Madison Tutton, MSc Audiological Science with Clinical Practice

1. What is your educational background?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Studies from the University of Waterloo in Canada. The programme was multi-disciplinary and encouraged students to consider different strategies for preventing disease, promoting health and improving health care services.

2. What are your motivations for pursuing a graduate-level qualification?

My primary motivation for pursuing my MSc was to practise as a clinical audiologist.

3. Why did you apply to UCL for graduate study?

I initially applied to UCL because I knew I would receive a high-quality education, as it is a world-renowned university. The structure of the programme also aligned with my learning style and I enjoyed having a full year to practise and refine my clinical skills. The opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and live in a city where there is so much diversity was also an important factor whilst considering UCL.

4. What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about the course was that in addition to establishing clinical competence, the programme provided students with a strong research foundation. This refined my research skills immensely and prepared me for my current role as a Research Audiologist, where I use both my clinical and research skills daily.

5. What do you find interesting about your field of study and what inspires you?

I find the field of audiology to be fascinating, because it is so multi-faceted. As a clinical audiologist, you provide patient focused care to individuals of all ages whilst considering elements of biology, physics, psychology and technology. You also have the opportunity to work in – and learn from, multi-disciplinary teams. What inspires me the most are the people who I see in clinic and their family and friends. 

6. What are your career plans once you’ve completed your current programme of study at UCL?

Throughout my training at UCL I was exposed to various NHS audiology clinics. This provided me with a new and unique perspective that I will take with me moving forward as the hearing healthcare industry in Canada is largely privatised.