Master of Speech and Language Pathology
MSLP
Overview
The Master of Speech and Language Pathology (MSLP) is a 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, and this programme provides an opportunity to enter the speech-language profession.
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 practice.
This hands-on programme includes experiential clinical practice.
- Students wishing to enrol in the MSLP must have completed any bachelor's or master's degree (other than a degree specialising in speech and language therapy/pathology), with a minimum of a B Grade Point Average.
- In addition you must have passed one course in both Biology/Anatomy and Physiology, and Statistics.
- Where one or two prerequisites have not been met in prior study, students may take these courses in their first year of the MSLP.
- Students for whom English is not their first language must provide proof of IELTS (Academic) scores of an average of at least 7.0, with no score lower than 6.5.
This programme is limited entry. See 'How to apply' below for details.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Speech and Language Pathology or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Entry into the Master of Speech and Language Pathology is limited to a maximum of 20 students annually. Students must submit a separate application form to Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing by 1 October. Late enrolments will be considered if places are still available.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
Students must pass courses with a total of 240 points from Part I and Part II. Students complete all courses in Part I before proceeding to Part II.
The MSLP can be completed in 2 years full-time, or up to 4 years part-time.
Students complete the following courses. Part I must be completed before moving onto Part II.
Part I:
- SPSC 661 Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics
- SPSC 662 Fluency Disorders
- SPSC 664 Professional Studies and Clinical Practice I
- SPSC 665 Speech and Language Disorders in Children
- SPSC 666 Voice Disorders
- SPSC 667 Neuroscience of Communication and Swallowing
- SPSC 668 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice 2
- HEAR 663 Audiologic Assessment and Management
Part II:
- SPSC 669 Dysphagia and Related Disorders – Diagnosis
- SPSC 670 Aphasia and Related Disorders
- SPSC 671 Applied Research and Clinical Practice 3
- SPSC 672 Spoken and Written Language Disorders in Educational Settings
- SPSC 673 Motor Speech Disorders
- SPSC 674 Dysphagia and Related Disorders: Management
- SPSC 675 Evidence-based Practice for Complex Communication Disorders
- SPSC 676 Professional Studies and Clinical Practice 4
UC offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Speech and Language Sciences.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, such as specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
2020 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $17,542 |
2021 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $17,735 |
Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
2020 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $70,800 |
2020 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $73,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Speech and Language Pathology.
For study planning help contact Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing or the College of Science:
Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4141
Email collegeofscience@canterbury.ac.nz