Speech pathology
Why study Speech pathology?
Our graduate-entry program lets graduates with a degree other than speech pathology gain a professional qualification. We are the longest standing provider of speech pathology education programs in Victoria. You must enrol full-time for four semesters. We use Problem-Based Learning methods as well as more traditional teaching and learning formats. You will develop your knowledge and skills using actual speech pathology cases and gain valuable practical experience in our clinic and external placements.
Career opportunities
Graduates are prepared to practise in hospitals, community health centres, private practice, schools, rehabilitation centres and aged care centres. You may also work in health promotion, teaching and consultancy, and in specialised centres helping people with hearing impairment, cerebral palsy and intellectual disability. You may apply for membership of the Speech Pathology Association of Australia.
Courses
Local students
2013
Master of Speech Pathology
- Duration :
- 2 years full-time
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (January)
- Campus:
- Bendigo
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course enables graduates with a degree in another discipline to obtain a professional postgraduate qualification in speech pathology. Speech pathologists assess, diagnose, treat and provide management and advocacy services to people with communication or swallowing disorders.
People with communication disorders may have difficulties in speech, language, voice, fluency, and reading and spelling.
For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions. - Prerequisite
- Bachelor's degree with B-grade average (70 per cent or higher) achieved over the final two years, or Honours degree with H2A or above (or approved international equivalent), preferably in a discipline related to health, behavioural science, biological science or linguistics. Professional experience in related fields is considered. Students who are offered a place in this course but do not have a background in human biosciences (anatomy and physiology) and linguistics (phonetics and grammar) are strongly recommended to complete a Bridging Course starting in late January at a cost of (A$360).
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2013): $23,600 per 120 credit points. Limited Commonwealth Supported Places may be available.
- Costs
- A National Police Check (or equivalent) A$15.50 (2012 fee, indicative only). Bridging course (Foundations in Communication Science): A$360 (indicative only). Students should allow approximately A$300 per year for purchase of academic and clinical materials.
- How to apply
- Apply directly to the Faculty of Health Sciences. Applicants must download and complete a Postgraduate Application Form. In addition, all applicants are required to provide a CV and 500 word problem-based learning (PBL) statement outlining their method of learning and their understanding of the PBL approach.
The closing date for applications is the 31st October 2012. - Professional recognition
- Graduates of the Graduate Entry Master of Speech Pathology are eligible for membership of the Speech Pathology Association of Australia.
- Full course details
- Speech Pathology (Master)Melbourne
Speech Pathology (Master)Bendigo
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology
- Duration :
- 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus:
- Albury-Wodonga
- Bendigo
- Melbourne
- City
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course aims to give graduates without substantial previous research experience the necessary preparation for higher degree studies. It is expected that graduates will proceed to a higher degree by research, provided they meet minimum average grade requirements. However, the course also aims to facilitate professional advancement and progression to further postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion.
- Prerequisite
- Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline. In certain circumstances, consideration is given to relevant clinical or academic experience, and demonstrated potential to undertake research.
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2013): $25,880 for 120 credit points.
Commonwealth Supported Places also available.
- How to apply
- Apply by 4 January 2013. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form . Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
- Full course details
- Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Bendigo
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga
How to apply?
Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.
Fees and scholarships
Postgraduate coursework programs are either:
- Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
- CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.
Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.
International students
2013
Master of Speech Pathology (073116F)
- Duration :
- 2 years
- Semester starts :
- January
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 28 360
- Campus
- Melbourne, Bendigo
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course enables graduates with a degree in another discipline to obtain a professional postgraduate qualification in speech pathology. Speech pathologists assess, diagnose, treat and provide management and advocacy services to people with communication or swallowing disorders.
People with communication disorders may have difficulties in speech, language, voice, fluency, and reading and spelling.
For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions. Melbourne, Bendigo - English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic) score of 7.5 with no individual band score less than 7.0;
TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 625 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;
TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 102 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;
Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2B 80 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website;
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 76 with no communicative skill score less than 73.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of A.
or approved international equivalent. Melbourne, Bendigo - Academic entry requirements
- An Australian Bachelor's degree or international equivalent with a B Grade average (70 per cent) or higher in the final two years or an Honours degree with a H2A or above. A background in health, behavioural science, biological science or linguistics is preferred. Professional experience in related fields will be considered.
Students who have not completed previous studies in human biosciences (anatomy and physiology) and linguistics (phonetics and grammar) are strongly encouraged to complete a Bridging Course starting 29 January 2013 at a cost of A$360. Melbourne, Bendigo - Additional costs
- A National Police Check (or equivalent) A$15.50 (2012 fee, indicative only). Bridging course (Foundations in Communication Science): A$360 (indicative only). Students should allow approximately A$300 per year for purchase of academic and clinical materials. Melbourne, Bendigo
- Additional information
- Applications close on 28 September 2012. Note also that the course requires full-time enrolment over four semesters (international students can only study full-time in Australia).
The Bridging Course commences on 29 January and concludes on 22 February 2013. Melbourne, Bendigo - Professional recognition
- This course is accredited with Speech Pathology Australia. It is the individual applicant's responsibility to investigate if this course meets the registration requirements to practice as a speech pathologist in their country of origin or their preferred country of practice. Melbourne, Bendigo
- Full course details
- Speech Pathology (Master)Melbourne
Speech Pathology (Master)Bendigo
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology (072025F/072024G/072008G/072007G/072026E/072005K)
- Duration :
- 1 year
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 26 300
- Campus
- Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course aims to give graduates without substantial previous research experience the necessary preparation for higher degree studies. It is expected that graduates will proceed to a higher degree by research, provided they meet minimum average grade requirements. However, the course also aims to facilitate professional advancement and progression to further postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
Or approved international equivalent. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- A relevant Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent in health sciences or related area. Entry requirements also vary based on the chosen major - please contact the faculty for more information. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Full course details
- Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Bendigo
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Your study experience
Speech pathology placements
Clinical experience is a major component of our program. You will get practical experience at the La Trobe Communication Clinic at Melbourne campus and in external agencies such as hospitals, community health centres, schools, early childhood centres and private practice in rural, metropolitan or interstate settings. The La Trobe Communication Clinic offers extensive speech pathology services including:
- a preschool language and phonology program funded by Community Health.
- a preschool and school-age child fluency (stuttering) program funded by Community Health.
- an adolescent and adult fluency (stuttering) assessment and treatment program.
- a Phonological Awareness for Literacy program for school-aged children.
- voice clinics for children and adults at the Melbourne campus and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
Fee assistance
Limited Commonwealth Supported places are available. Contact the course co-ordinator for more information. The Government FEE-HELP scheme is for full-fee paying, non-research postgraduate students and provides a loan based on income. This scheme applies to the Master of Speech Pathology.
Overseas study opportunities
You may be eligible for our student exchange program.
Student profiles
Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Speech pathology.
Speech pathology events
There are no upcoming Speech pathology events. Browse other events.


