Master of Science specialisation in Speech Science

Speech Science is a large and complex field that includes topics in acoustic analysis and speech recognition, diagnosis of speech, language disorders, speech-language therapy and speech perception.
The University of Auckland is home to the Speech Science Group, which is comprised of researchers from departments and schools across the University, including the School of Psychology and the Department of Audiology and Engineering.
We also have the well-equipped Speech Science Laboratory, which houses a range of therapy and analysis equipment for treatment of speech disorders.

MSc - Master of Science

There are different options to consider when choosing your postgraduate qualification in Speech Science.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Speech Science and Master of Science (MSc) in Speech Science are intended for graduates with a clinical and /or research interest in Speech Science-related areas. It may be that you are a qualified speech-language therapist with a bachelors degree looking for postgraduate education or research experience. Alternatively, you may have a background in linguistics, psychology, audiology, engineering, education or computer science and be looking to upskill in Speech Science as part of your postgraduate education and research pathway. For those without a speech-language therapist qualification, applied clinical papers may not be available.

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., SPCHSCI701 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

If you want to become qualified to work as a speech-language therapist, the Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice is a clinical qualification in speech and language therapy. It combines academic studies with time spent working in the community. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Speech Science and Master of Science (MSc) in Speech Science do not qualify you as a speech-language therapist.

Speech and language therapists work in a range of settings including hospitals, schools, special schools, early intervention teams, community clinics and private practice.
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

Prerequisite subject: Speech Science or an equivalent subject approved by the Academic Head or nominee

Complete 240 points comprising:

60 points from Speech Science Elective Courses, and
60 points for Other 700 Level Courses, and
120 points for all Thesis

Speech Science Elective Courses

Complete exactly 60 points from the following:

SPCHSCI 701 - Dysphagia for Speech Language Therapists (15 points)

SPCHSCI 711 - Introduction to Communication in Children and Adults (15 points)

SPCHSCI 712 - Linguistics for Speech Language Therapy (15 points)

SPCHSCI 713 - Anatomy and Physiology for Speech Language Therapy (15 points)

SPCHSCI 722 - Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Children 1 (15 points)

SPCHSCI 723 - Communication Disorders in Adults (15 points)

SPCHSCI 733 - Audiology for Speech Language Therapy (15 points)

SPCHSCI 736 - Topics in Communication Disorders in Adults - Level 9 (15 points)

SPCHSCI 743 - Speech, Language and Communication in Needs in Children 2 - Level 9 (15 points)

SPCHSCI 746 - Voice and Fluency - Level 9 (15 points)

SPCHSCI 751 - Special Topic (15 points)

SPCHSCI 752 - Research Project (15 points)

SPCHSCI 753 - Special Topic (15 points)

SPCHSCI 754 - Special Topic (15 points)

Other 700 Level Courses

Complete 60 points comprising:

0 to 60 points from Relevant Subject Courses, and
0 to 60 points from Courses

Selected courses must include exactly 60 points at level 700.

Relevant Subject Courses

Complete 0 to 60 points from the following:

AUDIOL 7**

AUDIOL 7***

COMPSCI 7**

COMPSCI 7***

LINGUIST 7**

PSYCH 7**

PSYCH 7***

PHYSIOL 7**

PHYSIOL 7***

SPCHSCI 7**

SPCHSCI 7***

The selected courses must be approved.

Courses

Select between 0 and 60 points from Faculty of Engineering.

Thesis

Complete 120 points for ALL of the following:

SPCHSCI 796A - MSc Thesis in Speech Science - Level 9 (60 points)

SPCHSCI 796B - MSc Thesis in Speech Science - Level 9 (60 points)

Please note that this is an indicative degree planner only and should be used in conjunction with the University Calendar Regulations. Courses may be rearranged between semesters and years as required, subject to course availability and prerequisite requirements.

A list of the SPSC-MSC elective courses is provided above. Enrolment requires the Programme Director’s approval. You must submit a concession request for enrolment.

You can find the relevant Programme Director’s name and contact details on the Academic Advice for Postgraduate Students webpage.

Before enrolling in the thesis, a student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher across 90 points selected from the first 120 points passed in the taught component of the degree. If this requirement is not met, the completed courses will be reassigned to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science.

Enrolment in SPCHSCI 796A/B requires completion of a Psychology Expression of Interest form, with supervisor approval of the agreed topic. Please refer to the Speech Science Research webpage for information about our researchers. Information on how to secure a supervisor can be found here.

Year 1

Semester One

SPSC-PGDSC elective course approved by Programme Director

15 Points

SPSC-PGDSC elective course approved by Programme Director

15 Points

SPSC-PGDSC elective course or Other 700-level course approved by Programme Director

15 Points

SPSC-PGDSC elective course or Other 700-level course approved by Programme Director

15 Points

Academic Integrity course ACADINT 01

0 Points

Semester Two

SPSC-PGDSC elective course approved by Programme Director

15 Points

SPSC-PGDSC elective course approved by Programme Director

15 Points

SPSC-PGDSC elective course or Other 700-level course approved by Programme Director

15 Points

SPSC-PGDSC elective course or Other 700-level course approved by Programme Director

15 Points

Year 2

Semester One

SPCHSCI 796A

60 Points

You will need to submit a concession for enrolment.

Semester Two

SPCHSCI 796B

60 Points

Summer Semester

GENADMIN

0 Points

This course is added automatically to

provide access to University facilities

only.

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