MSc/PGDip Advanced Audiology Studies

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:

• Describe the consensus of research concerned with the process of language acquisition in children
• Describe and evaluate the significance of the major landmarks in language acquisition 0-5 years
• Appraise the literature which explains how a hearing loss is likely to affect this process with respect to spoken language and sign language acquisition.
• Analyse the potential effects of deafness on the language learning process, formulating clear links to the key factors which support language learning.

Students will have a theoretical understanding of language acquisition in hearing and deaf children. The practical application of this knowledge will help students to facilitate language development in deaf children. This course unit underpins all aspects of the programme. 

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:

• Describe the consensus of research concerned with the process of language acquisition in children
• Describe and evaluate the significance of the major landmarks in language acquisition 0-5 years
• Appraise the literature which explains how a hearing loss is likely to affect this process with respect to spoken language and sign language acquisition.
• Analyse the potential effects of deafness on the language learning process, formulating clear links to the key factors which support language learning.

•   Lectures
•   Workshops
•   Seminars
•   E-learning resources
•   Tutorials
•   Practical experience while on assessed teaching placement.

Extensive use will be made of electronic resources and practical lab work.

• Written communication: detailed analysis of key research papers, critical appraisal and synthesis of such materials with course materials
• Information technology: interrogation of electronic resources in the library
• Interpersonal skills in group working during workshops and practically whilst on teaching placement
• Flexibility in meeting the diverse assessment needs of deaf children and young people on placement when resources may not parallel those used in the University
• Multi-agency working in completing linguistic assessment with supplementary information from Speech and Language therapists and other professionals

Written feedback

All references and reading materials as well as links to other resources are on line and available through the electronic reading list.