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Programme: MA (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) (Coursework)

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Code Faculty Department
01252134 Faculty of Humanities Department: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 180 NQF level:  09

Admission requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (NQF level 8) or BAHons Augmentative and Alternative Communication degree or relevant honours degree, provided that sufficient background in severe communication disability and research is evident, in which case an admissions examination may be required
  2. A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level
  3. At least 65% for the research component at honours level

General information

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project

The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

Minimum credits: 45

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Theories of communication, information processing, language development and literacy acquisition are dealt with as related to persons in need of or using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The role of AAC within a bioecological, social constructivist view of disability is explored. Current research issues in the field are explored in relation to different contexts and different populations. At the end of this module the student must be able to:

    • discuss the influence of AAC on communication, information processing, language development and literacy acquisition in relation to specific cases;
    • Identify and review current research focus areas in the field

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Minimum credits: 135

Core modules

  • Module content:

    This module will discuss the participation model (based on a bioecological, social constructivist approach) as a framework for AAC assessment and intervention. The following aspects will furthermore be dealt with in more detail:

    • Appropriate assessment approaches;
    • Intervention approaches specific to selected populations with specific reflection upon the evidence base for these approaches;
    • The use of communication aids with specific focus on devices, as well as considerations for appropriate selection, design and programming;
    • Appropriate positioning for maximising participation of persons with physical disabilities.

    At the end of this module the student should be able to apply this knowledge to devise, justify and critically reflect upon an appropriate assessment and intervention plan for a given client.

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  • Module content:

    The mini-dissertation should consist of an independent research project of limited scope on a topic related to the field of AAC selected in collaboration with the supervisor(s). The project must be based on an approved research proposal and ethics clearance if the latter is required for the project.

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Regulations and rules
The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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