Master of Speech and Language Pathology (MSLP)
UC’s MSLP qualification is a full-time two-year graduate-entry professional qualification to practice as a speech language pathologist/therapist. Students generally have a background in science, linguistics, engineering, psychology, education, or health sciences. In the MSLP, students study the areas of clinical linguistics, evidence-based practice, introductory neuroscience, speech and language development and disorders across the lifespan, typical and atypical hearing, swallowing, fluency and voice, and professional (clinical) practice.
Candidates must:
- Hold a prior degree (undergraduate or postgraduate)
- Have passed at least one course in Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism. We recommend SPSC 161
- Have passed at least one course in Statistics. We recommend STAT 101
- Have a minimum of a B average from a prior undergraduate or postgraduate degree
- Be aware there will be an interview with Departmental Representatives
One or more courses or research may require vaccination
The final vaccination mandate ended at 11:59 pm on Monday 26 September 2022 which applied to health and disability workers. Some employers/placement sites may still require workers to be vaccinated due to health and safety. As such, some clinical placements may be restricted for those students who are not fully vaccinated.
English language requirements:
- Candidates must speak English as their native language, or
- IETLS Academic with an average score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The deadline for Applications is the 1st October. Late enrolments will be considered if places are still available.
Applications must include:
- Two letters of recommendation. Please arrange for the two recommendation/referee forms to be completed and submitted directly by each referee. At least one referee should be chosen for their ability to answer questions about your safety to work with children.
- A statement of purpose (i.e. why do you want to take the degree?)
International students
International students must apply for admission to UC before or at the same time as their application to the MSLP. Immigration requirements must also be fulfilled.
We do not use GRE scores and there is no entrance exam.
Find out about fees on this page.
Master of Speech and Language Pathology degree structure
| Part I | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Second Semester and Summer Term |
| SPSC661 Clinical Linguistics and Language Acquisition | SPSC662 Fluency Disorders |
|
HEAR663 Introduction to Audiologic Assessment and Management |
SPSC665 Speech & Language Disorders in Children |
| SPSC664 Professional Studies & Clinical Practice 1 | SPSC666 Voice Disorders |
| SPSC667 Neuroscience of Communication & Swallowing | SPSC668 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice 2 (Oct-Jan Clinic) |
*B average is Required to progress from part I to part II
| Part II | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Second Semester and Summer Term |
| SPSC669 Dysphagia & Related Disorders - Diagnosis | SPSC673 Motor Speech Disorders |
| SPSC670 Aphasia & Related Disorders | SPSC674 Dysphagia & Related Disorders - Management |
| SPSC671 Applied Research & Clinical Practice 3 | SPSC675 Complex Communication Disorders |
| SPSC672 Spoken and Written Language Disorders in Educational Settings | SPSC676 Professional Studies & Clinical Practice 4 |
This is a two-step process and both need to be done by 1 October. Prospective students will need to:
- Apply for Admission to the University of Canterbury. This can be done via myUC
- Submit an application directly to the School of Psychology, Speech & Hearing using our application and recommendation forms:
Need more information?
Hear from our students
See more of our students on our YouTube channel.
Natasha shares her experiences studying Speech and Language Therapy at UC.
Esther shares her experiences studying Speech and Language Therapy at UC.
Research into swallowing at the New Zealand Brain Research Institute is a current strength.