The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Audiology is a part-time programme taken over two academic years (18 months) (or less, depending on availability of modules and student's capacity to complete modules in the summer) from the date of first registration.

Whilst the Postgraduate Diploma 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) Candidates whose first language is not English must have a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with scores in no individual sections less than 6.0.

(e) 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 and their admission will be subject to the approval of the College of Medicine and Health Executive Committee.

Students will take 60 credits as outlined below.

Students must choose four modules to the value of 60 credits from the following to include at least two Audiology-specific modules (AU):

AU6001 Advanced Paediatric Audiology (15 credits)
AU6002 Clinical Otology and Neurotology (15 credits)
AU6003 Aural Rehabilitation in Children and Adults (15 credits)
AU6004 Balance Disorders (15 credits)
AU6005 Audiological Concepts for Healthcare Practitioners (15 credits)**
AU6007 Independent Study in Audiology (15 credits)
CT6000 Research Methodology (15 credits)
CT6001 Implementing Evidence in Healthcare Practice (15 credits)

** Audiologists may not register for AU6005, as it is designed to give a general overview of audiology for non-audiologists.

Structure of modules offered per year:
CT6000, CT6001 and AU6007 and will be offered every year and AU6001, AU6002, AU6003, AU6004 and AU6005 will be offered in alternate years. The following table illustrates when each module will be offered in alternate years:

	Semester 1 (Sept-Dec)	Semester 2 (Jan-Apr)	Semester 3 (May-August)
Years A	CT6001 AU6002 AU6005 AU6007	CT6000 AU6003 AU6007	AU6007
Years B	CT6001 AU6001 AU6007	CT6000 AU6004 AU6007	AU6007

Cycles of the Programme
2011/2012; 2013/2014; 2015/2016, etc. = Years A
2012/2013; 2014/2015; 2016/2017, etc. = Years B

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

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2018 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2017/2018.

Exit award: Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Audiology (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
Students who successfully complete 30 credits of taught modules (excluding AU6005, CT6000, CT6001, AU6007 and AU6016) may opt to exit the programme and be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Audiology. A student who subsequently applies to continue to Master’s level must do so within 5 years of successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma Examination.

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

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relationship between audiology theory and practice;
• Discuss and debate contemporary areas of audiology practice at an advanced level;
• Critically appraise the evidence base for a range of audiology assessments, interventions and managements that promote evidence based care;
• Reflect critically on and challenge their own practice and the practice of others;
• Reflect critically on practice decisions and identify areas for change.

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

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relationship between audiology theory and practice within a prescribed area of practice;
• Discuss and debate contemporary areas of audiology practice at an advanced level within a prescribed area of knowledge;
• Reflect critically on practice decisions and identify areas for change.

Clinical Disclaimer
Please note that the MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Audiology, do not qualify or licence graduates to practice clinical audiology. This programme is a post-registration degree and is intended for the enhancement of the academic and clinical knowledge of already-qualified practitioners. Accordingly, the final transcripts of results for any of the programmes will indicate that: “This programme of studies does not confer licence to practice clinical audiology”.