Our facilities

We contain a range of state-of-the-art facilities for high-quality research, the range and scope of which provides for considerable development in research capacity in future years. Facilities include:

  1. A dedicated molecular and cell biology laboratory equipped for a range of techniques including genotyping and real time PCR for gene expression analysis.
  2.  A tissue culture suite incorporating six independent rooms that include two ‘category 2’ laboratories.
  3.  An imaging unit, including scanning and transmission electron microscopes multi-photon and confocal imaging, sample preparation and image analysis facilities for in vitro imaging in peripheral and central auditory structures.
  4. A dedicated skills lab with specialist equipment for testing human auditory function including audiometric testing, impedance measurements and otoacoustic emissions. Additionally, the lab features amplification devices such as hearing aids and assistive listening devices along with the necessary equipment for validation and performance measures.  Psychophysics testing and facilities for examining auditory brain function by means of electro-encephalography (EEG) are also available.
  5. An extensive range of modern equipment and laboratories for digital signal generation and sound testing.
  6.  A suite of five sound-proof chambers for human and animal studies, and an anechoic chamber.
  7. A range of electrophysiological recording rigs for in vivo and in vitro experimentation, including one of three small-animal MEG imaging facilities in the world.
     

Application Process

For details on entry requirements, fees and funding and to apply, please visit 
 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/ear-institute-mphil-phd

Frequently asked questions

What does a research degree involve?

Research degree students pursue research projects under supervision. Each student has at least two supervisors that oversee day to day matters and have a ‘thesis committee’ that guide through key milestones such as vivas and report submissions. There is also a Departmental Graduate Tutor that is available for day to day matters as well as providing pastoral support and help with resolving any problems.

Research degrees have a significant ‘self directed’ aspect. Aspects such as timetabled events and assignments, common with undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, are largely absent. Instead research students may be expected to formulate their own working patterns and timescales for progress. There are generally key milestones that along with checking trajectory and pace, also seek the required quality standards, allowing for trajectory nudges, as may be required. Instead of a classroom, research students can find themselves situated in laboratory environments with additional responsibilities over equipment and safe working practices.

Via the UCL Doctoral School, research students attend and log skills training activities during each year of study. These form an important part of the research degree journey and experience at UCL.

How do I fund my degree?

Generally awards that incorporate a studentship opportunity are advertised on FindAPhD. Some such opportunities occasionally arise through job posts such as research assistants. In such cases, adverts would appear on the UCL jobs page that may also appear at jobs.ac.uk.  We would recommend perusing the following UCL web pages for opportunity information:


Finding supervisors

If you are for example a self-funded candidate looking for potential supervisors, please see the following resources:

Per the section titled ‘Next Steps’ at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/ear-institute-mphil-phd, applicants are required to identify and contact potential supervisors before making an application. Please contact potential supervisors, initially with a brief outline of yourself and your project. Make it clear by your email subject line and body text you are seeking to ascertain if they would be willing to supervise you. Allow time for a response. If you experience problems or have general queries please email us at ear.pgradmin@ucl.ac.uk.

Hear from students at the UCL Ear Institute

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Research Students

Read about our current research students and learn about their supervisors and labs.

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Student testimonials

Find out what our students have to say about studying at the UCL Ear Institute.

Contact

Please get in touch if you have questions about postgraduate study at The Ear Institute.

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The Ear Institute

Click to email. ear.pgradmin@ucl.ac.uk