Advanced Audiology MSc - CKX33

This innovative programme in advanced audiology is offered by the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, UCC in collaboration with departments in the South Infirmary/Victoria University Hospital. This part-time course is normally taken over two years. Students may also opt to exit with either a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma. Candidates can also register for selected individual modules for the purposes of continuing professional development (CPD).

Although the MSc Advanced Audiology is for professionals who are qualified to register as clinical audiologists, other professionals related to the field of audiology such as speech and language therapists, ENT surgeons-in-training, ENT nurses and teachers of the deaf, may also enter the course.

This flexible course, with opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, aims to expand your existing professional knowledge in audiology and to advance your career through critical reflection on contemporary practice.

Although this career-enhancing course does not qualify or license graduates to practice clinical audiology, it allows already-qualified audiologists and professions related to audiology to expand their theoretical understanding of current advances in the field of audiology. The course provides a range of academic content relevant to contemporary audiology practice including generic topics such as evidence-based practice and research methodology, as well as more audiology-specific topics like otology, paediatric audiology, the diagnosis of balance disorders and aural rehabilitation.

Course Structure and Content

You will choose three modules from the following:

AU6001 Advanced Paediatric Audiology (15 credits)

AU6002 Clinical Otology and Neurotology (15 credits)

AU6003 Aural Rehabilitation (15 credits)

AU6004 Balance Disorders (15 credits)

AU6007 Independent Study in Audiology (15 credits)

AU6005 Audiological Concepts for Healthcare Practitioners (non-audiologists only)*
(15 credits)

CT6001 Implementing Evidence in Clinical Practice (15 credits)

Candidates completing the MSc in Advanced Audiology need to complete two core modules as follows:

CT6000 Research Methodology (15 credits)

AU6016 Dissertation in Audiology (30 credits)

Certain modules are offered only every other year, except in cases where there is greater demand for a module.

Further details on the content and modules are available on the Postgraduate College Calendar

Whilst the MSc in Advanced Audiology programme is targeted at professionals who would be qualified to register as clinical audiologists, other professionals related to the field of audiology such as speech and language therapists, ENT surgeons in training, ENT nurses, teachers of the Deaf, can also enter the programme. However, priority will be given to clinically qualified audiologists. Please note, this programme does not qualify or license graduates to practice clinical audiology.

Applicants must satisfy the following:

(a) candidates will be judged on previous practice experience, academic qualifications and a personal statement.

(b) candidates accepted on the course will normally be expected to either:

(i) hold an undergraduate degree (minimum Second Class Honours Grade 1) in audiology (or related field, e.g. speech and language therapy, medicine, nursing, education of the deaf); or
           
(ii) hold a postgraduate degree in audiology (or related field, e.g. speech and language therapy, medicine, nursing, education of the deaf). 

Applicants with Second Class Honours Grade 2 will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

(c) candidates must be eligible for registration as a clinical audiologist, or eligible for registration in a profession related to the field of audiology such as speech and language therapy, medicine, nursing or education of the deaf.

 (d) in exceptional circumstances, candidates without an honours degree may be recommended for entry to the programme after a review of their qualifications and experience by the programme lead. These candidates may be required to attend an interview.

This course is the only one of its kind in Ireland and some students may need to travel to Cork. You will need to attend college for lectures, tutorials and seminars for at least five contact days per taught 15-credit module. In most cases, contact days for these modules will be spread out over the semester, either as single days or two consecutive days, usually on Fridays, or on a Thursday and a Friday. Some modules will involve five consecutive contact days. Usually one module is completed per semester.

Assessments include presentations of seminars to peers and written essays. 

Various staff in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences teach on the courses as well as  visiting lecturers. The course is coordinated by Dr Robert Fourie.