Introduction

The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology offers the Master of Clinical Audiology degree, which is a two year full time course. Since 1998, the Master of Clinical Audiology degree has been required for entry to the profession.

Audiology is a clinical science involving hearing and balance assessment and rehabilitation. Hearing assessment usually involves the use of a number of specialised tests which help to ascertain the site or type of problem within the auditory system. Audiologists working in this area often work closely with otologists (ear specialists).

Aural rehabilitation involves helping people with impaired hearing to cope with their hearing difficulties. This work usually includes fitting hearing aids or other devices such as the cochlear implant (bionic ear), training in the use of these devices and helping people to use their vision and other compensatory mechanisms in order to communicate effectively.

This profession should be of interest to those with a scientific background who are interested in working with people.Students who demonstrate an aptitude for research may be considered for PhD studies within the Department.

Programme Structure
Intended Learning Outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide students with the necessary training to enter the profession of clinical audiology.

Generic Skills

The course provides comprehensive training in all aspects of clinical audiology along with an introduction to research methods in this field. On completion of this course the students should have:

  • 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

Audiology is the clinical science concerned with the assessment and management of hearing loss and balance disorders. It is a multi-disciplinary profession that will be of interest to those who like working with people. The Master of Clinical Audiology is the required degree for entry into the profession and provides complete training for the clinical practice of audiology.

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Admission Requirements
Entry requirements for the Master of Clinical Audiology

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

  • an undergraduate degree in a science and/or health-related area

Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

  • prior academic performance

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.

Note: Due to the expected number of applicants, we are not able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Core Participation Requirements
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:

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

English Language Criteria

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.

Dates & Fees

Dates
For more information on Application Dates, click here.

Fees
For more information on Fee, Scholarships and Finance matters, click here.

Contact Details

Melbourne School of Health Sciences
Level 7, Alan Gilbert Building (#104)
161 Barry Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Tel: 13MELB (13 63 52)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

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