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Master of Clinical Audiology (305BB)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2024 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
- Overview
- Entry and participation requirements
- Attributes, outcomes and skills
- Course structure
- Further study
- Notes
Principal Coordinator
Kelley Graydon
Overview
Award title | Master of Clinical Audiology |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2024 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 062905A |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 200 credit points |
Duration | 24 months full-time |
Audiologists are health care professionals trained to diagnose and manage hearing and balance related disorders. The Master of Clinical Audiology provides comprehensive training in a range of areas including hearing assessments (adults and paediatrics), balance testing, hearing aids and cochlear implants.
The Master of Clinical Audiology trains students to be entry-level Audiologists who are eligible to register with Audiology Australia. The qualification also affords the opportunity to register and practice in other countries around the world.
The two year full time clinical degree consists of a combination of on-campus teaching and clinical placements. Clinical placements commence in the first year and gradually increase throughout the course. In the final year of the course, students are also involved in a research project related to the field.
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (Science, Health Sciences, Biomedicine, Linguistics, Phonetics, Psychology, Music), or equivalent; and
- a pre-recorded interview (which will be restricted to shortlisted applicants)
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider equally:
- prior academic performance
- the interview
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applications are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7+ is required.
Notes:
In considering students under special entry schemes the Selection Committee will consider aspects of disadvantage as set out from time to time in the University of Melbourne Graduate Access policy, evidence of rurality for rural applicants, and confirmation of aboriginality for indigenous applicants.
Guaranteed Pathways applicants will be required to achieve satisfactory performance in the interview to demonstrate adequate communication skills. Students who fail to achieve this will not be guaranteed entry to the course.
INDIGENOUS PATHWAY
Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to the Master of Clinical Audiology at the University of Melbourne under the Indigenous Pathway.
All eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must submit a Confirmation of Identity to mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au for verification.
How to Apply for the Indigenous Pathway
Eligible Indigenous applicants who wish to apply to the University of Melbourne under the Indigenous Pathway will be required to submit an application directly here
Prospective Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to make contact with the faculty Indigenous Student Support Officer via mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au to receive advice about the direct application process. Indigenous applicants who don’t meet the pre-requisites are also encouraged to get in touch with the Indigenous Student Support Officer.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
Students must comply with Fitness to Practice Rules, which are accessible from Schedule 1 of the Student Fitness to Practice Policy (MPF1345).
For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Course and Subject Descriptions, Course and Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Student Equity and Disability Support (SEDS) website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
It is a requirement of the course that students will be expected to interact in all aspects of learning with their peers and educators in classroom settings and clients (individuals, families, groups and communities) in practice settings.
All students in the Master of Clinical Audiology (MClinAud) course must possess the intellectual, ethical, social and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence at graduation required by the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology (and as accredited in the curriculum by Audiology Australia, and in accordance with the Audiology Australia Practice Standards). Audiology education (and practice) is bound by the Audiology Australia Accreditation Standards defined by Audiology Australia. It is recommended that students read and understand the expected competencies of new graduates in Audiology, Professional practice standards and Code of Conduct:
- Expected graduate competencies;
- Professional Practice Standards;
- Code of Conduct;
A student with a disability may be asked to provide independent medical or other clinical assessments of the disability and its possible impact on the ability of the student to successfully complete the course, before being accepted into the course. This statement would be treated in confidence with only those on the admissions committee and SEDS having access to the document. Deliberate misinformation about the student’s ability to successfully complete the course will be regarded as unprofessional practice and treated as such.
While the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology will make reasonable adjustments to minimise the impact of a disability, all students must be able to participate in the program in an independent manner. It is expected that all students will be able to participate fully in all classroom-based and online learning activities, and to successfully fulfil the field education requirements of the course.
A candidate for the MClinAud must have abilities and skills in the following six categories:
- Values and ethics: In all learning contexts, students must ‘uphold their ethical responsibilities’ and ‘act appropriately when faced with ethical problems, issues and dilemmas’ (http://audiology.asn.au/index.cfm/resources-publications/professional-resources/professional-practice-standards/#top). The student must be able to demonstrate professional integrity and respect, in the context of culturally responsive and inclusive practice.
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Observation:
Practical Classes: The student must be able to observe mandatory demonstrations and experiments in the designated subjects.
Clinical Work: The student must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the senses of vision, hearing and somatic sensation.
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Communication:
Practical Classes: The student must be able to hear and comprehend instructions in practical sessions and be able to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of the principles and practices of the subject during assessment tasks.
Clinical Work: A student must be able to hear, speak to, and observe patients in order to elicit information and perceive nonverbal communications. A student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients in both oral and written forms. The student must also be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in both oral and written forms with all health care practitioners involved in patient management (including the use of telephones and computers).
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Motor:
Practical Classes: A student must be able to undertake the motor requirements for any mandatory practical sessions. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
Clinical Work: Students should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by clinical examination, which may include palpation of the patient’s body structures, active and passive movements of the patient, and other diagnostic manoeuvres. Audiology requires coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
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Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities:
Practical Classes: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and demonstrate this ability in practical sessions. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities.
Clinical Work: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish management plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. -
Behavioural and Social Attributes:
Practical Classes: A student must possess the emotional and mental health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgement, and the prompt completion of all required tasks.
