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Health Sciences |
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School of Human Communication SciencesMaster of Speech PathologyGeneral Information
The Master of Speech Pathology enables graduates with a first degree other than Speech Pathology to obtain professional qualification in Speech Pathology at a postgraduate level. The course utilises an integrated curriculum centred on Problem-Based Learning (PBL). The two years of the PBL curriculum are organised into 2 parts primarily based around the component processes of communication (speech, language, voice and fluency) and the process of swallowing. These processes reflect the areas in which speech pathologists are required to demonstrate competence as outlined in the Competency-Based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists [PDF 146KB]. The learning objective in Part 1 is for students to describe and apply principles of normal communication and the mechanisms and consequences of communication breakdown. The focus of learning in Part 2 is on therapeutic intervention and case management. PBL is the learning that results from the process of working toward the understanding and resolution of a problem. In our curriculum, the problems the student encounters are those of actual cases, which present in a variety of formats. The problems serve as the stimulus for acquiring the basic knowledge needed to understand the mechanisms underlying communication processes and their breakdown. They also serve as the focus for developing critical reasoning skills. Self-directed learning is motivated by a need to resolve the problems encountered in a particular case. Police ClearanceAll students are required to undergo police checks prior to the commencement of any clinical placement. It is the STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to lodge this application. The School of Human Communication Sciences issues the relevant forms to all students well in advance of their clinical placements commencing. These clearances are valid for one year and should be produced on request. Students are required to pay a fee of approximately $13 to obtain police clearance. Entrance RequirementsApplicants should hold a Bachelor degree and have obtained a B average in the last 2 years in their undergraduate degree or H2A or above in their Honours degree to be eligible to apply. Although not required for entry, a background in health, behavioural sciences, biological sciences or linguistics is preferred. Professional experience in related fields will be considered. Additional requirementsApplicants to the Master of Speech Pathology must submit a written statement (maximum 500 words) to provide information about their method of learning and their understanding of the PBL approach. Applicants will be ranked on the basis of academic and professional suitability for the purposes of selecting candidates for interview. Arrangements may be made to conduct a telephone interview, if necessary. The interview is used as the final means of selecting candidates for entry into the program. Application InformationProspective applicants must download the following forms and information sheets. The Academic Reference Form, Application Form and MSpPath Insert form must be completed and submitted by the closing date (31 October).
Additional Information for International Applicants
International applicants are also required to provide current evidence of English language proficiency by one of the following means:
Program OutlineFor full details of the course structure and individual units please refer to the Postgraduate Handbook. The course operates over 78 weeks and includes 56 PBL curriculum weeks and 15 professional practice weeks. Part 1 includes 13 PBL curriculum weeks for the Normal Communication unit, 17 for the Communication Breakdown unit and a 5 week clinical placement. Part 2 includes 26 PBL weeks for the Therapeutic Management unit and a 10 week block for the Advanced Professional Practice unit. Professional practice experiences are obtained via clinical observations and participation in clinics throughout Part 1 and 2. Research methods and critical evaluation of the research literature in speech pathology are incorporated in the course. Career ProspectsOn successful completion of a La Trobe University Speech Pathology degree, you are a qualified Speech Pathologist and may apply for membership of the Speech Pathology Association of Australia. Areas of employment include:
University Fees and ScholarshipsThe Government FEE-HELP scheme for full-fee paying, non-research postgraduate students provides an income contingent loan facility similar to HECS-HELP to eligible applicants. This scheme applies to the Master of Speech Pathology. Please refer to the La Trobe University Fees and Finance website for further details. Information about scholarships is available from the La Trobe Scholarships Office. Contact InformationStudent Administration & Selection Officer Ms Voula Karnezis Phone: 03 9479 5610 Email: V.Karnezis@latrobe.edu.au Master of Speech Pathology Coordinator Ms Justine Slattery Phone: 03 9479 3054 Email: j.slattery@latrobe.edu.au
Content Approved by: Head of School
Page maintained by: Office Administrator Last Updated: 25 September, 2009
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