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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Audiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111621  Master of Audiology 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 
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  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-09-03  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Master of Audiology will empower learners to develop a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the scientific process and develop research skills through hands-on directed research experiences in primary research methods contributing to the knowledge in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The learners will be able to reflect critically on Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology theory and its application. They will be able to design and critically appraise research, make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

This qualification is at NQF Level 9 and provides a platform to assist learners to develop and demonstrate specialist knowledge. This qualification aims to transform and develop research and current practices of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in the South African context. This qualification follows an adult learning approach as learners are actively involved and take full responsibility for their own learning. Leaners will therefore be empowered with an in-depth mastery of subject matter in a specialised area to develop professionals in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. In addition, the learners' capacity will be increased as their knowledge base in other fields related to the learners' special area of interest e.g. psychology, health science, education etc. will also be broadened.

The Master of Audiology will enable learners to provide specialised services to the people of South Africa, which will result in improved quality service delivery. The qualification is based on research which creates links to the international community as research is inherently an international activity. An investigation of a physical phenomenon, for example, cannot have a local solution. The solution will be true throughout the universe. It is however, acknowledged that research in the local context should investigate local knowledge systems but much benefit can be derived from comparing such systems with other local systems or sharing methodologies.

The learner will demonstrate an understanding of the qualitative and quantitative research paradigms within a health sciences context and identify and conceptualise a research proposal. The learner will be skilled in doing a literature review and be able to judge and utilise evidence based research results in practice. In addition, the learner will demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues that need to be adhered to and will develop academic writing skills.

They will be able to design and critically appraise research, make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills. The learners will demonstrate the skills to report the findings in a scientific manner.

Rationale:
It is essential to develop capacity and train specialists who are proficient in African languages. Since 1996 South Africa has been addressing a skills shortage by building capacity. In the field of communication and audiology, the throughput of professionals from African language groups was limited as compared to the demand.

There are learners who are currently registered for the undergraduate Speech Language Pathology and Audiology qualification at the university and are showing interest in continuing their studies at this university. Therefore, by offering a Master's qualification in the field of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, offer the possibility of nurturing future Doctor of Philosophy's (PhD's).

The Department Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology corresponded with the Professional Board for Speech, Language and Hearing Professions at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Master's Degree in Audiology is a professional Master's Degree. The learner must have an undergraduate preparation as a professional. Also, the learner must be registered with the Health Professions council of South Africa as an Audiologist or as an Audiologist and Speech-Language therapist.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Speech Therapy and Audiology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 180 Credits:
  • Research methodology, 20 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 160 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop an understanding of the qualitative and quantitative research paradigms within a health sciences context.
    2. Develop a proposal.
    3. Implement the research process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Compare qualitative and quantitative research paradigms.
  • Identify the research topic/s and problems most suitable to each of these paradigms.
  • Identify a specific research topic most suitable for the research context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of research methodology and, current good practice.
  • Motivate the need/importance/rationale of the study to be conducted.
  • Design a proposal by integrating and describing research methods and procedures.
  • Submit the proposed study for ethical clearance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Reflect critically on Speech-Language Pathology theory and its application.
  • Analyse, interpret and synthesize information relating to the project.
  • Acknowledge prior scholarship on which the dissertation is built.
  • Describe the methods and procedures used.
  • Demonstrate the ability to solve problems and achieve the research objectives.
  • Make sound judgments concerning the data/information obtained.
  • Present the results sequentially and logically.
  • Display the ability to coherently discuss and appraise the results.
  • Describe the research process in sufficient detail to permit an independent investigator to replicate the research.
  • Report in a scientific manner on the findings.

    Integrated Assessment:
    During year 1 the learners will attend a research methodology course and develop a research proposal. The research proposal will be assessed by the supervisor and co-supervisor and will contribute 20% towards the summative mark.

    During year 2 the learner will implement the research process and write a dissertation. The learners will demonstrate an ability to reflect critically on Audiology theory and its application. The dissertation will be assessed by two external examiners decided on according to topic expertise and will contribute 80% towards the summative mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    United Kingdom:
    The University of Southampton offers an MSC Audiology. The qualification targets learners who wish to progress in their careers. The qualification provides related research training and the two years and an additional 12 months of clinical practice.

    New Zealand:
    The University of Canterbury offers a two year full time Master's Degree course in Audiology. The Master's Degree is the entry level to practice as an Audiologist in New Zealand and includes clinical training in Audiology. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Speech-Language Therapy, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    M/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.