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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Audiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110148  Master of Audiology 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification aims to prepare independent researchers in health sciences who can contribute to the development of new knowledge at an advanced level for specialised professional employment in the field of Audiology, by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor.

Rationale:
This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a care of Audiologists who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global health related issues. The learners from this qualification should contribute in broadening the knowledge base in Audiology and or health related fields and influence health related policies. In addition, the qualification will increase scientifically sound research that would contribute to the improvement in knowledge construction within the field of Audiology, thus impacting on clinical practice in the profession nationally and internationally. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL):
The principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role are subscribed to. The Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected qualification.

Applicant who does not meet the minimum entry requirements , but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission. Recognition of Prior Learning may be used for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. Entry Requirements:

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the:
"> National Senior Certificate, Level 4. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification comprises of the following compulsory module at Level 9 worth 192 Credits.
  • Master's Research in Audiology. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    At the end of the programme students will demonstrate the following advanced levels of knowledge and skill:
    1. In-depth knowledge and the application thereof in a specialised area of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
    2. Knowledge of designing research protocols using qualitative and /or quantitative research methodologies in a specific are of study in the field of Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.
    3. Knowledge of skills in implementing, evaluating and documenting independent research in a selected area of study.
    4. Demonstrate a professional attitude, embodying principle of confidentiality, ethical practice and respect for the dignity of all clients as well as a recognition of the need for socially accountable ad relevant research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in Audiology when identifying and conceptualising a research area.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of knowledge in the critique of current research or practices in Audiology.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
  • Develop research capacity in others.
  • Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
  • Develop a proposal that abides by the ethical guidelines of the Helesinki Declaration (2008).
  • Implement data collection and analysis and write the research dissertation in a scientific manner, highlighting recommendations for future research.
  • Undertake independent research in a field of health sciences and generate a dissertation which reflects independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
  • Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing an original research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Throughout the qualification,learners will be exposed to formative and summative assessment strategies comprising a research proposal and the dissertation, as well as extensive verbal and written feedback during research seminar presentations, research tutorials and drafts of thesis chapters. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Qualification is comparable to similar qualifications offered in various higher educatieducation institutions internationally, for example:

    The University of Queensland in Australia offers a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Audiology. The University of Queensland qualification is similar to this Master of Audiology, level in terms of the following:

    1. The purpose of the qualifications are similar. For the, On completion of the Master of Philosophy in Audiology at the University of Queensland graduating learners should be able to formulate a significant problem, show mastery of appropriate conceptual and methodological frameworks and articulate and critically analyse situations and problems. Likewise on completion of the Master of Audiology, the learner should be able to plan the research process, develop data collection instruments, obtain ethical clearance, implement data collection, do data analysis, interpret findings and write a research report.
    2. The duration of both qualifications is 1.5 to 2 years.
    3. Both qualifications articulate vertically with a Doctoral Degree in the field.
    4. Both qualifications consist of a full research project under one or two supervisors.

    The University of Queensland qualification, however, requires that the learners complete a course work Master's Degree in Audiology prior to qualifying for the Master in Philosophy. The required Master of Audiology is comparable to a South African Honours Degree.

    Conclusion: The Master of Audiology is internationally comparable with the Master's Degrees in Audiology offered at most Universities in Australia and the UK, except that in this country learners can progress from an Honours Degree directly to a full research Masters Degree. In other countries learners must first complete a basic science or arts degree then a course work Masters in Audiology before they may enroll for a full Research Master's Degree. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Audiology, Level 9.
  • Master of Audiology, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Audiology, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.