MG-SPPATH v.1 Master of Speech Pathology
MSpeechPath(Curtin)
Course CRICOS Code: 033868G
Registered full-time Duration:
2 Years
Course Overview
Master Degrees (Coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.
This graduate entry master (GEM) qualification for speech pathologists is an alternative to the Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) for those with a bachelor degree in another discipline. The academic coursework and clinical practice integrate contemporary theory and research. Students will be introduced to theoretical, evidence-based material relevant for clinical practice and provide students with research skills required to become evidence based clinicians. Throughout the course, students will participate in supervised clinical education in a variety of contexts. This course in speech pathology will develop an integrated understanding of the science of human communication as well as the professional competencies for providing speech pathology services to people with communication and/or swallowing disorders. Speech pathologists provide specialist services for people with communication and/or swallowing problems.
Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of Speech Pathology Australia.
Career Opportunities
Graduates readily find employment in a range of public, not-for-profit and private services throughout Australia.
Additional Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.
Course Entry and Completion Details
Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. All Curtin courses have compulsory and other core capabilities that are essential for demonstrating the achievement of course learning outcomes and graduation. Students who are unable to meet or demonstrate those requirements, now or in later stages during their studies, may seek reasonable adjustments by the University wherever possible to facilitate alternative ways of achieving those requirements. If reasonable adjustments cannot be accommodated, Curtin will discuss study options to find an alternative course of study or an exit degree. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.
Specifically, applicants require an honours degree or a bachelor degree with a course weighted average of 65 or greater. Evidence of successful tertiary level study of human biology is required. Applicants who have not studied human biology at a tertiary level will be required to undertake studies in this area before commencing the course. Students are required to complete the required First Aid qualification as soon as possible upon entering the course. Applicants for this course should also refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance section of the Faculty website.
Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfmApplications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm
Pathway to Further Study
Graduates may qualify for entry to Doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au
Course Organisation
Master Degrees (Coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.
This graduate entry masters degree provides an entry level qualification in speech pathology. It enables students to develop an understanding of normal communication development, developmental and acquired communication disorders, swallowing disorders, speech pathology clinical practice, and research. Students primarily focus on the areas of: language, speech, voice, stuttering, swallowing and multi-modal communication. Studies are supported by extensive clinical practice. Participation is required in clinical practice during vacation periods of both years of the course.
Course Learning Outcomes
A graduate of this course can:
1. apply knowledge of human communication science to the delivery of speech pathology services and
2. critically analyse information to plan, implement and evaluate speech pathology services and research
3. locate, extract and critically appraise evidence and information from a range of resources to solve theoretical and applied problems in human communication science with a high level of independence
4. demonstrate excellence in written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills appropriate to the discipline within a legal and ethical framework
5. use technologies relevant to the human communication sciences to inform clinical practice and research
6. understand and implement a wide variety of learning strategies, and take responsibility for ongoing professional and personal development
7. incorporate and demonstrate awareness of global or international perspectives in health care to clinical practice and research in speech pathology
8. demonstrate awareness of and respect for individual human rights and cultural diversity
9. independently and collaboratively apply professional skills in an ethical manner across a range of professional settings
Duration and Availability
This fee-paying course is two years' full-time study
Location and delivery Mode
| Year | Location | Period | All* | Internal | Partially Online Internal^ | External | Fully Online# |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Bentley Perth Campus | Intensive Study Period 1 | Y | ||||
| 2022 | Bentley Perth Campus | Intensive Study Period 1 | Y |
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.
| Course Structure | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Study Period 1 | |||||
| SPPA5003 | v.1 | Introduction to Speech Pathology | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| 25.0 | |||||
| Year 1 Semester 1 | |||||
| MEDS5016 | v.1 | Cognitive Neuroscience and Motor Speech Disorders | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA5004 | v.1 | Evidence Based Clinical Decision Making | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA5005 | v.1 | Language across the Lifespan: Assessment and Analysis | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA5006 | v.1 | Feeding and Swallowing Across the Lifespan | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 1 Semester 2 | |||||
| SPPA5007 | v.1 | Acquired Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA5008 | v.2 | Fluency Disorders | 3.0 | 12.5 | |
| SPPA5009 | v.2 | Hearing and Speech Sound Disorders | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA5010 | v.1 | Management of Child Language Disorders | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA5011 | v.1 | Voice Disorders | 3.0 | 12.5 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 1 | |||||
| SPPA6008 | v.1 | Disability and Multimodal Communication | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA6009 | v.1 | Management and Coaching in Speech Pathology | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA6010 | v.1 | Speech Pathology Fieldwork 1 | 69.5 | 25.0 | |
| SPPA6011 | v.1 | Speech Pathology Fieldwork 2 | 67.5 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 2 | |||||
| SPPA6012 | v.1 | Speech Pathology Fieldwork 3 | 1.0 | 37.5 | |
| SPPA6013 | v.1 | Speech Pathology Fieldwork 4 | 37.5 | ||
| SPPA6014 | v.2 | Allied Health Research Project | 2.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
Disclaimer
Information in this publication is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change.
In particular, the University reserves the right to change the content and/or method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/ or to vary arrangements for any program.
This material does not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.
Curtin accepts no responsibility for and makes no representations, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability in any respect of any material in this publication.
Except to the extent mandated otherwise by legislation, Curtin University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any reliance which may be placed on this material by any person.
Curtin will not be liable to you or to any other person for any loss or damage (including direct, consequential or economic loss or damage) however caused and whether by negligence or otherwise which may result directly or indirectly from the use of this publication.
International students
International students studying in Australia on a student visa can only study full-time and there are also specific entry requirements that must be met. As some information contained in this publication may not be applicable to international students, refer to international.curtin.edu.au for further information. Australian citizens, permanent residents and international students studying outside Australia may have the choice of full-time, part-time and external study, depending on course availability and in-country requirements.
