Overview
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.
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 Requirements
For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements.
Programme Requirements
Module List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| CT6100 | Balance: Assessment and Management in Adults | 10 |
| CT6101 | Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: Assessment, Etiology and Management | 10 |
| CT6200 | Therapeutic Skills: Communication and Hearing in Paediatrics and Adults | 10 |
| MH6014 | Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals | 10 |
| 20 |
| Newborn Hearing Screening:Objective Assessment of Paediatric Hearing in Neonates (5) 1 | |
| Advanced Practices in Paediatric Hearing Assessment and Habilitation (5) 1 | |
| Advanced Diagnostics of Otological and Neuro-otological Pathologies in Adults (5) 1 | |
| Hearing, Balance and Communication: Impact on Quality of Life in Older Adults (5) | |
| Cochlear Implants, Implantable Hearing Devices, and Impact on Communication (5) | |
| Psychological Management of Tinnitus: Principles of CBT and Mindfulness (5) | |
| Advanced Adult Assessment and Rehabilitation (5) | |
| Independent Study (5) | |
| |
| CT6201 | Research Project | 30 |
| Total Credits | 90 |
Notes:
- 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.
Structure of Modules Offered Per Year
Some modules will be offered in alternate years. The following table illustrates when each module will be offered:
Module List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| CT6100 | Balance: Assessment and Management in Adults | 10 |
| CT6200 | Therapeutic Skills: Communication and Hearing in Paediatrics and Adults | 10 |
| MH6014 | Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals | 10 |
| Advanced Practices in Paediatric Hearing Assessment and Habilitation (5) 1 | |
| Hearing, Balance and Communication: Impact on Quality of Life in Older Adults (5) | |
| Advanced Adult Assessment and Rehabilitation (5) | |
| Independent Study (5) | |
| CT6101 | Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: Assessment, Etiology and Management | 10 |
| CT6201 | Research Project | 30 |
| Newborn Hearing Screening:Objective Assessment of Paediatric Hearing in Neonates (5) 1 | |
| Advanced Diagnostics of Otological and Neuro-otological Pathologies in Adults (5) 1 | |
| Cochlear Implants, Implantable Hearing Devices, and Impact on Communication (5) | |
| Psychological Management of Tinnitus: Principles of CBT and Mindfulness (5) | |
| Independent Study (5) | |
| |
| CT6101 | Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: Assessment, Etiology and Management | 10 |
| CT6200 | Therapeutic Skills: Communication and Hearing in Paediatrics and Adults | 10 |
| MH6014 | Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals | 10 |
| Newborn Hearing Screening:Objective Assessment of Paediatric Hearing in Neonates (5) 1 | |
| Advanced Diagnostics of Otological and Neuro-otological Pathologies in Adults (5) 1 | |
| Cochlear Implants, Implantable Hearing Devices, and Impact on Communication (5) | |
| Psychological Management of Tinnitus: Principles of CBT and Mindfulness (5) | |
| Independent Study (5) | |
| CT6100 | Balance: Assessment and Management in Adults | 10 |
| CT6201 | Research Project | 30 |
| Advanced Practices in Paediatric Hearing Assessment and Habilitation (5) 1 | |
| Hearing, Balance and Communication: Impact on Quality of Life in Older Adults (5) | |
| Advanced Adult Assessment and Rehabilitation (5) | |
| Independent Study (5) | |
Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.
Programme Learning Outcomes
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.
