Master of Science in Audiology

The first purpose of the qualification is to provide graduates in the field of Audiology with advanced knowledge and versatility in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders and related communication disorders, to provide continued personal intellectual growth, advanced analytical, problem-solving and research skills and advanced skills in oral and written communication.

The second purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with a broader vision of possibilities relating to the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders within the sphere of public health, health services management and linguistic & cultural diversity.

The third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with postgraduate Audiologists who are equipped with advanced theoretical information in line with current world-wide teachings and sufficient adaptability and flexibility to apply this knowledge in the South African and African as clinicians, teachers and researchers.

A four year Bachelor of Science (Audiology), a four year Bachelor of Science (Logopaedics), a four year Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology/Audiology), four year Bachelor of Arts (Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the Health Professions Council of South Africa for registration as an Audiologist in South Africa.

Senior certificate with Matriculation Exemption or Equivalent university admission qualification.

First degree: BSc (Speech-Language Pathology)/BA (Speech-Language Pathology)

a)

Critical cross-field outcomes (generic to all teaching and learning)

1. Is able to collect, analyse, organise and critically appraise information from various sources, and is able to interpret and make judgements based on evidence and sound reasoning.
2. Demonstrates an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
3. Communicates effectively using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and or written persuasion.
4. Shows numeracy skills, and is able to apply quantitative logic to problems.

b)

Specific outcomes, including professional outcomes, contextually demonstrated)

1. Understanding of advanced theoretical and clinical concepts in the assessment and management of adult and childhood hearing disorders and related communication disorders.
2. Understands the relevance and applicability of assessment and management of hearing disorders and related communication disorders within the broader context of a diverse linguistic and cultural background.
3. Understanding of the management of hearing disorders within the context of improved health service delivery.
4. Understands statistical concepts in published research, and is able to interpret basic statistical results and perform elementary data description and analysis.
5. Is able to prepare research proposals and undertake research, with appropriate supervision, covering a range of topics related to hearing disorders.

a)

1. Shows competence and advanced knowledge in the core area of Evaluation of Cochlear and Retro cochlear Function, Central Auditory function, Physiologic Assessment, Management of Auditory Problems, Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices, Deaf Studies, Cultural Diversity, Research Methods, Public Health, Policy and Planning.
2. Shows competence in the integration and interpretation of the assessment, treatment and management of hearing disorders and related communication disorders within the context of public health, linguistic and cultural diversity and the involvement of multi-disciplinary teams.
3. Displays competence in written assignments, computer use and in oral class presentations of prepared work.
4. Shows competence in the use and understanding of quantitative research methods and the presentation of quantitative results.

b)

1. Demonstrates familiarity with concepts, theoretical underpinnings and clinical applicability of advanced methods of assessment and management of hearing, and broader knowledge and understanding of the inter-relatedness of hearing, auditory processing, communication, cognition and psychosocial aspects.
2. Demonstrates advanced knowledge regarding hearing disorders and related communication disorders in multi-lingual and multi-cultural populations.
3. Demonstrates knowledge and sensitivity towards cultural diversity in the assessment and treatment of hearing disorders.
4. Demonstrates familiarity with concepts of public health, primary health care approach, new public health, health promotion, management in the public health sector environment, policy and reform.
5. Demonstrates familiarity with: data collection, description, summary and display using basic statistical software packages: estimation and comparison of means and confidence intervals for continuous data, and of proportions, odds ratios and relative risk; sample size estimation; concepts of significance, power and variability, and the underlying correlation and regression analysis, including linear and logistic regression; and the concept of risk factor analysis; non-parametric statistics; basic concepts of Operations Research.
6. Demonstrates understanding of the contributions of both quantitative and qualitative methods to the study of audio logy and its disorders.
7. Is able to define a research question and compile a research proposal with a suitable methodology.
8. Understands the ethical principles affecting research and is able to apply these.
9. Is able to analyse and interpret research findings, and use methods for optimal communication of these findings.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated assessment is based on a combination of summative and formative assessment

Written assignments - 10 written assignments reflecting an in-depth and critical review of literature and an advanced level of interpretation and integration is required across the two courses (8 modules).

Written assignments accompanied by oral presentations: These include 4 written assignments as described above and an oral presentation. These assignments and presentations are undertaken in groups.

Written examinations: Four 3 hour written examinations are undertaken (two per course).

A dissertation in the field of audiology is to be completed. This requires a sophisticated and in-depth level of understanding in the particular area of research, a thorough knowledge and application of accepted research methods, data collection and analysis, presentation of findings in a clear and systematic fashion with interpretation of new information determined by the leader.

Overall pass mark for course work component is 50%

Overall pass mark for the Dissertation: 50%

Overall pass mark for the degree is 50%