Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Master of Speech and Language Therapy is a two-year graduate entry program that provides the skills to deliver quality speech and language pathology services, with a focus on underserved contexts nationally and globally. This degree equips you to have the clinical skills to tailor your service provision in response to the changing demands of the Australian health systems.
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 experiencing speech or language disability and/or swallowing disorders.
The course offers flexibility in learning with online delivery, complemented with intensive on-campus residentials, and clinical learning. This course incorporates health practicums 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.
Professional recognition
The course has been designed to meet the accreditation standards of Speech Pathology Australia and is a Qualifying Course with Speech Pathology Australia. CDU will seek accreditation of the award courses prior to the first cohort of students graduating to enable graduates to be eligible for membership with Speech Pathology Australia, in line with the SPA accreditation process for new courses.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
What will I study?
The course is undertaken online, with intensive on-campus residentials and placements providing the clinical learning.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (15 units) | 160cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (not offered 2024) |
| 160 | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time or part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | WIL = Work Integrated Learning |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SLT506 Fluency and Voice | CO | SLT502 Principles of Dysphagia | CO |
| SLT511 Communication across the lifespan | CO | SLT504 Early childhood speech, language and hearing disorders | CO |
| SLT501 Foundations of Communication Analysis | CO | SLT505 Acquired Language disorders | CO |
| SLT503 Working as a Speech Pathologist | CO | SLT601 Speech Pathology in Professional Practice 1 | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SLT507 Motor Speech for Children and Adults | CO | PHM527 Health Research Skills | CO |
| SLT508 Diversity in Communication | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO |
| SLT602 Speech Pathology in Professional Practice 2 | CO | SLT603 Speech Pathology in Professional Practice 3 (20 CP) | CO |
| SLT510 Working with school aged children and special needs | CO | ||
Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | WIL = Work Integrated Learning |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SLT501 Foundations of Communication Analysis | CO | SLT505 Acquired Language disorders | CO |
| SLT511 Communication across the lifespan | CO | SLT504 Early childhood speech, language and hearing disorders | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SLT506 Fluency and Voice | CO | SLT502 Principles of Dysphagia | CO |
| SLT503 Working as a Speech Pathologist | CO | SLT601 Speech Pathology in Professional Practice 1 | WIL |
| Year 3 | |||
| SLT510 Working with school aged children and special needs | CO | PHM527 Health Research Skills | CO |
| SLT507 Motor Speech for Children and Adults | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| SLT602 Speech Pathology in Professional Practice 2 | WIL | SLT603 Speech Pathology in Professional Practice 3 (20 CP) | WIL |
| SLT508 Diversity in Communication | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Quota
The Master of Speech and Language Therapy is a highly competitive course with a limited number of places. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not receive an offer. Subquotas are in place for First Nation and NT Resident applicants.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification with at least a credit average (GPA of 5.00).
Short-listed applicants may be required to undertake an interview.
Whilst you may meet the advertised minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you a place in the course, instead offers will be made on merit.
Essential requirements
If you are undertaking a course with clinical or fieldwork placements you must demonstrate compliance with the following checks and requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing clinical/fieldwork placements. A national and/or international Police Check and a current Working with Children Check is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements.
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score below a 7.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 65 with no score less than 65 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 with a minimum score of 24 in reading and listening, a minimum score of 27 in writing and a minimum score of 23 in speaking. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Heather
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Heather
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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