Master of Speech Pathology Studies
Overview
Use your existing qualifications to become a qualified speech pathologist in only 2 years. Expand your knowledge while gaining the clinical and research skills necessary for a professional career in speech pathology.
Turn your passion for helping people into a rewarding career.
The Master of Speech Pathology Studies is an accelerated program designed for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree. You’ll build on your existing qualifications and expand your theoretical knowledge and professional attributes while gaining the clinical and research skills to graduate with confidence.
Speech pathologists are dedicated health professionals who support people across all stages of life. They support everyone from newborns with feeding difficulties and children with speech, language and literacy delays, to adults with acquired brain injury and older adults in aged care experiencing communication and swallowing difficulties.
They work collaboratively with individuals, families, communities, and other health professionals to reduce the impact of these challenges and improve independence, participation and quality of life.
Throughout the program, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and attributes you need to deliver person- and family-centred, culturally responsive, and evidence-based intervention and support.
You'll develop your skills through theoretical and practical components, developing the ability to address challenges in speech, language, voice, fluency, hearing, cognition and swallowing.
You’ll integrate your learning through inquiry-based and simulated learning experiences that will provide opportunities to develop a range of practical skills. You’ll also participate in supervised clinical placements in varied settings that may include hospitals, educational facilities, healthcare organisations, private practices, and UQ’s own Speech Pathology or Telerehabilitation Clinics.
From classrooms to communities, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals to make a difference in people’s lives, taking advantage of a speech pathology program that has been educating speech pathologists since 1962.
Program highlights
- Learn with internationally recognised educators and researchers in speech pathology.
- Participate in interprofessional education modules alongside graduate students of other health professional programs, such as nursing and occupational therapy.
- Learn about innovative and contemporary speech pathology practice settings including health promotion and prevention, mental health and youth justice.
- Practice skills and develop confidence through UQ’s internationally recognised simulation-based learning program prior to undertaking clinical placements.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Online study
- Research experience
- Fieldwork
Placements and work experience
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Professional practice & person-centred communication skills
- Anatomy & neuroanatomy fundamentals for speech pathologists
- Communication & feeding skills in children
- Communication and swallowing skills in adults
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Speech pathologist
- Paediatric speech pathologist
- Speech and language pathologist
- Speech and language therapist
Program accreditation
The Master of Speech Pathology Studies is accredited by:
- Speech Pathology Australia
My primary motivation to study my degree was to educate and empower people with communication difficulties. I wanted to help others who stutter/stammer to find their voice and express themselves.
I was drawn to speech pathology through an interest in voice, but quickly discovered its broader and meaningful impact. UQ’s combination of theory and placement helped me support people of all ages and grow into a confident, compassionate speech pathologist.
My rural placement in Goondiwindi was one of the most rewarding parts of the program. With strong support and one-on-one guidance, I gained confidence managing complex cases and built lasting professional relationships.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program has been the opportunity to work directly with clients during placements, while also building meaningful connections with peers who share my passion for helping others.
My primary motivation to study my degree was to educate and empower people with communication difficulties. I wanted to help others who stutter/stammer to find their voice and express themselves.
I was drawn to speech pathology through an interest in voice, but quickly discovered its broader and meaningful impact. UQ’s combination of theory and placement helped me support people of all ages and grow into a confident, compassionate speech pathologist.
My rural placement in Goondiwindi was one of the most rewarding parts of the program. With strong support and one-on-one guidance, I gained confidence managing complex cases and built lasting professional relationships.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program has been the opportunity to work directly with clients during placements, while also building meaningful connections with peers who share my passion for helping others.
Events
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9 June
Master of Physiotherapy information webinar
Stories
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Careers
6 reasons to study a Master of Speech Pathology Studies
7-minute read
UQ people
Meet the expert: exploring Speech Pathology with Dr Brooke-Mai Whelan
4-minute read
Stories
See all storiesCareers
6 reasons to study a Master of Speech Pathology Studies
7-minute read
UQ people
Meet the expert: exploring Speech Pathology with Dr Brooke-Mai Whelan
4-minute read
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- A bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Entry is competitive based on GPA with a limited intake. Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who meet the minimum entry requirements for this program will be offered a place. On admission to the program, you will need to provide evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status.Please see 'Additional application information' below for further details on entry requirements.
- A bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Entry is competitive based on GPA with a limited intake. Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who meet the minimum entry requirements for this program will be offered a place. On admission to the program, you will need to provide evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status.Please see 'Additional application information' below for further details on entry requirements.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Study in fields such as health, humanities, education, social, physical, or biological sciences is recommended.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 7; speaking 8; reading 7; writing 7; listening 7. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 100, listening 25, reading 25, writing 27, speaking 27.
PTE Academic - Overall 72, listening/reading/writing minimum 72, speaking 82.
CES - Overall 185, listening/reading/writing minimum 185, speaking 200.
BE and OET are not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Inherent requirements
To complete this degree, you have to meet its inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes. Read the inherent requirements before you apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Speech Pathology Studies are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Additional application information
Additional application information
For applicants who need to provide evidence of English proficiency, please note that this program requires a higher level of English language proficiency than the UQ minimum.
Before you apply for this program, you must make sure you will be able to meet any placement requirements.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (20 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$46,950
2026
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (20 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $72,570
2026
Additional costs
- Annual CPR re-certification (approximately $80 per year)
- Students are expected to fund travel and living expenses associated with placements, some of which may be outside the Brisbane metropolitan area.
- First Aid Certificate (including CPR) (approximately $130 renewed every 3 years)
- A clinical uniform shirt is required and may be purchased through the School.
- Costs for vaccinations and serology are the responsibility of the student and will vary based on individual and program requirements.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Speech Pathology Studies pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government has approved this master's program for income support payments to be made to eligible students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent near you.
The program code for the Master of Speech Pathology Studies is 5228.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Speech Pathology Studies is 5228.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Summer - August 31 of the year of commencement.
Visa processing times vary. Apply and accept your offer as early as you can.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Summer - Applications open on 1 September of the year preceding commencement and close on the 31 August of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit.
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