Master of Arts in Audiology

The purpose of this qualification is to produce a qualified learner that is capable of

• Sophisticated and resourceful thinking;
• Complex problem solving and application skills;
• Demonstrating an advanced critical awareness and competent practice in audiology and related disciplines;
• Designing and conducting appropriate research;
• Knowledge building, leadership and decision-making at managerial, policy-making and consultation levels in the professional context.

The purpose of the qualification is also to enhance the career of the post qualified learner by preparing him/her for an academic and/or clinical leadership position and further doctoral study.

Further, the purpose of the qualification is to produce post qualified learners who can contribute to the economy and social well-being of South Africa by conducting appropriate research into the educational, social and vocational consequences of communication disorders as well as the effective prevention and treatment of such disorders.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or work-based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need ofneed further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary qualifications prior tobefore admission or parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Speech-Language and Hearing, NQF Level 8.

A. BY DISSERTATION

The qualifying learner is able to

1. The qualifying learner is able to access and process information using a range of technologies

1.1 Possess full range of terminology and key concepts in audiology in South African and International literature.

1.2 Apply knowledge of primary and secondary research resources, materials, methodologies and technology.

1.3 Possess extensive in-depth meta-cognitive understanding of own position in relation to ongoing debates in the field.

2. The qualifying learner is able to communicate and produce

2.1 Possess sophisticated understanding of academic conventions.

2.2 Understand current debates and research findings necessary for academic assignments, research reports and practice research.

3. The qualifying learner demonstrates critical analytic competence and problem solving

3.1 Apply knowledge to critical and analytic approaches to subject matter.

3.2 Apply knowledge to issues and suggest possible solutions.

3.3 Possess advanced information and knowledge in response to specific demands in relation to changing politico-socio-economic factors.

3.4 Possess appropriate use and analysis of advanced technology (e.g. video fluoroscopy) and the interpretation of results.

3.5 Contribute to furthering understandings within the discipline of audiology.

4. The qualifying learner demonstrates research competence

4.1 Recognise the scientific basis of the profession and show understanding of advanced methods of scientific enquiry including problem solving and the systematic pursuit of knowledge.

4.2 Possess advanced knowledge of research methods and their application.

4.3 Demonstrate in-depth understanding of current literature.

5. The qualifying learner shows competence to manage him/herself

5.1 Apply knowledge of the importance of individual responsibility in generating ideas for and in executing a research study.

5.2 Possess advanced knowledge needed for self-directed, independent learning and practice.

5.3 Apply knowledge of what characteristics a sophisticated self-respected practitioner should have.

6. The qualifying learner demonstrates social competence

6.1 Understand individual, group and community issues in relation to communication disorders.

6.2 Understand a range of diversity in own and other contexts.

6.3 Know when to seek academic and professional interaction with others in order to test own ideas or to gain stimulation.

7. The qualifying learner shows ecosystemic competence

7.1 Possess an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the individual with communication disorders and local, global and international issues.

7.2 Understand the interrelatedness of issues and debates between audiology and related fields.

7.3 Apply knowledge of cross-linguistic, cultural and bilingual issues.

1. The qualifying learner shows disciplinary and/or professional competence (can substitute field of enquiry for discipline):

8.1 Apply knowledge and understand the concepts, methods, theories and analytical processes which are accepted and/or contested in audiology from independent reading.

8.2 Understand appropriate and specialist support for advanced technology (e.g. video fluoroscopy) and therapeutic technology.

8.3 Explore related fields of enquiry as required by the dissertation.

B. BY COURSEWORK AND RESEARCH REPORT

The qualifying learner is able to

1. The qualifying learner is able to access and process information using a range of technologies

1.1 Possess full range of terminology and key concepts in audiology in South African and International literature.

1.2 Apply knowledge of primary and secondary research resources, materials, methodologies and technology.

1.3 Possess extensive in-depth meta-cognitive understanding of own position in relation to ongoing debates in the field.

2. The qualifying learner is able to communicate and produce

2.1 Possess sophisticated understanding of academic conventions.

2.2 Understand current debates and research findings necessary for academic assignments, research reports and practice research.

3. The qualifying learner demonstrates critical analytic competence and problem solving

3.1 Apply knowledge to critical and analytic approaches to subject matter.

3.2 Apply knowledge to issues and suggest possible solutions.

3.3 Possess advanced information and knowledge in response to specific demands in relation to changing politico-socio-economic factors.

