The University of Queensland School of Speech Pathology

Program Overview - Master of Speech Pathology Studies

University and Faculty:	The University of Queensland Faculty of Health Sciences
Program:	Master of Speech Pathology Studies
University Location:	Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
City Population:	2 million
Student Population:	37,700
Campus Location:	St. Lucia, Brisbane
Program Duration:	Two calendar years (six semesters: four regular semesters and two summer semesters)
Semester Intake:	November each year
Next Intake:	November 2012
Application Deadline:	May 31, 2012 for the November 2012 intake
Est. Annual Tuition:	$39,000 (2011; over three semesters)
Est. Total Tuition:	$78,000 (estimated, over two years)

The University of Queensland Master of Speech Pathology Studies program allows graduates to gain qualifications to register as a speech pathologist.

It is an accelerated program for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree. This program consists of six full-time semesters over two years and will prepare graduates for a career in speech pathology across any of the diverse areas in which speech pathologists practice, such as education, health or private practice.

This graduate-entry program

• is completed over 2 years full time - 6 semesters (4 regular + 2 summer semesters);
• provides students with the required competencies for registration as a speech pathologist;
• offers a learning environment and has assessment requirements designed to facilitate the advanced and intensive learning appropriate for a master's-level program;
• introduces graduates to the profession of speech pathology and its key concepts in intensive mode during an initial summer semester;
• focuses on the integration of theoretical knowledge and clinical skills; and
• includes clinical practicum that focus on paediatric and adult assessment and rehabilitation.

The program is accredited by Speech Pathology Australia. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Speech Pathologists Board of Queensland.

Why Canadians Like the Program

"The University of Queensland is absolutely beautiful and it's very pleasant to go to school every day.

"I love the content. I have been excited about studying speech pathology for a long time, and it is a well-rounded program, which takes every aspect of speech pathology seriously. I also like the way the clinical aspect of the program is set up: each clinical placement, assignment or learning activity is arranged so that we are trained to meet the standards set out by the governing bodies of speech pathology in Australia.

"Since I'm going back to work in Canada after, I appreciate enormously that the staff and coordinators of the program here have gone out of their way to make sure that the Canadian students are also qualified to meet the standards of most Canadian registry boards: the Canadian students have special permission to enrol in audiology courses, which allow us to meet (and surpass) the hours required for Canadian speech pathologists. To expand on that, the program for the master's-entry students is quite small, and we are always in close contact and well acquainted with the faculty. I find this a really great thing about the program. They are wonderfully hardworking experts in their subjects, passionate about the field, encouraging, animated, and obviously interested in our education and training. The coordinators and lecturers do not hesitate to address any concerns the students have, for example, by running extra tutorial sessions, by meeting with the international students, or by accommodating clinic placements in areas of interest. I appreciate this doubly considering that the program is small and many of the lecturers have multiple teaching responsibilities, clinical responsibilities and research commitments.

"I like also that there is a research option for the master's students in the second year of study. I have always wanted to do research but hadn't the opportunity at my large undergraduate university, and I think it is a great option within this small program that allows the students to work closely with the leaders in this field.

"About the university itself, it is a beautiful campus--not too large and not too small--has many amenities that I find convenient, such as a bank branch right on campus and a pharmacy, and as I have learned over the last few months, is quite renowned and has great facilities. Notably, the anatomy lab where practicals where held was expansive and a fantastic learning environment."
T. Duvage
University of Toronto graduate
UQ Master of Speech Pathology Studies

"Everyone in the program has been very nice and welcoming. The professors have been very approachable and are available for any further clarification of course content."
S. Woo
University of Toronto graduate
UQ Master of Speech Pathology Studies

"I really love the university and the campus! I would tell other Canadians that there are a lot of fellow Canadians at UQ, which makes it easier for those who are having second thoughts about going overseas. I would tell future GEMS students that the program is intense and full on."
N. Gousteris
McMaster University graduate
UQ Master of Speech Pathology Studies

Professional Certification/Accreditation Information

Upon graduation, you are eligible to apply to become a speech pathologist in Canada. For a detailed overview of the certification process, please review the website of the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA): http://www.caslpa.ca

It is imperative that you understand the requirements and procedures associated with entering the speech and language pathology profession in Canada. It is your responsibility to meet the necessary requirements to become a member of the regulatory body in your province, if necessary. Currently in Canada, only six provinces require mandatory registration with a regulatory body.

Scholarships

Every student who applies (and accepts) via OzTREKK and commences his/her studies at an OzTREKK Australian university will receive a $500 scholarship from OzTREKK.
Click here for more information about the OzTREKK Scholarship!

Admissions Criteria/Entry Requirements for Canadians

There are 10 places available in the program each year for international students, including students from Canada. Offers will be made to applicants with the highest academic rank.

Last year, six OzTREKK students accepted offers to this program. Successful OzTREKK applicants achieved cumulative GPAs in their four-year undergraduate studies of at least a B average.

To be eligible to apply, you must have

• completed an undergraduate degree (preferably in the fields of health, education, social or physical or biological sciences, or humanities);
• have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.00 on a 7-point scale in your university studies (see below for further explanation);
• completed the following prerequisite subjects:

- one semester of statistics; and
- one semester of either linguistics OR psychology OR physiology.

Please note that the above criteria are minimum requirements. Once prerequisites are met, entry is via a competitive selection process based on grade point average (GPA).

Students who have not yet completed an undergraduate degree may apply, as long as they will have graduated prior to commencing UQ Master of Speech Pathology Studies program.

 

Total Number of Places in the Program: 30

Number of Places Available for International Students: 10

Application Deadline for the November 2012 intake: May 31, 2012

OzTREKK Admissions Officer: Shannon Tilston.

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