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Audiological Science MSc

London, King's Cross

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 course draws 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 (2026/27)
£16,800
£8,400
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 31 Jul 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

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 course 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. 

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.  

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. If optional collection 1 (option to transfer to ASCP) is selected, this course diet is equivalent to the course diet of 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). Transfer to this course is not guaranteed but choosing this optional collection ensures that your application to transfer will be considered. 

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.

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

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 2025). 

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

The foundation of your career

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. 

100% of our students were in highly-skilled work within 15 months after completion of their course (most recent Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022–2023).

The support we received was immense, which I believe is extremely important at university. Students have the ability to go above and beyond when they have strong support around them. Even though we were a small cohort, we bonded very well as peers, and I believe this was due to the opportunities to work together in clinical labs and group work. Be ready for a mix of academic work and hands-on clinical experience, and make the most of the support offered, such as extra clinical lab sessions.

UCL Portico building with welcome sign between columns.

Beyza Sakar

Audiological Science MSc

Read more

Employability

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.
 

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 course. 

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. 

Students also take part in interprofessional sessions with trainees on other clinical courses at UCL. Clinical placements provide a great opportunity to network with practising audiologists and other healthcare professionals. 

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of in person lectures and 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. This is supported with online and live lectures, seminars, group work and practical sessions. 

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. Students will also need to submit a 10,000-word dissertation.

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. 

Typical contact hours vary between 8-14 hours per week and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. Students will also display a level of independent study (approximately 25-30 hours per week), for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted in the Course.

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

Modules

You will undertake four 15-credit modules, two 30 credit modules and a Dissertation/ Research Project. 

Most of the teaching takes place during the academic terms (September 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. 

Students who are on the Audiological Science (postgraduate diploma) course do not take the research project module. 

 

For part-time students, all modules must be completed within 24 months from the date of enrolment. 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 course diet. 

The course 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 course diet. 

Compulsory modules






Optional modules





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

You will be on placement for several days (around six) in term 2 for clinical observation of NHS Audiology departments and private clinics within the Greater London area. The placements are arranged by the clinical placements coordinator and aim to give each student a breadth of experience across different settings in both the public and private sectors. 

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Two students at the UCL Ear Institute: one student carefully fits an ear device on another

The UCL Ear Institute is the largest multidisciplinary centre for research into hearing and deafness in Europe. We bring together some of the most influential academics and clinicians in the world and are part of the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences.

Find out more

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: An introduction to Masters study at the Ear Institute (evening)

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The UCL Ear Institute is the largest and most multidisciplinary centre for research into hearing and deafness in Europe. During these information sessions you'll hear from the programme Directorship about our suite of Masters level courses. You'll learn about their structures, modules, career outcomes and life as a student at UCL.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: An introduction to Masters study at the Ear Institute (AM)

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The UCL Ear Institute is the largest and most multidisciplinary centre for research into hearing and deafness in Europe. During these virtual information sessions you'll get to hear from the programme Directorship about our suite of Masters level courses, their structures, modules. You'll also find out more about career outcomes and life as a student in the department, UCL and London more widely.

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

UCL Ear Institute Information Day

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Are you interested in studying hearing, balance or training to be an audiologist? Join us for our open day information event. You will be able to: learn fascinating facts about the hearing system and discover what the job of an audiologist involves. Chat with lecturers and current students. See our Skills Lab where students learn to perform hearing tests. They also learn how to fit hearing aids using real clinical equipment in a simulated clinic environment.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £16,800 £8,400
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course 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

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

This course 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 course. 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, at time of writing. 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. 

If you have lived, worked, studied or travelled in any single country outside of the UK for six continuous months or more, in the last five years, you will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct/Police Check from the relevant country/countries. The cost of this check varies by country and is payable by the student. More information on how to obtain these can be found on gov.uk 

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 expected total placement travel cost is approximately £100 for the few days (around six) placement observation days in term 2. Student discounts may reduce these transport costs. Check Transport for London website for up to date information. 

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page). 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

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 course of £90 for online 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 courses (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: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Ear Institute
Ear Institute

ear.education@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.