Course Catalogue

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

The Master of Speech and Language Therapy is a two-year graduate entry program that will provide you with the skills necessary for the delivery of quality speech pathology services and equip you to respond to the changing demands of the Australian health system.

The Master of Speech and Language Therapy is designed for students who are seeking a diverse and rewarding health career with a focus on communication rights and improving the lives of individuals with communication disability and/or swallowing disorders.

The course offers flexibility in learning with in-person or online delivery, supported by mandatory on-campus residential schools, and clinical placements in a variety of work settings. Clinical placements are supported by CDU academics and registered Speech Pathology professionals. There are unique placement opportunities in the Northern Territory local, rural and remote areas.

CDU welcomes First Nations students and has dedicated support on hand to help support you through your degree.

Practical Experience

To complete the Master of Speech and Language Therapy students are required to complete on-campus residential schools in Darwin (NT), and community-based practice education placements. Together these contribute to a developmental trajectory of practical learning and practice education experiences across the course, including approximately 640 placement hours. Residential school and placement experiences support students to develop the skills, knowledge, attributes, and competencies required to reach readiness to enter the profession of speech pathology.

In the first year of the program students are required to attend five consecutive days of residential school each semester. In second year, students attend two consecutive five-day residential schools (10-days total), and a practice education placement (20 days). Students will go on to complete two community-based practice education placements (a total of 60 days) in their final semester of study. Students with a part time study plan should discuss how these requirements fit into their program of study.

Students are required to self-fund attendance at residential schools and practice education placements, including covering any costs associated with travel and accommodation. Reasonable travel for community-based practice education placements is an expectation within the speech pathology course. Options to apply for funding to assist with covering these costs are available through CDU Scholarships and Faculty of Health Placements Central. First Nations students are able to access the away from base funding through CDU if their attendance at the residential school or placement meets the eligibility requirements.

The Master of Speech and Language Therapy is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia. Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for membership with Speech Pathology Australia.

Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as hospitals, community health centres, residential and age care facilities, disability services, paediatric facilities, mental health facilities, education facilities, universities and research facilities, juvenile justice centres, and private clinics.