3.4 Possess appropriate use and analysis of advanced technology (e.g. video fluoroscopy) and the interpretation of results.

3.5 Contribute to furthering understandings within the discipline of speech language pathology.

4. The qualifying learner demonstrates research competence

4.1 Recognise the scientific basis of the profession and show understanding of advanced methods of scientific enquiry including problem solving and the systematic pursuit of knowledge.

4.2 Possess advanced knowledge of research methods and their application.

4.3 Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of current literature.

5. The qualifying learner shows competence to manage him/herself

5.1 Apply knowledge of the importance of individual responsibility in generating ideas for and in executing a research study.

5.2 Possess advanced knowledge needed for self-directed, independent learning and practice.

5.3 Apply knowledge of what characteristics a sophisticated self-respected practitioner should have.

6. The qualifying learner demonstrates social competence

6.1 Understand individual, group and community issues in relation to communication disorders.

6.2 Understand a range of diversity in own and other contexts.

6.3 Know when to seek academic and professional interaction with others in order to test own ideas or to gain stimulation.

7. The qualifying learner shows ecosystemic competence

7.1 Have an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the individual with communication disorders and local, global and international issues.

7.2 Understand the interrelatedness of issues and debates between audiology and related fields.

7.3 Knowledge of cross-linguistic, cultural and bilingual issues.

1. The qualifying learner shows disciplinary and/or professional competence (can substitute field of enquiry for discipline):

8.1 Apply knowledge and understand the concepts, methods, theories and analytical processes which are accepted and/or contested in audiology from independent reading.

8.2 Understand appropriate and specialist support for advanced technology (e.g. video fluoroscopy) and therapeutic technology.

8.3 Explore related fields of enquiry as required by the research report.

A. BY DISSERTATION

The qualifying learner is able to

• Demonstrate sophisticated selection and search strategies for appropriate databases and information resources.
• Process and critically evaluate different kinds of data and texts.
• Synthesise data within the contextual and conceptual framework of generic and specialised audiology.
• Use appropriate conventions and representational technologies to sustain cogent arguments.
• Present effectively ideas and theories from generic and specialised audiology specific information.
• Translate information into situation specific language.
• Develop and critically examine innovative approaches and conceptual tools with which to analyse practice.
• Facilitate critical debate about the possibilities and constraints of advanced practice in the changing South African context.
• Critically evaluate limitations of different theoretical models in relation to practice, wisdom and contextual realities and suggest alternatives.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply theory to apply theory to practice.
• Design, execute and write-up a scholarly dissertation that contributes to the advancement of knowledge.
• Show competence in reflective practice research.
• Be a purposeful, self-directed, resourceful scholar, practitioner and researcher.
• Demonstrate a capacity to become a mentor in developing professional knowledge, skills and values in others.
• Demonstrate a capacity to balance and manage a range of commitments and life tasks.
• Develop educational projects using various strategies, materials and personnel.
• Recognise the limits of professional competence.
• Demonstrate independence, initiative, creativity, purposefulness and leadership in professional relationships.
• Work in multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional teams.
• Show advanced ability to plan, execute and evaluate.
• Demonstrate professional practice and research within an ecosystemic paradigm.
• Be sensitive to environmental and cultural factors.
• Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, theories and analytical processes to situations across a broad range of contexts.
• Demonstrate mastery of the methods of scholarly research as they apply to the research report and the profession.
• Educate the relevant systems on the specific contribution of the profession toward individual, group, organisational and community development.

