Master of Speech Pathology

Speech pathologists work with people of all ages who are experiencing communication and/or swallowing disorders as a result of illness, injury or disability. Speech pathologists may work in a range of education and health sectors.

The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at University of Melbourne offers the Master of Speech Pathology degree, which is a two-year full-time course. Completion of this degree qualifies you to work as a speech pathologist.

The first year of the course provides the scientific background in anatomy and physiology, articulatory and acoustic phonetics, linguistics, speech and language disorders, clinical practice and processes.

The second year builds on the specialised knowledge acquired in first year, develops clinical skills and introduces students to research methods in the field.

Speech pathologists may work as a sole therapist or as part of a larger interdisciplinary team (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, audiologists and psychologists). This profession may be of interest to those with a scientific or linguistics background who are interested in working with people.

Course description

The course consists of formal lectures, seminars, practical work and student presentations along with a substantial clinical component. Students will be scheduled for approximately 400 hours of supervised clinical work at various health-care and educational facilities in metropolitan and rural areas in Victoria. The clinical work will occur throughout the semesters alongside the lectures as well as block placements during the semester breaks. Please see the Course and Subject Handbook for more information about the subjects and the time commitment.

Information session

Master of Speech Pathology Information Session: 2025 Intake

When: Tuesday 6 August, 6.00-7.00pm AEST

Hear from course coordinator, Dr Elaina Kefalianos, and current students in this information session as we explore the program and outcomes whilst providing an opportunity to ask your questions live!

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• English language test score requirements

• If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

  IELTS

  7.0

  ---

  with no band less than 7.0

  TOEFL

  94+

  ---

  with writing 27; speaking 24; reading 24; listening 24

  PEARSON

  72+

  ---

  with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 72

  CAMBRIDGE

  185+

  ---

  with no skill less than 185

  *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

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