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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Audiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99261  Bachelor of 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
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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   2034-06-30  

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:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners, through a planned combination of learning outcomes, with the knowledge, skills and attitudes consistent with best practice in the profession of Audiology that will enable graduates to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Audiologist and to competently and independently provide appropriate professional services within the scope of practice, in a range of contexts to persons of all ages who are at risk of or present with vestibular disorders and hearing impairment. There are Regulations governing Audiologists and their training and scope of practice in the South African context. Newly qualified graduates are required to enter community service where there may be no other Audiologist to provide supervision and mentorship, there may be a need to collaborate, plan, set-up, and deliver services at all levels of the health care system, there will be a need to communicate effectively and to professionally and ethically address the communication needs of a multi-cultural and multilingual population.

Rationale:
The demand for Audiologists has grown in recent years due to technological advancements, research developments and an aging population.

The qualification will address the needs of various stakeholders, academic institutions where Audiology is taught and the profession as a whole in South Africa. This qualification has the potential to inform national and international policy decisions on audiology, hearing disorders, health sciences and education. Given the above, Audiology services in South Africa and eventually, the rest of the African continent will benefit.

The fields of Audiology and speech-language pathology are closely linked study areas. Although they are related they have grown significantly and independently in the last two decades and are now both nationally and internationally recognised as individual disciplines and professions in their own right. There is also evidence to suggest that the two professions require different aptitudes and skills and practitioners usually choose to work in either one or the other.

The qualification will ensure that learners continue to have the requisite knowledge and skills in both audiology and Speech-Language Pathology to provide the best professional services in the South Africa context. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Through the recognition of prior learning, the University will consider all relevant learning, irrespective of mode or place of learning.
  • RPL is used at the University to allow a candidate to register for a postgraduate qualification (where appropriate) without the candidate having the required undergraduate qualification.
  • RPL recognises learning which has normally occurred before admission to the entry level to a qualification or to the relevant level or stage of a qualification.
  • In seeking recognition under RPL, relevant prior learning must be demonstrated via various written means - i.e. through the submission of a portfolio demonstrating clear outcomes relevant to the qualification concerned or through the taking of an appropriate examination or assessment. An assessment for the purposes of admission or partial credit towards a deemed qualification will be administered by the University.
  • The focus of the University's RPL process will be on the demonstration of learning and not merely the exposure to learning opportunities. This will also have to take into account the applicant's chances of succeeding in the qualification for which the applicant wishes to register.
  • Exemptions or credits for prior experiential (non-certified) learning may be awarded on the basis of demonstrated learning which shows that a candidate has achieved specified learning outcomes for the qualification. In accordance with the rules of the University there are limits on the amount of exemption or credit that may be granted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelors' Degree admission.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4 passed with Bachelors' Degree admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 480 Credits.

    NQF Level 5, 135 Credits:
  • Anatomy and Physiology for Speech Pathology and Audiology Learners, 15 Credits.
  • Psychology I, 30 Credits.
  • Introduction to the Structure of Language I, 15 Credits.
  • Language Mind and Society, 15 Credits.
  • Speech and Hearing Science, 30 Credits.
  • Speech Pathology and Audiology 1, 30 Credits.

    NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Neuro-anantomy for Speech, Language and Hearing, 15 Credits.
  • Phonetics, 15 Credits.
  • Psycholinguistics, 15 Credits.
  • Audiology II, 30 Credits.
  • Clinical Practice in Audiology II, 15 Credits.
  • Psychology II, 30 Credits.

    NQF Level 7,105 Credits:
  • Audiology III, 30 Credits.
  • Clinical Practical in Audiology, 15 Credits.
  • South African Sign Language Basic IA, 15 Credits.
  • South African Sign Language Basic IB, 15 Credits.
  • Psychology III, 30 Credits.

