The Macquarie University audiology and speech pathology student experience

29 May 2017

Audiology is a growing discipline in health sciences that deals with the study, diagnosis and rehabilitation of the auditory system of the human body. There are very few Canadian universities that offer a Master of Audiology, and only three audiology schools are taught solely as an English-language program. Consequently, competitive admissions arising from so few spots have made Australian schools an attractive option for Canadians who wish to learn the requisite clinical skills to practice audiology.

Macquarie University audiology and speech pathology student experience
Macquarie speech and hearing student Chi Yhun Li gained practical experience while working on a research project with the National Acoustic Laboratories. (Image credit: Macquarie University)

Similarly, there are few speech pathology programs offered by Canadian universities, and since admission into these programs are increasingly competitive, graduate-entry speech pathology programs in Australia are a top choice for Canadians seeking to gain qualifications as a speech pathologist.
If you’re passionate about studying audiology or speech pathology, you may wish to consider studying at Macquarie University in New South Wales, Australia. Macquarie is home to the Australian Hearing Hub, a global leader in speech, hearing and language research. The Australian Hearing Hub leverages the university’s extensive international expertise in language sciences and cognitive sciences research, and in clinical research and professional training teams in audiology and speech language pathology.

Macquarie University Audiology and Speech Pathology Student Experience

Speech pathology and audiology students from Macquarie University can gain practical experience working on research projects within the National Acoustic Laboratories. Macquarie’s Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) units take students out of the lecture theatre and place them in the heart of their chosen degrees.

Canadian’s top pick for speech pathology
“Through my research, I found that Macquarie’s program is more established than other Australian universities,” says Master of Speech Pathology student Win Sum Cheung. “It also offers a wider variety of clinical placements, so I can get work experience in pediatric or a hospital or a school, depending on my interests.”
“Being a qualified by the Speech Pathology Association of Australia means I’ll have work opportunities in English-speaking countries like Canada and the US.”
Supportive lecturers
“The lecturers and tutors I’ve met so far at Macquarie University are more than just teachers. They’re more like friends,says Bachelor of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences student Moalosi Mapetla from Botswana, who is keen to pursue a Masters in Audiology after his bachelor degree.
“The interaction we have with our lecturers and tutors is amazing. They encourage us to ask questions, which makes the learning environment really interactive. They have been so supportive and it’s obvious they are passionate about seeing students excel in their studies, as well as in their social well-being.”
A strong focus on clinical work
“I particularly appreciated meeting students from varied professional backgrounds and cultures, the high calibre of the teaching staff, the time allotted for each student for individual concerns and the problem-based approach to learning.”
“My clinical placements reflected either the coursework I was taking at the time or had already completed. These experiences were varied and included working with adults and children with various communication and swallowing needs,” says Canadian Madhu who studied the Master of Speech and Language Pathology.
Rural placement experience
“A large part of why I chose this program over other programs in Australia is the strong clinical component,” says Megan, a Master of Speech and Language Pathology student. “As an international student who wanted to study in Australia and also see and learn about its unique culture I chose to undertake a rural placement. This placement was a particular highlight of my experiences in Australia so far.”

Audiology at Macquarie University

Program: Master of Clinical Audiology
Location: North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales
Semester intake: February
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: October 30 each year; however, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Speech Pathology at Macquarie University

Program: Master of Speech and Language Pathology
Location: North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales
Semester intake: February
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: October 30 each year; however, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
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Think you might be interested in studying audiology or speech pathology at Macquarie? Contact OzTREKK Admissions Officer Krista McVeigh: krista@oztrekk.com.

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