COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Speech and Language Pathology core program is structured to develop highly skilled clinicians capable of assessing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. The curriculum combines foundational biomedical knowledge with advanced clinical training and extensive hands-on practice. Early units focus on understanding body structures and functions relevant to speech pathology, alongside core concepts in communication, language, literacy and multilingual practice. Students then progress to specialised study of speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing disorders in both children and adults, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how communication difficulties present across different populations. A strong emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, with multiple clinical practice units providing supervised experience in real-world healthcare and community settings. These placements allow students to progressively develop professional competence, confidence and ethical decision-making skills. Advanced units further extend learning into complex areas such as lifelong disability, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and advanced speech pathology practice. Students also engage with topics such as discourse analysis, literacy development and multilingual communication, reflecting the diversity of clients in contemporary practice. Overall, the program integrates theory, research and clinical application to prepare graduates for professional roles in hospitals, schools, disability services and private practice, where they support individuals in achieving effective communication and improved quality of life.