Master of Speech and Language Pathology
MSLP
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Speech and Language Pathology 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.
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
- 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 minimum of a B average.
- In addition you must have passed one course in each of the following:
- Biology/Anatomy and Physiology
- Statistics
- Where one or two prerequisites have not been met in prior study, students may take the 'missing' courses in their first year.
- 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 Part I of the Master of Speech and Language Pathology is limited to a maximum of 20 students annually. Students must submit a separate application form to the Department of Communication Disorders 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 cannot progress to Part II until Part I has been completed.
The MSLP can be completed in two years full-time or up to four years part-time.
Students complete the following courses. Part I must be completed before moving onto Part II.
Part I:
- CMDS 661 Clinical Linguistics and Language Acquisition
- CMDS 662 Fluency Disorders
- CMDS 663 Audiologic Assessment and Management
- CMDS 664 Professional Studies and Clinical Practice I
- CMDS 665 Speech and Language Disorders in Children
- CMDS 666 Voice Disorders
- CMDS 667 Neuroscience of Communication and Swallowing
- CMDS 668 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice 2
Part II:
- CMDS 669 Dysphagia and Related Disorders - Diagnosis
- CMDS 670 Aphasia and Related Disorders
- CMDS 671 Applied Research and Clinical Practice 3
- CMDS 672 Spoken and Written Language Disorders in Educational Settings
- CMDS 673 Motor Speech Disorders
- CMDS 674 Dysphagia and Related Disorders: Management
- CMDS 675 Complex Communication Disorders
- CMDS 676 Professional Studies and Clinical Practice 4
For the up-to-date schedule of courses, see the Regulations for the Degree of Master of Speech and Language Pathology.
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.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the 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) |
| 2019 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $17,198 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $65,200 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Speech and Language Pathology.
For study planning help contact the Department of Communication Disorders | Te Tari Mātai Haouroa Reo or the College of Science:
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4141
Email collegeofscience@canterbury.ac.nz