Audiology - Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION	ANSWER
I have a degree in ______. Is that acceptable for entry into the course?	A Master of Audiology needs a wide range of skills addressing technology, biology, people and management. As a profession, audiology benefits from students with a broad range of backgrounds. The course accepts good students from any undergraduate degree.
What are the chances of getting a job in audiology?	Excellent. There is an Australia-wide shortage of audiologists, and this is true in many places world-wide. Our graduates have so far obtained positions BEFORE they graduate, and there is little reason to think things will change in the short term.
How much are audiologists paid?	This of course depends on whether you are in the public or private sector. Graduates can expect a starting salary above $50,000/yr, and this can rapidly rise depending on employer and the nature of the work. Many audiologists in the private sector can earn well above $70,000/yr.
How many students are accepted into the course?	From 2004 we are taking 20 students every 2 years. This makes the course more cost-effective, provides adequately for the number needed in WA, but does not oversupply, which would destabilize the course and profession.
What chances do I have of getting in? How many people apply?	Entry into the course is competitive, based on undergraduate academic performance, academic and personal references, past experience, interview, and in 2004 a simple entrance exam. The number of people applying varies from year to year. In 2003 we have already had many more enquiries than places, and the course structure in 2004 is very attractive to a very wide range of applicants. If you are not confident, see the course co-ordinanator.
How much does the course cost, and are loans available?	Fees for Australian students for 2008 have not been finalised, but we are aiming at $14000 per year, and might be offset by the PSAS or a scholarship. The course content is similar, but the UWA course is more cost-effective. On this basis alone, the UWA course is attractive, even to eastern states students. Fee savings can pay for accomodation/airfares, plus there is probably more chance of part-time employment to offset fees with our new compact delivery. Loans are available.

Can I work during the course, and how many days a week?	In previous years, course contact was across 13 week semesters, and it was not advised that students work more than 1 day a week. From 2004, with the new course structure, the course contact is more intensive (5days/week over 5 academic weeks and 2 clinical weeks per semester), and students can work more time (perhaps) 3.5 days per week), although they still have about 1.5 days of clinical placements between the intenive semesters.
I have studied things similar to the audiology units, and was wondering if I could get credt for past study?	Nothing is impossible, but students ask, and after discussions realise that their background is not quite as relevant as they thought, and it is not in the interests of their own long-term professional development to try to fast-track things. But you are free to ask the course co-ordinator.
How do I apply?	Please read the eligibility section and contact the course co-ordinator if you have further questions.
Can I talk to someone about what it is like to work as an audiologist?	Please contact either our Clinical Co-ordinator, Peta Monley, at the UWA Audiology Clinic, or the course co-ordinator for further contacts.
Can I do the course part-time?	The course is not offered part-time, although in future there may be some chance of that occurring. Note that the course will be delivered (contact time) in two intensive 5-week semesters in Feb/March and July/August. At other times students will undertake clinical placements, but this can leave some hours per week for other employment.
How many people fail the course?	Over the last few years, about 1 in 8 students either fail outright, or need to repeat a year. The offer to repeat a year is at the discretion of the co-ordinator and the committee.
If the semesters are now so compact, how can I prepare for exams in time?	Although the contact time for the course is in two 5-week semesters in Feb/Mar and Jul/Aug, the examinations will occur months later, in the normal examination periods for the university, months after the teaching ends. This actually gives MORE preparation time. Formative tests, past exams and other tutorial material will be available, and staff will be on hand to help with revision. Students will also be at clinics in the intervening time, so the material should still be very familiar.
When do fees have to be paid?	The fees must be paid on a semester-by-semester basis, and up-front (before commencement of each semester). Student loans are available. For information on student loan schemes, contact the student guild.
I won't be about near the end of the year, and so I won't be available for the interviews. Is that OK?	The interviews are a very important part of the selection process, and students are encouraged to arrange things so that they can attend. Absence from a face-to-face interview may lessen the chances of successful entry. Ask the course co-ordinator if alternative arrangements can be made.

Contact Course Co-ordinator at rpatuzzi@cyllene.uwa.edu.au or complete & email Expression of Interest form.