Master of Speech Pathology

Speech pathologists - also known as speech therapists - work with people who have language, communication or swallowing difficulties. They play a crucial role in society, treating physical and social conditions related to speech, language and swallowing, and providing advice and support to carers, educators, families and communities.

By studying our masters degree, you will graduate well prepared for real-world speech pathology practice.

You will gain expertise in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. Through supervised professional practice in education, health or community settings, you will acquire practical work-based experience needed to confidently begin your career.

The course has been designed to meet the accreditation standards of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) and is currently in the qualifying phase of accreditation. VU will seek accreditation of the award prior to the first cohort of students graduating in line with the SPA accreditation process for new courses. Subject to its accreditation, successful graduates will be eligible for membership of Speech Pathology Australia, enabling them to practise in Australia.

With a masters qualification, you'll be prepared for work in the rapidly growing speech pathology field.

Speech pathologists are in increasing demand for work in the following fields:

• government and non-government organisations
• education
• health
• disability
• welfare
• community-based organisations
• health promotion
• policy development
• academic teaching and research
• private practice in speech pathology (also known as speech therapy).

Speech pathologists can also work with professional voice users such as auctioneers, teachers, actors and singers, coaching them on how to use their voices safely.

Find the average salary and job growth rates for a speech pathologists on the Australian job-data site, Labour Market Insights.

To be eligible for the Master of Speech Pathology, students are required to complete:

• 192 credit points of Speech Pathology Core studies

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
• Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.