charles Sturt University will enable you to be a positive influence in your community and make a unique contribution to the speech pathology profession (this could include diversification of the workforce, rural and remote practice, etc.). (150 words)

    Resilience

    Q2: Resilience, supported by good self and time management skills, is an important trait to have in today’s workforce, particularly when balancing social, occupational, study, and/or family commitments. Tell us about a time where you balanced competing demands for your time and showed resilience. (150 words)

    Interpersonal and communication skills

    Q3: Speech pathology is a profession in which excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Describe an example of when you have demonstrated these skills in your life to support a positive outcome, and why you took the actions you did? (150 words)

    A minimum overall Academic IELTS score of 7.0 with no score below a 6.5 in each of the individual skill areas or a qualification deemed equivalent.

    Inherent requirements are the academic and other requirements of a course that all students must meet to achieve the course learning outcomes, and the knowledge, abilities, skills and qualities students will need to have in order to achieve them. Please visit our inherent requirements page for more general information about them.

    Credit and pathways

    If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

    Check your eligibility for credit

    We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.

    How to apply

    Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

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