Career Pathways

Become a speech pathologist

Treat disorders of communication in areas such as speech, voice, language and fluency

How long will it take?

3 years Bachelor degree
Add
2 years Master of Speech Pathology

Why study with us?

Learn the clinical science to with the assess, treat and manage communication and swallowing disorders in infants, children and adults sustained as a result of illness, injury or disability.

Speech pathologists work in a range of education and health sectors including playgroups, kindergartens, schools, universities, nursing homes, hospitals and community health centres.

Work in the public sector or build your own speech pathology practice in the private sector as a sole therapist or as part of a larger interdisciplinary team working alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, audiologists and psychologists.

Career outcomes

Career outcomes

  • Completing the Master of Speech Pathology will qualify you to work as a speech pathologist.
  • Students who show an aptitude for research may be considered for PhD studies in the department.

Professional accreditation

  • Accredited by Speech Pathology Australia

What are the study options?

Standard entry

1. Undergraduate degree

First you must meet the entry requirements for your undergraduate degree.

2. Graduate degree

The Master of Speech Pathology has specific prerequisite and grade entry requirements to be considered for entry. Specifically, you must complete an undergraduate degree with a major in a relevant discipline: science, biomedicine, linguistics, phonetics, education, psychology or equivalent.

Other entry pathways

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars are guaranteed a place into the graduate degree of their choice following successful completion of their undergraduate degree.

Discover more about Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholars

Scholarships

The University offers a range of scholarships at both undergraduate and graduate level.

Find a scholarship that's right for you

Guaranteed entry

Guaranteed entry means you’ll have the peace of mind of a secure graduate pathway with us without having to make any big decisions from Year 12. You will also be able to leave Melbourne with an undergraduate qualification if you decide further study isn’t right for you.

Discover more about guaranteed entry

Looking for personalised advice?

Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.

Why study speech pathology at the University of Melbourne

Join our health service network

Join our health service network

Benefit from our partnerships with leading health service providers, learning in our state-of-the-art facilities, clinical labs and virtual spaces.

Learn from experts

Learn from experts

You'll learn from experts in their field, clinical practitioners and nursing leaders with relevant, up-to-date knowledge, experience and research.

Be inspired by your surrounds

Be inspired by your surrounds

Situated within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, our campus is at the heart of a global hub of world-leading research institutes and health services.