Audiological Science MSc

Audiological Science MSc

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UCL Ear Institute’s teaching and research in audiology, otology and audiovestibular medicine are world leading. Our programmes draw on the expertise of senior clinicians from the NHS and private sector, including the associated Royal National Ear Nose & Throat and Eastman Dental Hospital.

The Audiological Science MSc provides a detailed study of the hearing and balance mechanisms: their structure, function and pathology. The relationship between laboratory research and clinical aspects forms a key element: lectures, demonstrations and tutorials will be complemented by practical experience in the clinic and laboratory.

Programme starts: September 2022

Applications By: 31st March 2022

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

About this degree

Students learn how people develop, or are born with, hearing and/or balance difficulties; how to test for hearing and balance problems and how to rehabilitate or habilitate patients with these problems. They learn the theory and science underpinning these practical clinical skills including acoustics and the anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems.

Who this course is for

This MSc is suitable for students with a first degree in science, engineering or psychology, and will provide the theoretical, clinical and research skills necessary for a career in audiological sciences and/or a research career.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master’s at UCL

What this course will give you

The UCL Ear Institute is one of the largest and most broad-based academic units for research into hearing and deafness in the UK. Students benefit from the range of clinical and research expertise among its staff.

The Institute is associated with the Royal National ENT Hospital which houses the largest clinical audiology unit in the country, and works closely with NHS audiology departments to provide placement and observation opportunities for students.

The programme has close links with healthcare providers and industry (e.g. hearing aid manufacturers) providing students with access to the latest practice and technology and excellent networking opportunities.

Read about what you’ll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

As well as working as audiologists, graduates have also pursued academic careers, completing PhDs and taught doctorates. International students have used the knowledge and skills gained to promote and develop audiological services in their countries. It is suitable for audiologists who have no graduate-level qualification in audiology and wish to develop their careers, or academic researchers who have a specialist interest in audiology.

Employability

Many graduates are now employed as audiologists either within the NHS or private sector or work as hearing aid dispensers.

Please note that the Audiological Science MSc does not meet the requirements of the UK regulatory bodies on its own. The programme provides the required theoretical skills and knowledge for clinical registration in the UK but does not provide the practical training required. Applicants wishing to practise as an audiologist and / or hearing aid dispenser in the UK will need to transfer to the Audiological Science with Clinical Practice MSc (two-year full-time). This is subject to availability and there is a competitive interview process.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical demonstrations, and clinical placements. Practicals will consist of observations followed by supervised testing for rehabilitation and diagnostics in the Ear Institute’s specialist Skills Laboratory. Assessment is by essays, presentations, written examinations, clinical practical examinations and the dissertation.

Full-time students are expected to attend lectures and participate in clinical practicals and observations for approximately six to seven hours per day as follows:

• Term one – 50% of week is lectures (with a small number of tutorials); 20% of week is practicals; nearly 30% of week is independent study
• Term two – 40% of week is lectures (with a small number of tutorials); 30% to 40% of week is practical / clinical observations; 20% to 30% of week is independent study / research project
• Term three – Exams
• Summer term – Time working on independent project; primary contact with project supervisor (100% of each week)

A Postgraduate Diploma, eight core modules (120 credits), full-time nine months is offered.