Postgraduate study in Speech Science
What can you study in Speech Science?
There are several options to consider when choosing a postgraduate qualification in Speech Science.
If you wish to qualify to practise as a speech-language therapist, the Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice is an accredited clinical qualification. It combines academic study with supervised clinical experience in community settings.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Speech Science and the Master of Science (MSc) in Speech Science do not lead to professional registration as a speech-language therapist. These programmes are intended for qualified speech-language therapists who already hold a qualification in Speech Science or Speech-Language Therapy, who are seeking postgraduate study or research experience. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Speech Science is not a pathway to the Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice, and completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Speech Science makes you ineligible for the Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice.
In exceptional circumstances, the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Speech Science may be appropriate if you have a postgraduate background in fields such as linguistics, psychology, audiology, engineering, education, or computer science and wish to develop expertise in Speech Science as part of your professional or research pathway.
The applied clinical papers (including SPCHSCI 714, 724, 734, 744) are not typically available to students who are not completing the Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice or are not already qualified speech-language therapists. Please contact a Speech Science Academic Adviser – Prof. Anna Miles or Prof. Clare McCann – before applying to the PGDipSci or MSc in Speech Science programmes.
For speech-language therapists looking for postgraduate education in specialist topics, such as dysphagia, there is also the option of taking individual papers as a Certificate of Proficiency (COP), e.g., SPCHSCI 701 Dysphagia.
Research interests open for exploration include:
- Audiology
- Communication disorders in children or adults
- Linguistics
- Research methods for communication and swallowing
- Speech and language development and disorders
- Swallowing/dysphagia
- Voice and fluency
Structuring your postgraduate programme in Speech Science
Consult the relevant programme or plan schedule for information on courses and structuring your study. These are available in the Curriculum Catalogue:
Where can postgraduate study in Speech Science take you?
A postgraduate qualification in speech-language therapy can lead to employment as a speech-language therapist in a health or education setting such as a hospital, an adult rehabilitation service, a child development team, a school or early childhood centre.
Jobs related to Speech Science
- Lexicographer
- Researcher
- Speech and language therapist
Scholarships and awards
Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.
Help and advice for Science students
Student Hubs
Visit a hub for help and advice on any aspect of your studies and life at University.
The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
Our Student Hub services are available seven days a week at the City, Grafton and Tai Tonga campuses and six days a week at Tai Tokerau, with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.