| AQF Level |
Level 5 Diploma |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Diploma of Speech and Communication consists of 8 undergraduate units, and it can be completed in full-time or part-time study.
The Diploma is available to students holding a Bachelor degree who would like to be eligible to apply for the Master of Speech and Language Pathology (MSLP), but do not meet its prerequisites in specific areas of Linguistics and Psychology.
Applicants for this Diploma are required to submit with their application a personal statement that outlines:
1. Their understanding of the profession of Speech Pathology as practised in Australia
2. Their relevant personal experiences of Speech Pathology or related fields
3. Any other factors that are relevant to the application
There is no guarantee of automatic acceptance into the MSLP on completion of this Diploma. Successful completion simply means that the graduate is eligible to apply for the MSLP in the following year and will be considered on a competitive basis with all other applications. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated that you should be able to
KNOWEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1. Identify structural and functional characteristics of spoken language, differentiating sound systems, word structures, and sentence patterns, and how these vary across speakers and social groups, and languages
2. Understand the physiological and psychological underpinnings of human communication, learning, and behaviour
3. Recognise and recall basic strategies and analytic methods used in research with humans
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
4. Accurately carry out phonetic and phonemic transcription of spoken language
5. Employ basic research procedures, and write clear and succinct reports
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
6. Select and apply appropriate experimental methodologies to data derived from spoken language
7. Identify and use a range of resources and practices that promote learning across topics and contexts
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| Learning and Teaching Methods |
In the Diploma of Speech and Communication program you will be encouraged to participate in a wide range of learning experiences and activities designed to help you develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and techniques required for successful participation in further study in speech pathology.
Learning activities are varied and include a range of formal and informal experiences. Although units differ with respect to formal lecture offerings (including recorded lectures), there is a focus on small-group learning through laboratory practicals and/or tutorial exercises and discussions. In small groups you will learn to make evidence based arguments, give and receive feedback, communicate using a range of media, work as part of a team, analyse data, and behave ethically.
Skill acquisition requires structured experiences with real-world data collected from a variety of sources. These include direct observations of behaviour and text-based corpora through to physiological and acoustic data captured by state-of-the-art equipment. Laboratory analyses and experiences reinforce the importance of evidence-driven practice and help consolidate concept development through hands-on exploration.
The program has its foundations in research-based theory and practice in Linguistics and Psychology and therefore research is integrated into every stage of the program. You will be involved in observing, collecting, analysing data, and presenting your findings using a variety of media. |
| Assessment |
In each unit of study the Unit Guide will set out clearly what is assessed, how it will be assessed and the weighting of each task. The standards and criteria associated with each assessment task are available along with the detailed instructions for task completion.
All units in the degree involve summative assessment from which final grades are obtained, but many will also offer extensive formative assessment in which you will receive feedback that should help you identify areas of strength and weakness thereby giving you the opportunity to improve your performance in subsequent tasks.
Assessment methods will usually include -
• writing essays, critical reviews, and research reports
• participating in online activities
• conducting laboratory data analysis
• giving tutorial and seminar presentations (group and/or individual)
• participating in tutorial/seminar activities and in-class discussions
• participating in exams, class tests, and online quizzes
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| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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