Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Master of Speech and Language Therapy – MSpchLangTher
Massey’s Master of Speech and Language Therapy provides qualified speech language therapists with opportunities for advanced clinical and theoretical study. You’ll develop research skills that will prepare you to use and add to the knowledge base in speech and language therapy.
Relevant to your working life
This qualification will give you expertise in core areas such as evidence-based practise and research methods. You can also follow your interests in specialist areas that reflect your individual passions and/or client caseloads.
Get support every step of the way
We tailor assignments and thesis topics to your interests. We also pair you with an academic mentor who has expertise in your subject area.
Study your way
Our qualification is very flexible. There are options for studying full-time or part-time. You can also complete the programme through distance learning.
Academic progression
If you have a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy (Honours) degree or equivalent, with at least a B grade average, you are eligible to reduce the amount of coursework required by 60-credits. This means you can advance directly into the thesis component of the degree.
Further study
This programme provides a strong foundation for entry into a PhD.
A MSpchLangTher is a good fit if you:
- want to further your speech and language therapy career
- wish to become a specialist in your area
- have a research project or inquiry you want to pursue.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Speech and Language Therapy you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent having achieved at least a B grade average, or
- have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy (Honours) or equivalent having achieved at least a B grade average.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
International students
Please note that successfully completing the Master of Speech and Language Therapy does not ensure employment as a speech-language therapist in New Zealand. If you completed your undergraduate qualification outside of New Zealand, then you will need to have that qualification assessed and approved by the New Zealand Speech and Language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) before you can enter the profession in New Zealand.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Speech and Language Therapy
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Speech and Language Therapy is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
You must achieve a B grade average in the Part One courses in order to progress to Part Two.
If you have a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy (Honours) degree or equivalent, with at least a B grade average, you’ll be eligible to be granted 60 credits of recognition of prior learning and to reduce the amount of coursework required by 60-credits. In the research pathway, you’ll complete a 120-credit thesis. The professional pathway is not offered for 2025.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
180 credits
Professional pathway (not offered in 2025)
- Part One compulsory courses – 90 credits
- Part One research methods course(s) – 30 credits
- Part Two professional project – 60 credits
Research pathway
- Part One compulsory course – 30 credits
- Part One research methods course – 30 credits
- Part Two thesis – 120 credits
Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree in 120 credits.
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Part One
Professional Pathway
Compulsory courses (Choose 90 credits from)
Course code: 271710 Evidenced-Based Practice in Speech and Language Therapy 30 credits
Advanced study of contemporary evidence-based practice in speech and language therapy. The implications of evidence-based practice in speech language therapy clinical settings are explored.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271711 Critical and Current Issues in Speech and Language Therapy 30 credits
An in-depth evaluation and analysis of critical and current trends arising in, and impacting on the work of speech language therapy clinicians and researchers.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271712 Theoretical Issues in Speech and Language Therapy 30 credits
Critical examination of theories and models and their impact on research and clinical practice in speech and language therapy.
View full course detailsResearch methods courses (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 168711 Health Research Design and Method 30 credits
Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in relation to health research are examined. Selected quantitative and qualitative methods are explored in depth, in preparation for developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175746 Psychological Research: Quantitative Data Analysis 15 credits
An examination of how psychologists use quantitative data analysis techniques to address complex research problems involving multiple variables. Techniques including multiple regression, factor analysis and structural equation modelling are explored, with an emphasis on the relationships between analyses, research questions and design issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175750 Qualitative Methods in Psychology 15 credits
The course provides advanced understanding and skill development to enable students to undertake qualitative research in psychology.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267721 Research Methodologies in Education 15 credits
An advanced study of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research design in education. Theoretical and practical issues of research are studied under three course themes: context for research, research designs, data collection and analysis.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267741 Indigenous Research Methodologies 15 credits
A study of Māori research frameworks, philosophies and processes and an examination of their contribution to the growing body of indigenous scholarship as relevant to educational settings.
View full course detailsResearch Pathway
Compulsory course (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 271711 Critical and Current Issues in Speech and Language Therapy 30 credits
An in-depth evaluation and analysis of critical and current trends arising in, and impacting on the work of speech language therapy clinicians and researchers.
View full course detailsResearch methods courses (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 168711 Health Research Design and Method 30 credits
Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in relation to health research are examined. Selected quantitative and qualitative methods are explored in depth, in preparation for developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175746 Psychological Research: Quantitative Data Analysis 15 credits
An examination of how psychologists use quantitative data analysis techniques to address complex research problems involving multiple variables. Techniques including multiple regression, factor analysis and structural equation modelling are explored, with an emphasis on the relationships between analyses, research questions and design issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175750 Qualitative Methods in Psychology 15 credits
The course provides advanced understanding and skill development to enable students to undertake qualitative research in psychology.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267721 Research Methodologies in Education 15 credits
An advanced study of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research design in education. Theoretical and practical issues of research are studied under three course themes: context for research, research designs, data collection and analysis.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267741 Indigenous Research Methodologies 15 credits
A study of Māori research frameworks, philosophies and processes and an examination of their contribution to the growing body of indigenous scholarship as relevant to educational settings.
View full course detailsPart Two
Professional Pathway (Choose 60 credits from)
Course code: 267860 Professional Inquiry 60 credits
A critical evaluation and inquiry into a significant issue of professional interest, based on a critique of relevant theory and literature.
View full course detailsResearch Pathway (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 271808 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271809 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 271810 Thesis 120 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Find more scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
What our students say
“Master's study has enabled me to explore new ways of working as a speech-language therapist and delve into an area that I'm really passionate about.”
Related study options
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Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health – PGDipPH
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Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz