Audiological Science MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Audiological Science MSc is aimed at science graduates who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of audiology. It focuses on hearing and balance mechanisms, their structure, function, pathology and assessment. You will learn from the experts at the UCL Ear Institute, the largest multidisciplinary centre for research into hearing and deafness in Europe, and gain practical clinical and lab experience. Our programmes draw on the expertise of senior clinicians from the NHS and private sector, including the associated Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£15,100
£7,550
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£34,400
£17,200
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 31 Jul 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

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.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

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.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

You will 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. You will learn the theory and science underpinning these practical clinical skills, including acoustics and the anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems.

Our teaching is evidence-based and research-led. We offer research projects supervised by some of the world’s leading academics researching the ear and ear disorders.

Who this course is for

This MSc is suitable for science, engineering or psychology graduates who are new to the field of audiological science. It is also suitable for audiologists with no audiology graduate-level qualification who wish to develop their careers further, or academic researchers with a specialist interest in audiology.

This course may also be beneficial to students from outside the UK who are able to access clinical training in their home country after successful completion of this MSc at UCL.

We look for applicants who have good interpersonal and communication skills and enjoy working collaboratively with people of all ages and backgrounds.

What this course will give you

  • You will benefit from the range of clinical and research expertise among our staff. The UCL Ear Institute is one of the largest and most broad-based academic units for research into hearing and deafness in the UK. Our teaching staff include some of the most influential clinicians and researchers in the field of ear disorders, and draw from their experience in hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders.
  • We strongly believe in person-centred care and involve patients and the general public in our teaching and learning.
  • We work closely with NHS departments, private hospitals, and commercial hearing aid dispensers to provide placement and observation opportunities. We are partnered with the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, which houses the largest clinical audiology unit in the UK.
  • Our links with healthcare providers, industry (cochlear implant and hearing aid manufacturers) and the charitable sector, provide you with significant networking opportunities.
  • We are the only university in London where you can study a Master’s degree in Audiology. Our central location gives access to one of the world’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan, and influential cities, ranked as the best city in the world for university students (QS Best Student Cities 2023).

The foundation of your career

This course will provide you with the broad theoretical knowledge to consider pursuing a career as an audiologist in the NHS or private sector, or work as a hearing aid dispenser. You will gain practical knowledge and skills related to core clinical procedures, as well as developing research and critical skills by undertaking an independent research project giving you the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest within audiology.

Employability

As well as working as audiologists, our graduates have pursued academic or research careers, working with large hearing aid manufacturers and in other health-related roles. International students have used the knowledge and skills gained to promote and develop audiological services in their countries. Read our alumni testimonials to find out more.

Some of our graduates have successfully transferred to the MSc Audiological Science with Clinical Practice (subject to availability and a competitive interview process) and are now practising audiologists in the NHS or private sector.

UCL is one of the top four universities in Europe for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 100% of our students are in graduate-level work or study 15 months after completion of their programme (source Graduate Outcomes Survey published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)).

Please note that the Audiological Science MSc does not meet the requirements of the UK regulatory bodies on its own. The programme provides most of the required theoretical knowledge for clinical registration in the UK but does not provide the practical training required. Applicants wishing to practise as an audiologist 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. Students considering the transfer should be aware that the Audiological Science MSc forms stage one of this programme and this must be completed within four years 

Networking

Throughout their time at the Ear Institute, students will have opportunities to develop new connections with staff and peers to expand their academic and professional networks through our interactive and participative programme. Students will learn from each other, from academic staff and practicing professionals, and will benefit from the Institute’s engagement with external groups including health trusts, charities, public and private sector institutions.

Accreditation

The Audiological Science MSc is an academic qualification. It does not enable you to apply for registration as a qualified audiologist or hearing aid dispenser practising in the UK.

It is equivalent to the first year of the Audiological Science with Clinical Practice MSc, which has professional accreditation from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS). If you wish to practice as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser in the UK, you should consider applying to our Audiological Science with Clinical Practice MSc.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of in person lectures & tutorials, recorded lectures and online preparation, practical demonstrations and workshops, tutorials, assignments and clinical placement observations. Practicals will consist of observations followed by supervised testing for rehabilitation and diagnostics in the Ear Institute’s specialist Skills Laboratory.

We use our virtual learning environment to provide a range of learning resources, which can include video lectures, structured learning activities (e.g. quizzes, online discussion boards, webinars) and directed reading.

Each module will be assessed using a range of different assessment methods which will typically include written coursework assignments (e.g. essays, presentations, case studies, lab reports, statistical assignments), clinical practical examinations, unseen written tests and examinations. Details of the assessments required for each module, including the weighting of each assessment components and information on which assessment components must be passed in order to pass the module, can be found in the individual module sections.

The deadlines for coursework submission and dates for examinations other assessments take place throughout the calendar year.  Full details of the dates for all assessments can be found in each module summary and also on the Moodle page for each module.

Each module will involve 150 learning hours and will typically involve two hours of contact each week, with 7-10 hours of self-directed study, group work or laboratory work per week. This varies considerably between modules depending on learning content (e.g. contact time for some modules may vary from one hour and up to seven hours e.g., lectures, practicals and clinical observations may need to be attended over the full day).

Contact time may be live online lectures and tutorials or face-face session; workshops, practicals and clinical observations. Each timetabled session, lasting 1 to 3.5 hours, may be in the morning or afternoon.

Term one

  1. Lectures, tutorials, workshops and practicals - six sessions per week.
  2. Independent study, including project preparation - four sessions per week

Term two

  1. Lectures, tutorials, workshops and practicals - five sessions per week. Each session lasting 2 to 3.5 hours
  2. Clinical observation of NHS and Private clinics - Up to four sessions per week (two full days) depending on personal clinic observation timetable. Each student will attend clinics up to ten days over term two (minimum of six days).
  3. Independent study, including research project - Minimum of one session and maximum of five sessions per week.

Term three

  1. Final Written Examinations

Summer term

  1. Time working on independent project; primary contact with project supervisor (100% of each week)
  2. Late summer assessment period for resit examination (August/Sept)

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

Modules

You will undertake eight modules and a Dissertation/ Research Project.

The eight compulsory modules are taught during the academic terms (October to December and January to March) and includes lectures, tutorials, workshops, and private study. 

You will work on the Research Project throughout the year, including supervision, data collection and independent study.

Part-time students will take at least four taught modules in year one and begin their research project. In year two they will complete the remaining taught modules and the research project.

Note some modules need to be taken in a specific order; requisites for each module are highlighted in the programme diet.

The programme may be taken up to five years on a flexible basis. Some modules need to be taken in a specific order; requisites for each module are highlighted in the programme diet.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Audiological Science. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Audiological Science.

Placement

EARI00013 - Clinical and professional practice module (15 credits) includes up to 10 days of observation in audiology departments within the Greater London area.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Ear Institute, 332 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE - Open day

UCL Ear Institute Information Day

Are you interested in studying hearing or training to be an audiologist? Visit the UCL Ear Institute to find out more.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £15,100 £7,550
Tuition fees (2024/25) £34,400 £17,200

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Occupational health screen cost is met by UCL but the cost of necessary vaccinations is met by students (TB immunity; hepatitis B; measles, mumps, rubella; chickenpox - cost is dependent on current levels of immunity - up to £700 for all vaccinations at time of writing).

​​​​​The cost of travel to clinical placements (or accommodation costs if daily travel is not possible) within the UK. Transport costs depend on home and placement locations. At time of writing expect to pay £5 (Zone 1) to £13.10 (Zone 1-5) each day for attending placements, for the up to 10 days required for EARI0013, if you do not already have monthly London Travel card that encompasses placement location. Student discounts may reduce this. Check Transport for London website for up to date information.

This programme requires a completed DBS check for some compulsory modules. You will receive more information from UCL on how to complete the check once you have firmly accepted an unconditional offer for the programme. The DBS application cost will be covered by UCL, but offer holders will also need to have their ID checked and verified at a Post Office, for which they will incur a charge of £15.00. The offer holder is also required to arrange and pay for any overseas police check that may be necessary; costs vary by country. For more information about the DBS application process, please contact the UCL Graduate Admissions team.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

UCL Ear Institute MSc Excellence Scholarships

Deadline: 30 June 2024
Value: £4,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Audiological Science at graduate level?
  • Why you want to study Audiological Science at UCL?
  • What particularly attracts you to this programme?
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme?
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree?

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement and the interview are your opportunity to elaborate on your reasons for applying to this programme and demonstrate your commitment to the field of audiology.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions? Get in touch

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