50 years of Audiology at The University of Melbourne

In 2024, the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology is celebrating the 50th anniversary of an Audiology degree at The University of Melbourne. Audiology commenced as a postgraduate diploma course, with the graduates from the first course in Australia entering the profession in 1974. In 1998, the course was converted to a two-year Master degree.
The Master of Clinical Audiology today draws upon The University of Melbourne’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research to inspire and enable students to become outstanding audiologists ready to excel as world-class leaders in their field.
Our Celebrations
We have an exciting schedule of events to celebrate our Alumni and their contributions to the profession of Audiology. This includes the launch of the Audiology Annual Conversation and Cocktail event, an alumni Trivia session and online showcase of the breadth of Audiology alumni impact.

Dates for your Diary
- Wednesday 29 May 2024
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5:30pm-8:30pm
The University of Melbourne Inaugural Audiology Annual Conversation
A wonderful evening where we celebrate 50 years of Audiology at The University of Melbourne. Distinguished speakers in the field were invited to explore the topic: "Audiology's role in increasing our healthspan". Following the conversation, alumni and industry peers connected at the evening's networking session.
Check out a video message from Professor Graeme Clark and some photos captured during the evening via button below!
Alumni Impact Stories
Be inspired by all the contributions made by graduates of Audiology from The University of Melbourne. Stay with us to see more alumni stories coming up.
Myriam Westcott
“As an audiologist strongly drawn to aural rehabilitation in a clinical setting, I have had the opportunity and autonomy to create a pathway of specialisation at a global level in tinnitus, hyperacusis, acoustic shock, tensor tympani syndrome (TTS) and misophonia understanding, mechanisms, therapy and research.”
Judy Lockie
“Audiology led me into a career in clinical teaching, igniting my passion for education in paediatric audiology, clinical communication, professionalism and ethics. This later expanded into work in the development of clinical education and assessment in audiology and across the wider range of health professions.”
Kristen Sutcliffe
“I believe that everyone, regardless of their degree of hearing loss, can enjoy music and through my work with both Hearing Australia and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, I am thrilled to see this come to fruition every day.”
Adrienne Blechman
“Entrepreneurial success isn't solely paved by hard work and a commitment to excellence; it demands continuous professional development, persistence and the courage to make tough choices.”
Trong Nguyen
“My work in the industry involves building a network focusing on evidence-based practice and emerging technologies to advance audiology in Australia.”
Gary Rance
Gary graduated in 1989 and has since garnered an international reputation for his work in the development of diagnostic technologies for the assessment of hearing in infants and young children. He has received numerous awards for his contribution to the fields of audiology, paediatrics, education and neurology and in 2008 was made a Fellow of the Audiological Society of Australia.
Chris Koros
"I enjoy my current role, as a Program Manager in the First Nations Services at Hearing Australia, as I partake in the innovative edge of our industry, working on new projects and initiatives that aim to improve the hearing health in our most vulnerable populations. "
Banner Artist: Dr Peter J. Smith, born New Zealand 1954 arr. Australia 1980
The Intersection of Sound and Space II (2009) - Oil on Linen
The University of Melbourne Art Collection, Commissioned by the Dept of Otolaryngology