University College London (UCL)

Audiological Science 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. 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.

Each 15 credit module will involve 150 learning hours and will typically involve two to four hours of contact each week, with 5-10 hours of self-directed study or group work per week, although this varies between modules. For MSc students, the dissertation is worth 60 credits and represents approximately 600 learning hours, including supervision, collecting data and independent study.

Modules

Full-time

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

The eight compulsory modules are taught 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) do not take the research project module.

Part-time

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 programme diet.

Flexible
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.

Compulsory modules

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Audio-Vestibular System
• Signals, Systems, Acoustics and the Ear
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Audiological Science: Research Project

Optional modules

• Balance
• Paediatric Audiology
• Audiology Specialties - Balance and Paediatric Audiology

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.

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.

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.

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)).

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.

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

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.

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 programme diet is equivalent to the programme 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 programme is not guaranteed but choosing this optional collection ensures that your application to transfer will be considered.