| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
027373D |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Clinical Audiology (MCAud) is a 2 year postgraduate program located within the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie University. It is a unique offering in NSW with 4 other professionally accredited programs existing in Australia (Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia). Our department hosts the country’s leading experts in sign language interpreting and Deafness research and our program is distinctive because of our close association with these and other facets of linguistics and communication.
The MCAud program offers a curriculum with advanced clinical knowledge and skills as well as advocacy skills. Students undertake an extensive and innovative integrated clinical education program and are required to design a research project. There are also opportunities available for students to undertake a substantial research project with the industry partners in a variety of settings. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. competently meet all Audiology Australia requirements and elements in all key areas of audiology (these include foundations of Audiology, hearing loss prevention and screening, diagnostic evaluations of hearing, Re/habilitation, professional management and Related Knowledge for Professional Practice Audiology Service Delivery and Professional Practice) (K, T, P, C, E, J)
2. apply enhanced knowledge and skills of person-centred health care as ethical and socially responsible audiologists (K, T, P, C, E, J)
3. integrate knowledge of phonology, auditory anatomy and physiology, social aspects of deafness and hearing loss, and the Deaf community with specialised knowledge of hearing and balance disorders (and their management) across all ages (K, T, P, J)
4. analyse, evaluate, and diagnose impairments related to hearing in order to plan and implement audiology services (K, T, P, J)
5. competently apply an integrative rehabilitation approach when managing hearing impairment (this includes individuals’ functioning, participation, barriers and capacity in relevant social activities)
6. apply critical, analytical and integrative thinking skills in clinical practice such that the level of performance meets the expectation of entry-level audiology graduates (K, T, P, C, E, J)
7. work collaboratively and communicate effectively in healthcare settings ranging from private to public, diagnostic to re/habilitative with other professionals, researchers and the wider community (K, T, P, C, E, J)
8. apply knowledge and skills in leadership and advocacy by engaging with community groups and/or industry partners (K, T, P, C, E, J)
9. identify a research problem relevant to audiology and plan and execute a research project to address this problem (K, T, P, C, E, J)
10. gain an understanding of management knowledge and skills relevant to the requirements of entry level audiology graduates (K, T, P, C, E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Master of Clinical Audiology has detailed accreditation guidelines that spell out the competencies expected of a student at the entry-level Audiology profession. Learning and teaching methods aim at individuals achieving the learning objectives of each unit. The teaching methods are designed to enable students to:
• acquire Audiology-specific knowledge
• develop critical thinking, team-based and problem solving skills
• foster self-initiative and independence.
The learning and teaching methods assist in students' engagement in ethical practices. The methods are student-centred and include online and face-to-face lectures, practica and tutorials. The methods also include research project development and clinical education. Effective communication verbally and in written form is a salient feature in the program. The communication is important and needs to be tailored to present information appropriately to clients, doctors and other professionals.
The Master of Clinical Audiology program is delivered in two teaching blocks per session; (i) a theoretical block which is focused on developing knowledge through structured lectures, practica and tutorials; and (ii) a clinical block which provides between 2-4 weeks of clinical education for each student. The program is comprised of 16 units (each 4 credit points), 4 per session of which 3 are theoretical and 1 is clinical in nature. All 16 units have formal lectures that are predominantly taught by clinically qualified and professionally accredited staff as well as visiting professionals and industry partners on a variety of technical, professional and social issues centred on clinical practice.
The program is a 2 year program where the first year focuses on the diagnostic and knowledge and skill based outcomes while the second year 2 centres on clinical management of clients, their families, and clinical practice, including understanding the hearing healthcare systems. The structure is designed such that there is a systematic segue that ensures progression and development of competencies throughout the two years.
• Year 1, Session 1: Basic skills
• Year 1, Session 2: Advanced skills and integration of information
• Year 2, Session 1: Advanced skills and management
• Year 2, Session 2: Advanced skills, management and multidisciplinary approach
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| Assessment |
Assessments are based on the submission of individual coursework in most instances. The range of assessment tasks is designed to match the knowledge and skills required of an Audiologist and to match the postgraduate capabilities as defined by AQF. There is an alignment between the competencies defined by the Audiology Australia, unit outlines and assessment tasks.
Most assessments require integrating knowledge, skills and clinical implementation.
Across the program, following assessment tasks are used and underlying all of these is ethical practice:
• short answer in-class or online quiz that target assessing an understanding of theoretical knowledge
• essays that focus on evaluating skills in knowledge, critical analysis, and critical thinking
• case studies that evaluate clinical reasoning, integration of knowledge and skills and their application
• clinical simulations that assess clinical (technical) skills
• research proposal and presentation which assess knowledge, critical analysis skills and effective communication
• written examinations which includes theoretical and clinical-based questions which assess problem-solving, clinical reasoning, as well as integration of knowledge and skills and their application
• mastery of clinical skills as defined by accreditation document that define the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and their application expected for entry-level audiologists. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. Additionally, Masters of Clinical Audiology program is accredited by Audiology Australia implying that the program meets the required competencies as defined by Audiology Australia. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Graduates will be eligible to work as an audiologist. Graduates will be eligible for full membership of the professional body Audiology Australia, and will be eligible to begin their clinical internship (as a requirement for their certificate of clinical practice).
Graduates will demonstrate advanced clinical skills and will be well prepared to pursue a career as an audiologist in a range of settings: private and public diagnostic and rehabilitation centres and hospitals in metropolitan, remote and regional areas; and across the entire age range-from infants to the elderly.
Currently, there is a demand for audiologists across Australia and internationally. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. There are specific additional assessment regulations pertaining to Masters of Clinical Audiology. These requirements should be read in conjunction with the General Coursework Rule (http://universitycouncil.mq.edu.au/legislation.html)
1. The minimum requirement for progression through each semester of the program is a PASS grade in all theoretical units.
2. Clinical practicum units are assessed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
3. Should a student fail a theoretical unit, then he/she will need to repeat this unit before continuing with the program.
4. Should a student fail a clinical practicum unit, but pass all theoretical units, then he/she may progress into the next semester with the theoretical units although the clinical practicum unit must be repeated during this time. That is, the student cannot continue with their clinical practicum requirements until he/she has successfully completed the failed unit.
5. Should any student fail more than one unit (including a repeated unit) during the course of the program, then he/she may be excluded from further study in the program (GCR 9(9)(v)).
6. If a student is assessed as not ready
to proceed with, or unsuitable to continue, a required clinical or professional experience or unit, then it may be determined that the student is unable to complete the program requirements (GCR 9(9)(vi)). |
| External Benchmarks |
The Master of Clinical Audiology has planned to meet the following benchmarks
The Australian Standards for Audiology (see http://www.audiology.asn.au/)
AQF level 9 Masters
• knowledge
• skills
• application of knowledge and skills
• the Audiology A
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| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
Audiology Australia is the accrediting authority. The Program's accreditation is scheduled for September 2014 with a site visit of up to 5 days. A written submission will also be required including mapping of all units and assignments against competence. |
