Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology

Purpose

This Doctoral qualification allows for the enrolling learner to undertake original research that will contribute to the knowledge and practice in the field of Audiology and to submit an original dissertation reporting the results of the research.

Successful completion of this qualification will

• Ensure a high level of knowledge in the field of Audiology via a high level of analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexities and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.
• Contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Audiology, thereby making provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.
• Prepare specialists who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions, thus meeting the critical needs of the country.
• Educate and train individuals who are able to independently perform research, thus contributing to the development of knowledge in this field of study at an advanced level.

Rationale

There is a need to develop the local capacity of researchers specifically in the science of Audiology. After completing the Doctor of Philosophy: Audiology, the graduates will have mastered the skills to be independent researchers in this science. The qualification will make provision for learners with specific learning support requirements and such learners will be identified for extra tutorials, given personal attention and relevant support in learning and writing skills and in computer literacy.

The qualification will address the needs of various stakeholders, academic institutions where audiology is taught and the profession as a whole in South Africa. This qualification has the potential to inform national and international policy decisions on audiology, hearing disorders, health sciences and education. Given the above, audiology services in South Africa and eventually, the rest of the African continent, will benefit from the programme.

It is assumed that learners have mastered the required research methods and techniques, are able to carry out independent research and have the required language skills to write a doctoral thesis.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Doctor of Philosophy: Audiology conforms to the institutional Policy for the assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning which policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures.

Access to Qualification

The applicant should be in possession of a relevant Master of Audiology Degree from an accredited university, or the equivalent thereof.

The Doctor of Philosophy: Audiology is awarded on production and submission of an original dissertation of 360 Credits that has been assessed, suitably published and accepted by relevant peers.

Learners will receive appropriate supervision to enable them to independently produce the research project at the appropriate level.

1. Identify complex problems and solve these through critical and innovative thinking, responsible and independent decision-making and application of basic and advanced scientific methods.
2. Apply basic and advanced scientific methods and technology efficiently and responsibly.
3. Efficiently manage the collection, organisation, analysis, evaluation, integration and application of information from various sources, including advanced databases.
4. Manage and organise self efficiently and competently to ensure personal self-development with emphasis on insight, responsibility, accountability, continued learning, self-criticism and acceptance of criticism from others.
5. Communicate effectively through competent presentation of information and data by means of oral, audiovisual and written skills.
6. Develop and demonstrate a holistic approach to problem solving within the context of respect and sensitivity for other people, the community, and the environment.
7. Demonstrate understanding of the importance and the potential applications of health and communication sciences in general and audiology in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results and the transfer of relevant technology.
8. Apply the required ethical principles in research and accept and address the opportunities, challenges and requirements that apply to research and good practice in the health science professions at an advanced level.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

The Assessment Criteria are applied generically across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Appropriate graphical, statistical, linguistic and computer proficiency at a high level are consistently demonstrated.
• A research project is independently designed, ethical approval and funding are obtained; the project is carried out, results and conclusions are presented in a scientific format, and responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of audiology are accepted.
• Sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter as defined for the selected research project is provided.
• Work is carried out independently on a research project, which requires the appropriate theoretical and practical skills.
• A wide range of basic and complex information to solve problems effectively is critically evaluated and utilised using appropriate methods that are relevant to audiology and knowledge, findings and potential implications are communicated to other people.
• Basic and advanced technical skills and scientific methods are independently applied using relevant instruments and equipment to conduct sound research that conforms to the relevant legal, safety and bioethical requirements that apply to good practice in the health sciences.
• The ability to work independently at a high level as a member of a team and to add value to the larger group through constructive collaboration, cooperation and self-initiated new actions is achieved.

Integrated Assessment

The purpose and outcomes of the qualification are reached by means of the curriculum, as learners are supervised, guided and assisted by properly qualified individuals. Learners are required to perform a research project at the appropriate level.

Formative assessments are performed on a monthly basis via the monitoring procedures for the programme. Monitoring of learning is performed via a monthly discussion between the programme committee, supervisor and each individual learner, where the following issues are discussed:

• Objectives for the period under review.
• Learner's self-assessment of the learning experience.
• Supervisor's assessment of the learning experience.
• Progress with research project.
• Head of Division's comments.
• Learner's activity plan for the next month.
• Matters to carry forward.
• New activities planned.

Summative assessment will occur at exit level and will comply with institutional regulations for the assessment of Doctoral dissertations, including internal and external examination of the dissertation and oral defence thereof.

An oral examination is required and may deal with the thesis or with the learner's knowledge of the subject in general, or with both these topics. The learner is expected to make a presentation which includes:

• The context in which the study was undertaken.
• The methodological setup according to which the study was undertaken.
• The results, conclusions and recommendations.