SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Audiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9172  Master of Arts in Audiology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  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 
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. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    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.

    8. 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.

    8. 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. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

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

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. University of Witwatersrand 


    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.