Master of Speech Pathology

The purpose of the qualification is

1. To equip students with the necessary critical insight, maturity, judgement and experience to undertake independent research in a specialised field of knowledge in the field of Speech Pathology.
2. To deepen the knowledge base of the chosen field of specialisation by generating new knowledge or insight.
3. To enable students to participate in or contribute to the pursuit of knowledge and in so doing to advance and develop the field of Speech Pathology nationally and internationally.
4. To contribute towards the development of a culture of continuous learning in the field in South Africa.
5. To develop the practice in field of Speech Pathology in South Africa on a scientific basis and thereby also to contribute to better practice for persons with communication disorders.

The graduate will be competent to perform the professional function of research into speech, language, voice and fluency disorders.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Speech-language therapy, Level 8.
• Honours Degree in language Pathology, Level 8.

1. Demonstrate an ability to identify relevant research questions and resolve them in a manner consistent with creative and critical thinking.
2. Organise and manage all aspects of the research process in an efficient and responsible manner.
3. Participate effectively and collaborate in team activities for research purposes.
4. Use appropriate technology to obtain, analyse and utilise the relevant information.
5. Communicate effectively in a variety of media and disseminate acquired knowledge through appropriate channels.
6. Explore further options for ongoing basic and applied research as a means of achieving lifelong learning.
7. Ensure that the outcomes of research contribute to the development of the profession and are implemented in clinical practice in the best interests of persons with communication disorders.
8. Identify problems in the fields of Speech-Language, voice and fluency disorders and locate them within the conceptual framework of a research question.
9. Review the literature and critically evaluate related research.
10. Identify a suitable research design to investigate the research question(s) at issue.
11. Write a research proposal and submit it to the appropriate national bodies for financial and other support.
12. Plan and conduct a research project, analyse the data and correctly interpret the findings.
13. Publish the findings in a research report, for submission also to peer reviewed journals.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Oral presentations of seminar papers based on in-depth literature surveys of relevant and related areas of communication science and communication disorders are done.
• Written analyses of current research questions in relevant and related areas of communication science and communication disorders are done
• A thesis is compiled which shows evidence of:

> Recognising local, regional and national research needs.

> Responding to the need for further investigation into a particular area of focus.

> Critically evaluating pertinent literature.

> Selecting a suitable method of investigation for the research purpose.

> Executing the research.

> Recording and analysing the results.

• Findings are published in peer-reviewed journals.

Integrated Assessment

• Learners should submit a thesis that contains the report of the research. The thesis should meet the standards and requirements of research design and reporting through an integration of all the necessary analyses, arguments and evidence in support of the hypothesis.