    NQF Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Audiology IV, 30 Credits.
  • Research Design and Analysis, 30 Credits.
  • Research and Practice in the South African context, 30 Credits.
  • Research report, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop appropriate database search strategies and selection criteria for Audiology.
    2. Communicate and produce information using a range of technologies.
    3. Understand how knowledge is reported within the discipline of Audiology.
    4. Conduct small scale research projects using the appropriate disciplinary conventions in Audiology.
    5. Evaluate, plan and execute professional services in Audiology eco-systematically.
    6. Use integrated information in conjunction with audiology knowledge to negotiate and derive an appropriate therapy plan. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Information is accessed and processed using a range of technologies.
  • Key defining concepts in Audiology, the meaning of Audiology texts, arguments and positions are assimilated and used.
  • Different kinds of data in Audiology are collected, selected, organised, interpreted and critically evaluated.
  • Specialist resources in Audiology are used in practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Academic communication conventions in Audiology are understood.
  • Own position in relation to debates in Audiology is communicated.
  • Written and spoken language is used with skill and flexibility.
  • Information to articulate clearly sustained arguments in Audiology is synthesised.
  • Appropriate information technologies are applied in communication activities with clients and peers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The subject matter of the discipline, policy or programme in Audiology is interpreted and critiqued.
  • Information and theory in Audiology is extrapolated and integrated in order to solve problems and plan actions within specific contexts.
  • Debates, concepts, issues and concerns in Audiology are critiqued.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Research data to inform audiological practice is used.
  • Appropriate collaboration with research specialists is conducted in order to develop research questions which are derived from clinical practice in Audiology.
  • The scientific basis of the profession of Audiology is recognised and the basic methods of science including inquiry, problem solving and the systematic pursuit of knowledge are understood and used.
  • Relevant literature in Audiology is used to inform practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Areas requiring investigation are identified.
  • Priorities in relation to case history, service delivery, models of organisation, cultural background and current literature research are identified.
  • Audiological tools appropriate to client's needs, abilities and cultural background are selected.
  • The role of other professionals and stakeholders in the implementation of audiological treatment programmes is outlined.
  • The relationship between the individual and local, national and global issues in Audiology is assessed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The client's past and present status is established.
  • Potential etiological factors of audiological problem are identified.
  • Regular meetings and feedback with role players are sought by establishing networks of professional support.
  • A Continuing and regular review process of therapy techniques and results is ensured.
  • The outcome of any procedure carried out on the client is communicated.
  • Flexibility in implementation of audiological programmes is developed and applied in line with the needs of the client and the environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners are assessed through assignments, tests, written and oral exams, clinical reports of observations and actual clinical services, as well as supervisors' evaluations of learners' clinical performance. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The introduction of the Bachelor of Audiology is in line with the international trend of training learners as Audiologists only and not as Speech and Hearing Therapists (with majors in both Audiology and Speech Pathology).

    The 4 year undergraduate Degree in Audiology is offered in the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, New Zealand and various countries in Europe and South America. However, in the United States of America (USA), the minimum requirement for practice as an Audiologist is a Professional Masters' Degree.

    La TROPE University, Australia offers a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Clinical Audiology. This is a 4 to 5 year full-time programme.

    This four-year combined Degree offers a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of hearing, balance and related areas.

    Learners are exposed to a range of bioscience subjects and develop an understanding of hearing and balance disorders. Learning in pre-clinical and clinical settings provides learners with experience in professional practice and community health from both adult and paediatric perspectives. Subject areas include speech and hearing sciences, hearing loss, balance disorders, tinnitus and methods of rehabilitation. Learners are taught about hearing devices, cochlear implants (the bionic ear) and surgery options.

    Regular clinical placements in metropolitan, rural and interstate practices during the study period are core components of the qualification and this helps the learner to build on their skills in counselling and patient care. After graduating, learners are required to complete an internship for a year at a recognised Audiology clinic before they are fully qualified.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with qualifications from countries cited above in terms of the purpose and the outcomes of which the combined qualification offered by La Trobe University is representative. The qualifications provide a wide range of assessments, habilitative, and rehabilitative services to individuals of all ages who are at risk for hearing impairment. A variety of special tests and protocols are used to evaluate hearing abilities and to assess the impact of hearing problems on communication. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by the University of the Witwatersrand:

    Vertical Articulation:
    Master of Arts in Audiology, Qualification, Level 9 (ID: 9172).

    There are no specific horizontal qualification options at the institution.

    The qualification offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontally Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Audiology, Level 8 (ID: 12105).
  • Bachelor of Speech Therapy and Audiology, Level 8 (ID: 16588).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Audiology, Level 9 (ID: 81833).
  • Master of Audiology, Level 9 (ID: 16589). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/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.
     
    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.