Clinical Work: A student must possess the emotional health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgement, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and colleagues.
The University of Melbourne welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University policy to take reasonable and proportionate measures to minimise the impact of a disability on academic study
Professional accreditation
Graduates can apply for membership of the Audiological Society of Australia (ASA).
Intended learning outcomes
This course prepares students to meet the registration requirements of Audiology Australia.
Audiology Knowledge and Skills: Students must demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving basic and clinical science, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care. At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate clinical competence through critical reflection over a broad range of patient experiences;
- Select, perform and interpret appropriate clinical tests as part of a targeted, accurate and timely clinical examination;
- Identify and evaluate resources that relate to the ethical, moral and legal foundations of audiological care.
Patient Care: Students must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective. At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Use evidence-based practice to develop and justify an appropriate management plan, considering the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, the individual patient and the practice context;
- Collaborate with other health professionals to ensure patient safety and to enhance the quality of care;
- Reflect on the provision of care with attention to benefits, risks and costs for individuals and the community;
- Recognise and work within the limits of their competence and scope of practice.
Life-Long Learning and Improvement: Students must be able to continuously improve patient care based on self-evaluation and life-long learning. At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Assess their performance using various internal and external sources of data, and identify opportunities for learning and improvement;
- Critically appraise scientific evidence and translate research findings into practice; and
- Give and receive constructive feedback.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Students must be able to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, patients’ families, and professional associates. At the end of course, students should be able to:
- Communicate effectively with patients and families from diverse backgrounds;
- Communicate perceptively in difficult situations; and
- Demonstrate sensitivity in the care of patients by treating them as an individual;
- Communicate inter-and intra-professionally.
Professionalism: Students must demonstrate adherence to ethical principles, and a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities in the best interest of the patient and the community. At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate honesty, integrity, respect, reliability, responsibility, and confidentiality in all professional interactions;
- Apply principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice, and work to resolve ethical dilemmas as they arise in clinical practice;
- Demonstrate empathy, compassion and self-care;
Generic skills
- critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills
- the ability to integrate theory and practice and to apply this in novel situations
- an openness to new ideas
- planning and time management skills
- the ability to communicate their knowledge in both oral and written form
- the ability to behave in a professionally appropriate manner
Graduate attributes
Academic distinction: The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares well-rounded graduates who are academically outstanding and have research and reasoning skills that equip them to be influential citizens with high leadership potential. Graduates of the Master of Clinical Audiology course should:
- be able to apply in-depth knowledge and skills to the practice of audiology;
- be critical, creative thinkers with strong reasoning skills;
- be able to apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems in a range of contexts;
- be effective oral and written communicators;
- bring research and inquiry skills to challenges in their workplaces and communities; and
- be adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.
Active citizenship: The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates who are socially responsible, engage with national and global issues and are attuned to social and cultural diversity. Graduates of the Master of Clinical Audiology course should:
- have engaged with contemporary local, national and global issues;
- have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment;
- be aware of the social and cultural diversity in communities;
- be able to work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds;
- understand and respect Indigenous knowledge, culture and values;
- be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society; and
- have the potential to be leaders in their professions and communities.
Integrity and self-awareness: The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates who are practically grounded, have high levels of self-awareness, and value their personal integrity and well-being. Graduates of the Master of Clinical Audiology course should:
- be motivated, self-directed and well-organised, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities;
- be able to work effectively both independently and in groups;
- be highly self-aware and reflective, with skills in self-assessment;
- place great importance on their personal and professional integrity;
- be enthusiastic, self-assured and confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their limitations;
- be willing to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes;
- have empathy and concern for the welfare of others; and
- be able to manage their own well-being.
Course structure
The Master of Clinical Audiology requires the successful completion of 200 credit points.
All students must complete:
- 100 credit points of Year 1 compulsory subjects
- 100 credit points of Year 2 compulsory subjects
* To progress from Year 1 to Year 2, students must complete all first-year subjects.
Subject Options
Year 1 Subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
AUDI90053 | Audiology Practice A | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AUDI90055 | Professionalism and Clinical Processes A | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AUDI90058 | Sound and Innovative Solutions B | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AUDI90059 | Structure & Function Across the Lifespan | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AUDI90054 | Audiology Practice B | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AUDI90056 | Professionalism and Clinical Processes B | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AUDI90057 | Sound and Innovative Solutions A | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AUDI90060 | Evidence-Based Practice | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Year 2 Subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
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AUDI90061 | Complex Audiological Cases | Not available in 2024 | 25 |
AUDI90062 | Advanced Solutions in Hearing Care | Not available in 2024 | 25 |
AUDI90063 | Audiology Research Project | Not available in 2024 | 25 |
AUDI90064 | Transition to Practice | Not available in 2024 | 25 |
Further study
Students who demonstrate an aptitude for research may be considered for PhD studies within the Department.
Additional Costs:
All students undertaking a placement in a hospital, clinic or other health or community environment are required to satisfy a number of requirements, including:
- undergoing a recent National Police Record Check
- holding a valid Working with Children Check for the relevant state/territory, and
- being satisfactorily protected against infectious disease transmission.
Please refer to the Student Placements webpage for detailed information regarding compliance requirements.
Last updated: 21 March 2024