Our Wellington and Manawatū campuses are open, Auckland remains closed at AL3. More information.
Overview
Advance your speech and language therapy expertise
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy provides qualified speech language therapists with advanced clinical and theoretical study in speech and language therapy.
Level
- Postgraduate, NZQF Level 8
Campus
- Auckland
Distance learning
- Available
Credits
- 120
Duration
- 1 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
International
- Available for international students via distance learning
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy will help you develop the skills needed to independently analyse, appraise and synthesise research.
You’ll learn to consider the relevance and application of research to the socio-cultural context of the individuals you support. You’ll reflect on your own practice and apply your new knowledge. You’ll also explore theoretical models and develop your knowledge of research methodologies, as well as human ethics principles and procedures. This will enable you to provide quality clinical services to individuals in the community. You’ll remain competitive as future professional advances occur in the field.
Relevant to your working life
This programme will give you expertise in core areas such as evidence-based practice and research methods. You can also follow your interests in specialist areas that reflect your individual passions and/or client caseloads. Postgraduate studies at Massey will reflect your current or desired work context.
Get support every step of the way
We tailor assignments and thesis topics to your interests, and pair you with an academic mentor who has expertise in your subject area. Your mentor will support and guide you through coursework.
If you’re interested in continuing on to the Master of Speech and Language Therapy and completing a thesis, your mentor will support you to prepare for this.
Careers and further study
Careers
The Postgraduate Diploma in Speech Language Therapy provides qualified speech and language therapists with the opportunity to advance their practice and develop clinical and research expertise in specialty areas.
Further study
If you’re interested in continuing on to a master’s qualification and completing a thesis, your mentor will support you to prepare for this. You’ll develop a research proposal which provides a strong platform for advancing to the Master in Speech and Language Therapy degree.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study - we have a beautiful country. Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, please note that there are some special entry requirements that will apply to you. For instance, we recommend that you apply at least three months before your start date to allow for processing.
Please note that successfully completing the Postgraduate Diploma in 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.
It is your responsibility to organise this assessment if you would like to work in New Zealand.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy you will have completed a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy or the Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours, having achieved a grade average of at least a B.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Massey University English language requirements
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 Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
120 credits
- Compulsory courses – 90 credits
- Electives from the Schedule – 30 credits
Courses for this programme
Compulsory courses
| 90 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 271710 | Evidenced-Based Practice in Speech and Language Therapy | 30 |
| 271711 | Critical and Current Issues in Speech and Language Therapy | 30 |
| 271712 | Theoretical Issues in Speech and Language Therapy | 30 |
Elective courses
| 30 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 168711 | Health Research Design and Method | 30 |
| 267740 | Mixed Methods Research in Education | 15 |
| 267741 | Indigenous Research Methodologies | 15 |
| 267782 | Quantitative Research in Education | 15 |
| 267783 | Qualitative Research in Education | 15 |
Planning your programme
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 programme if you wish to continue your studies.
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 Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
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 and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
A good fit if you:
- want to further your speech and language therapy career
- want to investigate a particular aspect of speech and language therapy
- wish to become a specialist in your area.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
Postgraduate regulations
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
Enrolling in courses
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study.
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
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 programme 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 programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Scholarships and awards
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.