B. BY COURSEWORK AND RESEARCH REPORT

The qualifying learner is able to

• Demonstrate sophisticated selection and search strategies for appropriate databases and information resources.
• Process and critically evaluate different kinds of data and texts.
• Synthesise data within the contextual and conceptual frame work of generic and specialised audiology.
• Use appropriate conventions and representational technologies to sustain cogent arguments.
• Present effectively ideas and theories from generic and specialised or audiology specific information.
• Translate information into situation specific language.
• Develop and critically examine innovative approaches and conceptual tools with which to analyse practice.
• Facilitate critical debate about the possibilities and constraints of advanced practice in the changing South African context.
• Critically evaluate limitations of different theoretical models in relation to practice, wisdom and contextual realities and suggest alternatives.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply theory to apply theory to practice.
• Design, execute and write-up a scholarly research report that contributes to the advancement of knowledge.
• Show competence in reflective practice research.
• Be a purposeful, self-directed, resourceful scholar, practitioner and researcher.
• Demonstrate a capacity to become a mentor in developing professional knowledge, skills and values in others.
• Demonstrate a capacity to balance and manage a range of commitments and life tasks.
• Develop educational projects using various strategies, materials and personnel.
• Recognise the limits of professional competence.
• Demonstrate independence, initiative, creativity, purposefulness and leadership in professional relationships.
• Work in multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional teams.
• Show advanced ability to plan, execute and evaluate research and practice within an ecosystemic paradigm.
• Demonstrate professional practice and research within an ecosystemic paradigm.
• Be sensitive to environmental and cultural factors.
• Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, theories and analytical processes to situations across a broad range of contexts.
• Demonstrate mastery of the methods of scholarly research as they apply to the research report and the profession.
• Educate the relevant authorities on the specific contribution of the profession toward individual, group, organisational and community development.

Integrated Assessment

The dissertation and research report are forms of integrated assessment.

ASSOCIATED VALUES

A. BY DISSERTATION

The qualifying learner is aware of the importance of the need to

1.1 Commit him/herself to evaluate published research.

1.2 Recognise perspectives of the discipline in relation to broader disciplines.

2.1 Produce a dissertation which respects and acknowledges the ownership of intellectual and creative property (Bibliography).

2.2 Adhere to ethical standards of audiology applicable to research project.

3.1 Commit him/herself to responsible decision-making.

3.2 Be sensitive to different ways of constructing knowledge and the ethical application of knowledge.

3.3 Justify all decisions made regarding assessment and intervention.

4.1 Commit him/herself to ethical research which contributes to enhancing sustainable human communicative competence.

4.2 Commit him/herself to making research a daily activity in order to develop practice.

4.3 Commit him/herself to share the results of specific innovations with colleagues, the profession and the public.

5.1 Pursue excellence, creativity, accountability and relevance.

5.2 Commitment him/herself to ongoing reflective practice and professional development of self and others.

6.1 Commitment him/herself to collaborative processes.

6.2 Respect the ethical value bases of other disciplines and cultures.

6.3 Respect and value research participants and colleagues and what they have to offer.

7.1 Appreciate and deal sensitively with the multiple perspectives of people.

7.2 Value people's innate ability to change and creatively respond to external change forces.

8.1 Demonstrate an open mind to diverse positions within the profession.

8.2 Commit him/herself to laid down values and ethics as professional codes.

8.3 Recognise major ethical debates surrounding speech-language pathology and audiology practice in the contexts of social policy, legislation, business practice etc.

8.4 Assume initiative in problem solving.

B. BY COURSEWORK AND RESEARCH REPORT

The qualifying learner is aware of the importance of the need to

1.1 Commit him/herself to evaluate published research.

1.2 Recognise perspectives of the discipline in relation to broader disciplines.

2.1 Produce a research report which respects and acknowledges the ownership of intellectual and creative property (Bibliography).

2.2 Adhere to ethical standards of audiology applicable to research project.

3.1 Commit him/herself to responsible decision-making.

3.2 Be sensitive to different ways of constructing knowledge and the ethical application of knowledge.

3.3 Justify all decisions made regarding assessment and intervention.

4.1 Commit him/herself to ethical research which contributes to enhancing sustainable human communicative competence.

4.2 Commit him/herself to making research a daily activity in order to develop practice.

4.3 Commit him/herself to share the results of specific innovations with colleagues, the profession and the public.

5.1 Pursue excellence, creativity, accountability and relevance.

5.2 Commitment him/herself to ongoing reflective practice and professional development of self and others.

6.1 Commitment him/herself to collaborative processes.

6.2 Respect the ethical value bases of other disciplines and cultures.

6.3 Respect and value research participants and colleagues and what they have to offer.

7.1 Appreciate and deal sensitively with the multiple perspectives of people and the persistence of ambiguity in solutions.

7.2 Value people's innate ability to change and creatively respond to external change forces.

8.1 Demonstrate an open mind to diverse positions within the profession.

8.2 Commit him/herself to laid down values and ethics as professional codes.

8.3 Recognise major ethical debates surrounding speech-language pathology and audiology practice in the contexts of social policy, legislation, business practice etc.

8.4 Assume initiative in problem solving.