The MSc in Hearing, Balance and Communication is a part-time programme that runs over two calendar years from the date of registration for the programme. The degree does not confer clinical competencies or eligibility for professional practice or registration in health and social care professions.

Students take 90 credits over two years, taking modules to the value of 40 credits in Year 1 and modules to the value of 50 credits in Year 2. The programme admits students yearly, but the combination of modules offered varies on year of intake over a two-year cycle. Entry points are denoted first intake and second intake.

Part I - Years 1 and 2

Core modules

CT6100 Balance: Assessment and Management in Adults (10 credits)
CT6101 Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: Assessment, Etiology and Management (10 credits)
CT6200 Communication and Hearing in Paediatric and Adult Populations (10 credits)
MH6014 Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)

Elective Modules

Students choose modules to the value of 20 credits from the following:
*CT6102 Objective Assessment of Hearing: Principles of Auditory Evoked Potentials (5 credits)
*CT6103 Advanced Practices in Paediatric Assessment of Hearing (5 credits)
*CT6104 Advanced Diagnostics of Otological and Neuro-otological Pathologies in Adults (5 credits)
CT6105 Hearing, Balance and Communication: Impact on Quality of Life in Older Adults (5 credits)
CT6106 Cochlear Implants, Implantable Hearing Devices, and Impact on Communication (5 credits)
CT6107 Psychological Management of Tinnitus: Principles of CBT and Mindfulness (5 credits)
CT6108 Auditory Rehabilitation in the Hearing Impaired Adult Population (5 credits)
CT6109 Independent Study (5 credits)

Notes:

• * restricted to students with recognised prior clinical experience in diagnostic audiology.
• In consultation with the Programme Director, one 5-credit module may be taken from other programmes at UCC, in related disciplines, for a total of 5 of the 90 required credits. Such electives will be approved on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on the permission of the relevant Department and Module Co-ordinator, timetabling and workload considerations.

Part II - Year 2

CT6201 Research Project (30 credits)

Structure of modules offered per year
Some modules will be offered in alternate years. The following table illustrates when each module will be offered:

* restricted to students with recognised prior clinical experience in diagnostic audiology.

Year 1
Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Year 2
Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2022/2023 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2022/2023.

Exit award: Postgraduate Certificate in Hearing, Balance and Communication
Upon successful completion of 30 credits, students may opt to exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate in Hearing, Balance and Communication (NFQ Level 9, Minor award).

Exit award: Postgraduate Diploma in Hearing, Balance and Communication
Upon successful completion of Part I, students may opt not to proceed to Part II and instead to exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Hearing, Balance and Communication (NFQ Level 9, Major award).

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc (Hearing, Balance and Communication) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the evidence with regard to the effects of hearing loss on the quality of life of the paediatric, adult and elderly population;
• Integrate and analyse the evidence with regard to the effects of balance problems on the quality of life of the adult and elderly population;
• Demonstrate an understanding of different diagnostic pathways in order to investigate causes of hearing loss and balance disorders;
• Critically analyse management and rehabilitation protocols for paediatric, adult and elderly populations with hearing and balance disorders, using current evidence-based knowledge;
• Reconceptualise theoretical knowledge in terms of its practical applications;
• Reflect on the different perspectives with regard to the effect of hearing loss on communication and habilitation in the paediatric, adult and elderly population with specific reference to patient-centred approaches;
• Critically evaluate the evidence base obtained from research within specific disciplines working with populations who are hearing impaired, and who have hearing-related communication difficulties;
• Critically analyse the evidence base obtained from research within specific disciplines working with balance pathologies in the adult and elderly population;
• Plan, execute and disseminate findings from an original research project.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Hearing, Balance and Communication (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the evidence with regard to the effects of hearing loss on the quality of life of the paediatric, adult and elderly population;
• Integrate and analyse the evidence with regard to the effects of balance problems on the quality of life of the adult and elderly population;
• Demonstrate an understanding of different diagnostic pathways in order to investigate causes of hearing loss and balance disorders;
• Critically evaluate the evidence base obtained from research within specific disciplines working with populations who are hearing impaired, and who have hearing-related communication difficulties;
• Critically analyse the evidence base obtained from research within specific disciplines working with balance pathologies in the adult and elderly populations;
• Reflect on the different perspectives with regard to the effect of hearing loss on communication and habilitation in the paediatric, adult and elderly population with specific reference to patient-centred approaches;
• Reconceptualise theoretical knowledge in terms of its practical applications.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Hearing, Balance and Communication (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the evidence with regard to the effects of hearing loss on the quality of life of the paediatric, adult and elderly population;
• Integrate and analyse the evidence with regard to the effects of balance problems on the quality of life of the adult and elderly population;
• Critically evaluate the evidence base obtained from research within specific disciplines working with populations who are hearing impaired, and who have hearing-related communication difficulties;
• Critically analyse the evidence base obtained from research within specific disciplines working with balance pathologies in the adult and elderly population;
• Reconceptualise theoretical knowledge in terms of its practical applications.